NSBC Member Connection

NSBC On-Water Powerboating Course First to Receive Third-Party Verification

The NSBC is the first organization to receive voluntary third-party verification for an on-water powerboating course based on the American National Standard for recreational boating skills.

NSBC’s on-water powerboating course, “Essentials of Close-Quarter and Open Water Boat Control,” is verified to meet the American National Standard for on-water skills entitled EDU-1 On-Water Power Standards and received the Verified Course power mark No. 2018-G152.

Annual Boating Awareness Survey

We know you love boating, so take a few minutes to complete this short online survey for a chance to win a prize! Encourage others to take the survey by clicking "Share" on this Facebook post.

Adult On-Water Powerboating Courses

Are you looking for on-water boat training? BoatU.S. Foundation is offering powerboat training using the NSBC curriculum. Whether you are a novice boater or want to build confidence in your boat handling skills, these courses provide a specific curriculum to meet your training needs. The training is available as four courses, which may be taken consecutively or as a stand-alone course.

Course 1: Introduction to Powerboating
Course 2: Precision Docking and Boat Handling
Course 3: Open Water Boat Handling
Course 4: Open Water Advanced Maneuvering

“We’ve found that one of the major barriers to boating is having that first experience, and we wanted to make that easier for people while making it both fun and safe," said Alan Dennison, BoatU.S. Foundation. "We partnered with the NSBC to create an accessible and affordable way for students to get out on the water.” 

Learn more about NSBC on-water training opportunities with BoatU.S. Foundation.

Education + Outreach + Training

The NSBC team pursued our shared mission of safer recreational boating through education, outreach and training opportunities in July and early August.

Annapolis School of Seamanship is partnering with the NSBC and BoatU.S. Foundation to offer the NSBC's pilot on-water powerboat training course for teens. These junior captains are learning necessary skills, maneuvering and boating safety to build the next generation of responsible boaters.

Outdoor Retailers Summer Market is the world's leading business-to-business outdoor sports show where industry brands, retailers, reps, suppliers and leaders gather. NSBC's Yvonne Pentz attended the show, partnering with the American Canoe Association and Stand Up Paddle Industry Association, to share about opportunities for retailers to partner with nonprofits.



National Marine Manufacturers Association and NSBC are exploring opportunities to support a safe recreational boating experience. NSBC's Peg Phillips and The LV Project's Dana Gage, met with the NMMA team in Chicago, and squeezed in time for a Cubs' game!

SOBOS Recreational Boating Survey

Download the SOBOS app to participate in a free self-reported on-water boat operator survey. The goal is to test the efficacy of crowdsourcing recreational boating data as an evidence-based public health approach to reducing boating accidents. Whether you're paddling, fishing or cruising, use the app to share about your trip!