About the Course
This intensive 3-day course combines AB 101 Beginner Powerboating and AB 103 Intermediate Powerboating, allowing students to earn both certifications in one seamless program. Designed for those who want to gain comprehensive powerboating skills quickly, this course covers the essentials of safe boat operation and prepares you for more advanced challenges on the water.
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This 3 day course runs from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. We start each day in the classroom, spending about three hours of lecture where we incorporate video, whiteboard diagrams and powerboat models to explain the fundamentals of boating and to teach skills that we will be practicing on the water. We typically break for lunch from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm and then the rest of the day is spent practicing all of the necessary skills and maneuvers to competently drive a powerboat of this size. This means you will be spending at minimum 4 and half hours a day on the water and practicing maneuvers!
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At the end of the course there is a brief examination and each student receives an official American Boating logbook, the AB 101 - Beginner Powerboating Certification and the AB 103 - Intermediate Powerboating Certification. ​
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Read more about our courses and what to expect on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Topics Included in Accelerated Powerboat Cruising
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Parts of the Boat and Terminology
We begin the course by learning the new language of boating and equipment. We go through the powerboat from stem to stern as well as learning directions, propulsion types, hull types and maneuvering terminology.
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Basic Boating and Safety Maneuvers
Throughout the course we practice manuevering the powerboat at all speeds, on a plane and at slow speeds. On day 2 practice emergency maneuvers such as emergency stopping and crew overboard maneuvers.
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Docking and Mooring
A significant portion of the on the water time is spent practicing bringing the boat alongside a dock and departing a dock safely. We also practice approaching and departing a mooring.
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Emergencies
We cover common emergencies such as engine failure, fire safety, crew overboard, towing and more so that you are prepared in any situation.
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US Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations
An important part of the course is focused on the legal and safety aspects of operating a powerboat. We cover federally required safety equipment, rules of the road, light and sound signals and aids to navigation.
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Advanced Boat Handling Techniques
You'll learn powerboat maneuvering in tight spaces, advanced docking, usage of spring lines to spring on and off of the dock and boat handling in adverse weather conditions.
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Essential Systems Management
We will essential systems management including routine engine checks, battery management, generator usage, fuel system and fueling procedures as well as common issues and troubleshooting procedures.
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Navigation
Students will learn to navigate safely and efficiently using paper charts and tools as well as a chartplotter and GPS. We will also cover the AIS system and tides.
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Emergencies
We cover common emergencies such as engine failure, fire safety, crew overboard, towing and more so that you are prepared in any situation.
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More Practical Skills
Throughout the course we will cover even more practical skills including galley safety, emergency response, navigating unfamiliar harbors, weather interpretation, etc.
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And more!
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Who Should Take This Course
This intensive 3-day course is designed for beginner to intermediate power boaters with some previous powerboating experience. It offers a streamlined path to earning both AB 101 and AB 103 certifications providing the skills and confidence to operate recreational powerboats up to 45 feet, navigating safely and effectively in a variety of conditions.
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Throughout the course we cover a myriad of additional topics such and teach far and above the basic required AB 101 and AB 103 curriculum.
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For a full list of all of the concepts and skills required to achieve the AB 101 - Beginner Powerboating certification please visit Americanboating.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Accelerated Powerboat Cruising course get you?
The Accelerated Powerboat Cruising course results in students obtaining both the AB 101 and AB 103 certifications. It provides students the skills and confidence to operate recreational powerboats up to 45 feet, navigating safely and effectively in a variety of conditions.
How many days is the Accelerated Powerboat Cruising Course?
This course is held over three days and requires slightly longer days (9 am to 6 pm) in order to cover all of the necessary course material.
Can you test out of the Accelerated Powerboat Cruising Course?
Since the Accelerated Powerboat Cruising Course contains two certifications we do not allow students to challenge or test out of this course.