Powerboat Instruction
Ready to boost your confidence at the helm? We’re excited to be offering hands-on Safe Powerboat Handling courses this season—perfect for beginners or those looking to sharpen their skills. We’ve got two exciting options for you this season—both taught by certified instructors that combine classroom learning with on-the-water training. Open to ages 13+ and available to both members and non-members.
Who needs a Safe Boating License?
- Anyone born after January 1, 1986, who operates a vessel with a motor that exceeds 10-horse power.
- Anyone who operates a personal watercraft (jet ski) regardless of age.
Course Options:
1. Two-Day Course: Safe Powerboat Handling, US Coast Guard & NASBLA Approved Course
A 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course that is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat-handling skills on actual boats. The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course and an increasing number of states have recognized it as meeting their requirements for a state boating safety education certificate. These national and state approvals call for the course to include a total of eight hours of classroom sessions covering required education topics.
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Classroom Sessions Include: |
On-the-Water Sessions |
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Two-Day Course Information
Students are given course materials ahead of time - they can be picked up in the CYC office or mailed. Review questions should be done ahead of class (there are 185 review questions), and they are the best way to start studying. Students will take the RI License exam at the end of the first day. (This is a ten question test.) At the end of the second day, students will take a 50 question US Powerboating exam. Students must pass both exams to get their RI License.
For the first class, please read and be comfortable with the information in the RI Supplement. Complete the 185 review questions prior to the start of the second class. There is no need to read the entire textbook, though you are welcome to if you want to. The best way to tackle the information is by completing the review questions. You can also complete the end of chapter question in the textbook if you want more.
There are 2 tests during class. The RI exam is taken at the end of the first class, and a 50 question US Powerboating exam is taken at the end of the second class.
Class is two 8-hour days; this includes an hour lunch break for each class day. In order to receive a Safe Boating license, all class hours and both exams must be successfully completed.
The course is rigorous, but well worth the time and effort. Students of all ages come out with a great sense of confidence and knowledge, both of which are critical when boating. (Additionally, mention your Safe Powerboat Handling certificate to your insurance company as they should give you a discount for having this.)
Each participant must complete and submit a Medical Form.
*RI does not have an age limit for getting your boating license, confirmed by DEM.
2. One-Day Course: Accelerated Safe Powerboat Handling
This 8-12 hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who has taken a classroom boating course but needs experience to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat handling skills. Students will be expected to study the course materials at home to challenge and pass a written exam covering equipment requirements, rules of the road, aids to navigations, preparation, environmental regulations, safety, and emergencies.
This course focuses on hands-on application of all skills, consequently, it is NOT approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as meeting requirements for a state boating safety education certificate.
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Classroom Sessions Include: |
On-the-Water Sessions |
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Safe Powerboat Handling Class Information
Packets for class will be in the CYC office. The office is open Monday through Friday from about 9 am - 3 pm. Please pick up one packet per person prior to the first class. (A digital textbook may be available. Please contact Jessica if that is the best option for you.)
Both courses are very hands-on and taught in an open style, with class participation highly encouraged. Boaters of all ages and experience levels can gain valuable skills.
Hours of class are generally 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Suggested Age
13+
2026 Dates:
June 27-28 & July 18-19
**If interested in this course, please let us know if 1 or 2 day and contact Director of Sailing, so we can update you once scheduled.**
Powerboats:
Powerboat class uses CYC's powerboats which are 15-17' whalers and inflatables. We focus on outboard engines for the most part. We do not really go into the mechanics of engines, but do cover the basics along with some troubleshooting of what to do in certain situations. We will focus on and cover how to safely and competently drive powerboats, building good habits and instincts. We will also cover the rules of the road, driver responsibilities, etc... Safety is a huge focus throughout class.
Prerequisites
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One-Day Course // Accelerated Safe Powerboating Handling:
- You MUST have any required state certification/license or NASBLA certification prior to taking this course.
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Two-Day Course // Safe Powerboat Handling:
- None, BUT, there is material that needs to be sent to you for review ahead of class. Please complete the 100+ review questions prior to class. Additionally, the RI Safe Boating Regulations should be read and reviewed. A packet will be prepared for you when you register. Packets can be mailed for a slight additional cost or can be picked up in the CYC office.
Certification(s) Earned
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One-Day Course // Accelerated Safe Powerboating Handling:
- Safe Powerboat Handling certificate
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Two-Day Course // Safe Powerboat Handling:
- NASBLA certificate, RI state boating education certificate, Safe Powerboat Handling certificate
What to bring:
Life jacket (if you have one), sunscreen, water, snacks, powerboat packets, notebook, pencil/pen, sense of humor, caffeine (if needed), layers of clothing (it will be colder on the water, you may get wet, and if raining, we will go out on the water anyway). We’ll be on the water—even in the rain—unless there’s thunder or lightning.
Cost
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Two-Day Course // Safe Powerboat Handling:
- $475 for members, $525 for non-members
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One-Day Course // Accelerated Safe Powerboating Handling:
- $275 for members, $300 for non-members
Payment:
- Members please enter your member number below. Your account will be billed directly.
- Guests may pay by credit card or check. Checks should be made out to 'Conanicut Yacht Club'. Please mail in a check ahead of time or bring with you the day you pick up materials
Mailing address:
Conanicut Yacht Club
Att: Jessica Koenig
PO Box 257
Jamestown, RI 02835
Course Registration
Contact
Jessica Koenig, [email protected]
