us powerboat training

• Safe Powerboat Training
• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!

US Powerboat Training offers the nation’s best and most comprehensive hands-on powerboat courses. Whether you’re looking for your first experience at the helm or aiming to improve your skills, we can help. As the National leader in on-the-water powerboat training and education, our goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to get more out of their boating experience and become more comfortable behind the helm.

Whether you are looking to operate a powerboat under or over 26 feet, we have a course to cover it.

The best on-the-water powerboat instruction available, our courses.

Whether you are a lifelong boater looking to brush up on your skills or have never been on the water before, we have opportunities available for you! We offer a range of boating courses for individuals of all skill levels. Our hands-on, on-the-water courses get you out of the classroom and behind the wheel for an educational experience unlike any other!

Search & Rescue Training

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Happy Boaters

“We had the best boating experience!!! Kevin was so helpful and great to work with!! He went above and beyond expectations. He took us to the sandbar to search for sand dollars!! We also saw two dolphins in the intercostal. One of the best days ever!!”

COLLEEN STEPENSON RETTINGER

“I couldn’t have been more lucky to be out on the water learning and experiencing sailing, power boating, rules of the water, and knots with such a great instructor. Kevin is very knowledgable and calm on the water. If you haven’t been on the water this would be the best way to start. Kevin has great people to help him out when needed. I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. These courses gave me the confidence and skills to take my boat out.”

“If you’re looking for the best instruction on how to sail or operate a power boat, Kevin is your guy. Through his relaxed and calm demeanor and detailed instruction, I gained the confidence I needed to dock a boat and change tack to dodge the ferries. He will practice with you until it becomes second nature.”

Meet The Team

Capt. Kevin Hennessey

Kevin has been boating for 25 years. His love and passion for teaching and boating awarded him Instructor of the year from American Sailing Association for 2015.

Capt. Al Noble

Al has over 25 years on the water and tens of thousands of cruising hours under his belt. He maintains his 100 Ton Captians license and when he isn’t sailing can be found kayaking or fishing for trout in western North Carolina with his wife. Al has a passion for the sea that is unrivaled and experience that surpasses most.

OUR MISSION

Our mission aligns closely with the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division. We aim to support them in their mission to make America’s water ways safer for all and to minimize property damage, personal injury and loss of life by creating a new generation of educated and experienced recreational boaters.

[email protected]

606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461

• membership |

WELCOME TO THE RPBA

POWERBOATING - MAKE YOUR PASSION YOUR LIFESTYLE! The Recreational Powerboating Association is the leading authority for hands-on powerboat instruction, powerboat certification & powerboat schools in the United States. Take powerboating instruction through our network of certified powerboating schools with certified powerboat instructors . Through our powerboat courses , the RPBA will help you learn powerboating and achieve powerboating certification safely & with confidence. RPBA Certified Students can go from basic powerboat maneuvering to advanced powerboat courses, then enjoy powerboat vacations around the world. EARN POWERBOAT CERTIFICATION WITH THE RPBA The Recreational Powerboating Association is committed to helping you understand, appreciate and fully enjoy the incredible world of powerboating. Whether you need to fine-tune your existing powerboat handling skills, meet your state’s safe boating requirements or learn basic powerboat handling as someone completely new to the world of powerboating, the RPBA’s comprehensive set of powerboat training courses , network of professional powerboat training instructors and powerboat training schools provides the solution. The RPBA will do much more than simply show you the basics; our affiliated schools can teach you everything you need to be a skilled and experienced powerboater, including helping you earn your powerboat certification. If you'd like to learn more, the best way to start your journey is to explore TheRPBA.com for more information on learning to powerboat.

Polish up your docking skills!

The Recreational Powerboating Association will be conducting “Close Quarters Powerboat Handling” clinics using its newly developed training simulator at 5 indoor boat shows during January and February to promote awareness of its training programs and kick off its instructor development efforts.

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling is an intensive, 12-hour powerboat handling course that is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces. Successful completion of the program indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a twin inboard, single inboard or outboard/stern drive vessel in close quarters in light wind and or currents.

The goal of this course is to teach safe, efficient use of radar for small-craft navigation in any condition of visibility. Radar teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance, including radar principles and practical matters of radar operation as well as using a realistic PC based radar simulator to illustrate radar measurements. This course covers a broad range of topics related to radar. Specific topics to be learned include, how radar works, interpreting the screen, position navigation, radar and navigation rules.

Boater Education Card

By taking a boating safety course with the Recreational PowerBoating Association's partner, BoaterExam.com™, you help make our waterways safer and more enjoyable. Your boater education card may help you avoid fines from states where mandatory boater education laws are in effect, and may also entitle you to a reduction on your marine insurance.

Boating Safety Tips

The captain’s first and primary responsibility is for the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew. A prudent skipper always conducts a safety briefing prior to departure, because the best preparation for emergencies is a well trained crew. Crew training is the responsibility of the skipper and it is prudent to conduct drills with the crew to include: man overboard recovery, fire and abandon ship procedures.

RPBA Schools

• Boating Safety
• Twin Inboard
• Single Inboard
• Stern Drive / Outboard

Why Trust Us?

With 54% of our highly qualified instructors being military and police veterans, you can trust that you’re learning from some of the best in the field. Each instructor is USCG-licensed, SaferBoater-certified, vetted, and insured. We adhere to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and National On-Water Standards (NOWS) (American Standards). With our partnership with NauticEd, we are Title 40 compliant internationally (International Standards), allowing you to obtain international certification and licensing and ensuring our training meets the highest safety protocols.

Why Driver's Ed for Boaters?

Boats cost 3.5 times the average car. It makes sense to protect your family and your investment. 43% of first-year insurance claims come from drivers hitting something: the ground, another boat, or the dock. We are POSITIVE that our training will help you reduce claims. The SaferBoater Driver's Ed course takes place on the water, offering you invaluable hands-on experience with the essential elements of boating. Throughout the course, you'll develop critical skills such as recognizing the different parts of a boat, following the rules of the water, mastering operating procedures, maneuvering through waves and wind, and implementing essential safety checklists.

While boating is meant to be a fun and relaxing activity, prioritizing safety is crucial. Completing this course will build the confidence and knowledge necessary to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for you and your passengers, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents.

We are proud to partner with NauticEd , which provides the finest combination of online and on-water training worldwide. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive learning experience, blending practical skills with top-tier online resources. You’ll be well-equipped with the expertise and insights to enjoy years of memorable adventures on the waterways.

Our Drivers Education courses will meet your needs for on-the-water skills training and let you SAVE BIG on coverage with our Insurance Partners .

Women make the majority of boat-buying decisions, but most never learn to drive the boat!

Our SaferBoater "Women Making Waves" course features a certified and experienced female captain and exclusive all-female class that fosters a fun and supportive environment, perfect for building skills and confidence.

Come and embrace the adventure of boating!

We remain open Year-Round and our instructors boast the highest level of certifications & training in the industry.

As an internationally accredited Training School , you have access to a wide variety of education classes, certification opportunities, and personalized skill-building training.

All courses are taught on the water, with classes ranging from 4 to 44 hours, depending on the level of skill or certification desired.

Enroll in a Boating Course Today!

( Check out the most popular Driver's Ed & Refresher Courses for Powerboats )

( Sailing Courses   & IPC Licenses   for US & International Sailing )

Powerboats Under 25'

SaferBoater's enhanced skipper program for small powerboats is our primary Driver's Education course.

This fundamental on-the-water skills course is designed for first time boaters and anyone who wishes to navigate their waters competently and confidently.

Let us help you save time and money, qualify you for insurance discounts and reduce claims. Learn from he best!

Powerboats Over 26'

On-the-Water Driver's Education is matched with state-of-the-art online training from NauticEd. This skills course is designed for new and first-time boat owners as well as seasoned boaters who purchase boats 10 feet or longer than their existing boat (to meet insurance requirements).   

Learn comprehensive skills and maneuvers for powerboat cruisers using advanced systems and equipment.

Powerboats International

The Most Comprehensive Recreational Yacht Training Program In the US for Boats 35 feet and up.  This is an all-in-one course required to charter large powerboats 35 - 64 feet throughout Europe and most other ports worldwide.

Guaranteed to allow you entry to more than 55 international ports of call and qualifies you for the SLC International Yacht Charter Certification and License.

Our Boat or Yours?

At SaferBoater, we understand that every boat is unique and every boater has different needs. That's why we offer personalized, hands-on training designed to enhance your boating experience, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills. Our experienced instructors are committed to tailoring each lesson to the specific type of boat you're using and your learning style.

Whether you prefer guidance on your own vessel or are looking to learn with us, we are here to help you gain the confidence and knowledge needed to enjoy the water safely and effectively. With our flexible approach, you can expect a learning experience that is as enjoyable as informative. Reach out to us today to start your boating journey!

"There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

- Kenneth Grahame

"The instruction was excellent. High quality student instruction along with practical real-world application. Plenty of review on tips and techniques." 

"Captain Robert Meeker was great. He did an incredible job going through the content and explained everything in a clear and concise manner. Highly recommend for all boaters."

Save Big on Boat Insurance!

• 75% of boating accidents involve an operator with no training.
• 42% of new boat buyers get out of boating within 5 years if they have had a negative experience

Protect Your Family

• Boat Fail Videos have drawn the attention of litigation lawyers like never before.  Google "Boat Accident Lawyer" in your area and see what happens

"Outstanding! I feel much more prepared for routine operations and emergencies.”

"Thank you both Tanya & Robert for making this class fun and educational, and being excited and eager to answer and listen to all of our questions. I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family." 

"Very good! Sailed with Tim for years and have always held him and his skills in high regard. I learned so much, even as an expert sailor."

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Not Sure Where to start?

We offer courses For Beginners up to master captains...so if you have questions, we have answers.