Small Boat Operator Skills

Service Description

This hands-on training course is designed to build confidence in small boat maneuvers. Instruction emphasizes real-world boat handling skills required for safe, controlled operation in varying conditions, common to Southeast Alaska. Course includes 1-day of classroom training and one or two days of dockside training in Statter Harbor. 3-day participants will receive 1-hour of FREE Private Boat Operator Coaching to be scheduled at their convenience. Training Focus: Steering and throttle control Low-speed and close-quarters maneuvering Docking and undocking techniques Anchoring procedures Line handling and moorage configurations ("making fast") Safe boat handling in severe weather conditions Deliberate and controlled maneuvering of small vessels Emergency towing techniques Course Dates: Day 1 (9 AM-5 PM, April 11th) Day 2 (9 AM-4 PM, April 12th) Day 3 (9 AM-1 PM, April 20th) Who Should Attend: New vessel owners or those interested in purchasing a vessel Recreational and Commercial operators Experienced operators seeking improved boat handling confidence Training Style: Professional and structured classroom instruction Small-group, on-board training at Statter Harbor (Auke Bay) Practical training aids and demonstrations Focus on Juneau conditions and harbors NOTICE: 1. Participants are required to attend (or show proof of registration) the Boater Safety Standards course (free to those who register for the 3-day Boat Operator Skills course) prior to attending this course. You can find this course link on our "Training Classes" page. 2. Registrants for Private Boat Operator Coaching must provide their own POV (Privately Owned Vessel). Private Coaching is also allowed on Commercial Vessels with written approval from the vessel's owner, Proof of valid Insurance, and completion of the SABER Liability Waiver. 3. All POV must be properly registered with the Alaska DMV. Statter Harbor parking and launch ramp fees and compliance are the responsibility of the participant. All Commercially registered vessels must have valid certificates from the National Vessel Documentation Center. 4. All POV must be in good operating condition and contain all State and Federally required Emergency Gear in compliance with their vessel tonnage, length, and type. These items can be viewed on pages 4-12 of the Alaska Boater's Handbook. Alaska Boater's Handbook: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/kdf/curriculum/akboatershandbook.pdf