Defender Aquatics

US POWERBOATING SAFE POWERBOAT HANDLING COURSE (ASPH)

Driver Education for Boaters! 

Purpose/Overview:

This full day, on-the-water course is for anyone who has taken a classroom boater safety course but needs practical, hands-on experience learning to safely operate a small powerboat and improve their boathandling skills.

     On-the-Water Sessions:

• Engine & electrical systems
• Starting procedures
• DockingLeaving & returning to a slip
• Close-quarters maneuvers
• Anchoring
• Steering a range
• Proceeding to a destination
• Person in Water rescue

     Classroom Sessions:

• Safety, prep & weather briefings
• Maneuvering concepts

Eligibility Requirements:

• Recommended Age: 10–adult (may be affected by state minimum age)
• Safe Boater Certificate: All participants are expected to show a valid state safe boater certificate on the day of the course.  This certificate is required of all powerboat operators in New York State.  A free online course sponsored by the Boat US Foundation can be found at the URL:

  https://www.boatus.org/newyork

Requirements for Certification:

• Participation:  Must actively participate in all course activities.
• Practical Skills:  Must demonstrate required practical boat handling skills at the level of the course standards.  
• Written Challenge Exam: Must pass the written challenge exam with an 80% or higher score. Students will be expected to challenge and pass a written exam covering topics including coast guard required equipment, rules of the road, aids to navigation, preparation, environmental regulations, safety, and emergencies.

Certification Earned and Validity Period:

Successful candidates will earn the US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling certification, which does not expire.