Where are the courses held?
All courses are held at the Bluewater Training Center, 750 West Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. The on-the-water courses will begin at the Bluewater facility and transportation will be provided to the students to the boat dock.
Are there age restrictions?
Courses are designed for individuals 13 years and older.
If I am under 18 years old, must I be accompanied by an adult?
No. Parents will be required to sign a Liability Waiver form for their minor, but a parent does not need to be present during the course(s).
Are there any prerequisites?
No. Prior boating knowledge or experience is not required.
Are there class size limitations?
Classroom courses are limited to 16 people. Boat Handling 1 and 2 courses are limited to six people. The Recreational Boating Camp is limited to 12 students per session.
What are the class hours?
Classes begin at 8:30 am and run until 4:30 pm. The Recreational Boating Camp begins at 8:30 am and runs until 4:45 pm
Since class runs all day, are lunches provided?
No. Students are asked to bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks. A refrigerator and microwave are available for storing and warming lunch. Vending machines are also located in the facility. For courses conducted on the boats, bottled water will be provided.
What resources are provided for each course?
Students will receive a textbook and support materials for each course. Any items required for the course, such as plotting tools will be provided for use while at the Center. Students wishing to have their own items may purchase them through our bookstore or may bring their own. All safety equipment is provided. Students will be required to furnish their own foul weather gear, if necessary.
Who teaches the courses?
All of the courses are taught by USCG licensed captains with extensive teaching experience.
Can I receive my Florida Boater Education I.D. Card?
The Recreational Boating Day Camp is approved by the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Students completing the Recreational Boating Day Camp will be able to take the exam for the Florida Boater Education I.D. Card at the Bluewater Facility. There is no additional fee for this exam.
By completing ALL of the following Recreational Boating courses, a student will be eligible to take the Florida Boater Education I.D. Card examination at the Bluewater facility:
- Recreational Boating Safety and Survival
- Seamanship
- Navigation
- Boat Maintenance
- Boat Handling 1
There are no additional fees for this exam.
Who needs a Florida Boater Education I.D. Card?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Will Bluewater issue me the I.D. Card if I pass the exam?
No. Bluewater will issue you a course completion certificate. You will have 90 days to submit that certificate to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. During those 90 days, your course completion certificate will serve as you I.D. card, along with a photographic I.D.
How do I enroll in a course?
You can call us at 954-779-7764 to enroll over the phone or email us at [email protected].
You may also book the following courses online directly at https://www.bluewateryachting.com/crew-training/courses/teen-summer-school-22 (Fort Lauderdale location only).