Thank you for being part of a network of NSBC Certified Instructors dedicated to cultivating a safer recreational boating experience by training responsible boaters!
We appreciate your commitment to recreational boating safety. Each month we'll provide reminders on the steps you need to take to maintain your certification.
Know Curriculum
The NSBC on-water curriculum meets the American National Standard on-water power skills. If you received your NSBC Instructor Binder prior to 2018, you do not have the latest curriculum. Shop NSBC to purchase materials.
Collect Course Waiver(s)
Every student participating must complete a waiver and release of liability prior to participating in the course. Make it easy by emailing the student digital waiver in advance. A hard copy of the form is in your Instructor Binder only if needed (however, these must be scanned and attached with the course report).
File a Course Report
After EACH course you teach, you must file a course report at safeboatingcouncil.org/training. Simply select Course Reports in the left column, and complete the required form. It's helpful to view the form prior to the course to make sure you collect all the required information.
Issue Course Certificates
After your students have successfully completed the course and you have filed a course report, you may issue course certificates. Shop NSBC to purchase personalized certificates for the specific course.
Renewing your NSBC Instructor certification? Our process has changed as we work to ensure boaters are receiving quality on-water instruction. Please follow the steps outlined in the membership renewal email reminder you receive. You will be asked to complete a renewal application and your course reports will be reviewed. You must have taught at least 2 courses in the last 2 years to renew your certification.
Curriculum Update
The National Safe Boating Council has two on-water courses that meet the American National Standards for on-water power as verified by a third-party assessment.
*If you are NOT sure if you are a NSBC Instructor or NSBC Instructor Trainer, you are a NSBC Instructor.
NSBC Instructors are certified to teach one course:
Boat Control On-Water Training Course. This course is taught in four modules designed to teach boat handling skills to recreational boaters or personnel hired to operate a vessel used in marine patrol. Each of the four course modules is approximately 3 hours long, but time length may vary depending on the age and boating experience of the student. The modules are 1) Introduction to Powerboating, 2) Precision Docking and Boat Handling, 3) Open Water Boat Handling, and 4) Open Water Advanced Maneuvers. A Certificate of Completion may be awarded for each module, but this is not a NSBC Instructor Certification course. Learn more.
NSBC Instructor Trainers are certified to teach two courses:
Essentials of Close-Quarters & Open Water Boat Control Instructor Certification Course. Only NSBC Instructor Trainers, with candidates approved by the NSBC, may teach this course. This course is taught in a train-the-trainer model, progressing from close quarter maneuvers at idle speed, to maneuvers in displacement mode, and to advanced open water maneuvers. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate becomes a NSBC Instructor certified to teach the Boat Control On-Water Training Course. Learn more.
Boat Control On-water Training Course (listed above)
Welcome New Instructors
A look back at the NSBC Instructor Training at Lake Allatoona in Georgia with the Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services, The City of Calhoun Fire and Rescue, as well as attendees that flew in from Chicago and New York. Excited to welcome several new NSBC Instructors who are ready to teach around the nation!
NSBC Instructor Trainers Chris Day and Ricardo Mendez (far left), NSBC Executive Director Peg Phillips (centered), and new NSBC instructors.
