Whether you’re just getting started or looking for hands-on training on your own vessel, choose the level of instruction that fits your goals.
Foundations of Boating
Start here – learn the fundamentals | 5-Hour Course
$495 per person
A structured, hands-on course designed to teach the core principles of safe boat operation. Ideal for new or inexperienced boaters looking to build confidence at the helm.
This course is designed to take a student from basic understanding to confident operation—all in a single day.
What You’ll Learn
Safety & Pre-Departure
- Vessel checks and readiness
- Required safety equipment
- Launching and departure preparation
Basic Navigation & Rules of the Road
- Aids to navigation (markers, buoys, channels)
- Right-of-way rules
- Situational awareness and decision-making
Boat Handling & Control
- Centering the wheel and steering control
- Smooth shifting and throttle management
- Controlled stopping techniques
- Low-speed maneuvering
Close Quarters & Docking
- Docking techniques in real conditions
- Wind and current control
- Tight space maneuvering
- Station holding and positioning
Anchoring & Real-World Operation
- Anchoring fundamentals
- Holding position
- Practical, scenario-based instruction
Course Information
Course Details
- Conducted aboard our vessel in real-world conditions
- Led by Capt. Brett — USCG Licensed Captain & NSBC Certified Instructor
- Maximum of 4 students
- Students ages 12+ welcome
Who This Is For
- First-time boaters
- New boat owners
- Individuals looking for a complete, hands-on foundation
- Anyone who wants to skip multiple courses and learn everything in one session
Important Notes
- Based on the National Safe Boating Council curriculum (Modules 1–3)
- Designed as a complete foundational course before moving into private instruction
- Small group format ensures hands-on participation for every student
- Weather Dependent
Captain-Led Training & Insurance Readiness
Build skills + meet insurance and operational requirements
Focused, practical instruction designed to help boaters meet insurance company requirements while developing real-world operating skills. This training is tailored to the vessel and emphasizes safe, confident operation in real conditions.
Why Insurance Companies Are Requiring Training
Modern boats equipped with triple, quad, or quint outboard engines deliver incredible performance, but they also require advanced operational knowledge and experience. Many marine insurance carriers now evaluate:
- Prior boating experience
- Vessel size and horsepower
- Offshore operating experience
- Multi-engine handling proficiency
- Docking and maneuvering skills
- Navigation and safety knowledge
Owners moving into larger or high-performance vessels may be required to complete:
- On-water captain training
- USCG-approved boating safety courses
- Professional captain checkouts
- Documented operating hours
- Sea trials and handling evaluations
Professional Captain Training Matters
Hands-on instruction with a qualified USCG-licensed captain helps owners:
- Build confidence at the helm
- Improve docking and maneuvering skills
- Understand vessel systems and safety procedures
- Operate safely in changing weather and sea conditions
- Meet insurance underwriting requirements
Most importantly, proper training helps reduce accidents, protect passengers, and improve overall boating safety.
Recommended Boating Safety Courses
Many insurance companies recognize training programs offered through:
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- America’s Boating Club / United States Power Squadrons
- Certified maritime training organizations
- Professional licensed captains
Completing these programs may also help reduce insurance premiums and improve insurability.
The Marine Minute Commitment
The Marine Minute supports responsible boating, ongoing education, and professional seamanship. Whether you are purchasing your first center console or stepping into a high-performance offshore vessel, proper training is one of the best investments you can make.
Safe boating starts with knowledge, preparation, and respect for the water.
Captain for the Day – Private Instruction
Full immersion, real-world training on your boat
A comprehensive, on-the-water experience working directly with Capt. Brett. This session combines vessel orientation, boat handling, navigation, docking, and real-world scenarios into one fully customized training day.
Designed for boaters who want to accelerate their learning and gain true confidence operating their vessel.
What’s Included
- Vessel orientation and systems overview
- Safety procedures and pre-departure checks
- Basic navigation and rules of the road
- Boat handling and control
- Docking and close-quarters maneuvering
- Anchoring and station holding
- Real-world, scenario-based instruction
Who This Is For
- New boat owners
- Boaters transitioning to a new vessel
- Individuals looking to build confidence quickly
- Anyone who wants hands-on, practical instruction in real conditions
Session Details
- Minimum 4.5-hour session
- Conducted aboard your vessel
- Fully customized to your experience level and goals
- Up to 2 participants included (additional upon request)
Pricing (Based on Vessel Size)
- Vessels 30’ and Under: $950
- Vessels 31’ – 40’: $1,000
- Vessels 41’ – 60’: $1,050
Important Notes
- Additional time may be scheduled based on availability
- Travel outside the immediate area may incur an additional fee
- Vessel owner may be required to list Capt. Brett with insurance carrier
- Weather Dependent
Cancellation, Weather, & Payment Policy
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to secure your session date. Payment can be made to Capt. Brett via Venmo at @brett-sause.
Cancellations made by the client for any reason are non-refundable, including cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled session and failure to appear.
If a session must be postponed due to weather or safety concerns, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
In the event Capt. Brett needs to cancel or reschedule for reasons unrelated to weather or safety, a full refund or an alternative date will be offered.
Refunds are limited to the cost of the session only. Any additional expenses (travel, lodging, etc.) are the responsibility of the client.