Powerboat Lesson FAQ’s
Is there an advantage to becoming certified on the national skill-based standards?
Yes – it means you can bareboat charter powerboats just about anywhere in the United States from other charter companies who accept national certification.
How long is an “on-the-water” lesson?
Each session is about 3 hours in duration and designed to cover the national skill-based standards for that specific lesson.
Why aren’t the sessions longer?
After 3 hours of on-the-water instruction, most people new to boating become mentally too exhausted, and we feel it’s not fair (or fun) to them. Ideally, you want to only have one session a day and two to three sessions a week.
Do you offer stand-alone lessons without becoming certified?
Yes, we offer individual lessons on our Powerboats of just about every type: Basic powerboat operation, Close Quarter Powerboat Handling, Anchoring, Night Operations, and more.
Who teaches the 'on the water' courses?
Yachts4Fun’s USCG licensed captains are USPB certified instructors using the national skill-based standards for powerboats.
Do I receive a certificate of completion for the lessons given?
Yes, we will issue a certificate of completion for the individual USPB certification course you successfully complete for Basic Cruising Powerboat, Night Operations and Inshore Cruising Powerboat.
What courses are offered on the Cruisers 370?
We offer the Basic Powerboat, Night Operations and Advanced Powerboat Cruising courses aboard our Cruisers 370 Express.
What courses are offered on the Marquis 55?
First, you need to complete the basic powerboat certification course on the Cruisers 370 as a prerequisite to taking certification courses on the Marquis.
I just bought a boat and my insurance requires that I take lessons – can you give me powerboat lessons on my boat?
Yes, you can take our USPB certification courses on your vessel and you will receive a “certificate of completion” required by your insurance carrier that allows you to operate the boat without a licensed captain.
What if I don’t think I’m ready, or have the ability to safely pilot the boat after obtaining Basic Powerboat and Night courses?
In the majority of cases, you simply need more “helm-time” practicing the skill-based standards (docking, departing, etc.) that you learned on the basic powerboat course. We recommend that you simply continue with the Advance Powerboat Cruising course to gain the confidence needed before bareboat chartering.
Can I use the services of a Deck-Hand to assist me when I bareboat charter?
Yes, provided that you are the “skipper” in command of the boat. Deck-Hand services are available to assist with general deckhand duties related to docking, departing, anchoring, general cleaning and assistance managing your guests.
What happens if the weather is bad?
For bad weather, if there is a small craft advisory the lesson will be rescheduled and you will not be charged for that day.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policy: 90% refund if more than 14 days out, 50% refund if more than 7 days out and no refund if cancelled within 7 days of charter. Cancellations for inclement weather are at the discretion of the Certified Instructor.
Charter Internationally FAQ’s
What certification is required to charter a boat internationally?
The Moorings offers charters in Croatia and the British Virgin Islands and requires the USPB Inshore certification to bareboat charter their boats.
Intern Captain/ Instructor FAQ’s
Does Yachts4Fun have a Captain/Instructor intern program?
Yes. After successfully completing the USPB certification courses, and meeting our requirements, you may intern as an instructor learning the curriculum for individual USPB Basic Powerboat, Night Operations and Advanced Powerboat Cruising courses with one of our USPB certified instructors.
How do I enroll as an intern captain/instructor with Yachts4Fun?
Contact the Yachts4Fun Student Coordinator to see if you qualify and meet our intern program requirements.
Can I earn an income as an intern?
Yes. After training, you can provide services as a deckhand aboard our bareboat and captained charters.
What services can a Deck-Hand provide?
Based on USCG regulations, only USCG licensed Captain’s can offer their services for hire to captain/pilot boats. A Deck-Hand can offer services to assist the Captain or “Skipper” in command of a charter, providing general deckhand duties related to docking, departing, anchoring, general cleaning and assistance managing passengers.
Licensed Captain FAQ’s
What are the requirements to obtain USCG license?
You must have at least 360 sea days as a volunteer or paid crew to qualify to take the USCG exam, including proof of citizenship, physical exam, drug screen and other details provided at time of registration.
What qualifies as a “sea day”?
A “sea day” is equal to a minimum of 4 hours aboard the vessel.
Do bareboat charters provided by Yachts4Fun qualify for “sea-time”?
Yes, half-day (4 hour) charters as skipper or crew qualify as a “sea-day”.
What rating will I qualify for on my USCG license?
The rating is based on the gross tonnage of the vessel that you have acquired sea time on.
How can I qualify for a higher rating (tonnage) USCG license?
You can bareboat charter and earn sea-time on our larger 50 and 100-ton vessels to increase your USCG license rating.
How can I prepare and take the USCG exam?
How do I become a USPB certified instructor with Yachts4Fun?
First, you must obtain your USCG license and have the boat handling and seamanship skills necessary to qualify for the USPB Powerboat Instructor Certification Program. After meeting requirements, you can enroll in the USPB Powerboat Instructor Certification Program, an intensive 3-day course for advanced powerboat operators where your skills will be evaluated. For more information go to:
http://www.uspowerboating.com/become-an-instructor/
