For people with zero experience navigating a boat on the ocean, how does one learn? Besides side-by-side instruction on the ocean from someone with real experience, are there maybe courses available that address this? Thanks.
Coast Guard has a good 14 week course I got certified in a couple of decades ago.
Then, also a good and experienced operator could teach you a lot —- particularly about local waters and conditions.
Best, Fred
I learned just by doing it. I know it is crazy but at 18 years old pushing through the breakwater off the NJ shore was exciting. Years later going out the Gate under the Golden Gate bridge with the waves breaking over the bow I got the same thrill but was old enough and wise enough to turn around and not take any chances. Dominick
Don't know what state you're in but many states now require a boaters card to operate a boat. In California Not a real high bar to pass the test but it does cover the basics
Quote from: foakes on February 27, 2026, 11:43:12 PMCoast Guard has a good 14 week course I got certified in a couple of decades ago.
Then, also a good and experienced operator could teach you a lot —- particularly about local waters and conditions.
Best, Fred
Yes, I'd really like to find some local guy to show me the ropes, and also take that CG course.
I will second what Swami mentioned; I am in Cali as well, and the California Boater Card, is pretty rudimentary. Not sure what you are required to have for Oregon, but I would definitely reach out to the Coast Guard/CG Auxiliary to see if they offer more advanced courses or recommendations. There are courses for Commercial Licenses, but I suspect these would be a little overkill for your situation. - john
Quote from: Jim O on February 27, 2026, 11:35:24 PMFor people with zero experience navigating a boat on the ocean, how does one learn? Besides side-by-side instruction on the ocean from someone with real experience, are there maybe courses available that address this? Thanks.
In Michigan early spring they have a captains class for exact thing u are seeking
It is a nationwide thing, $900 ish
Oregon does have some nasty bar crossings. If you google the most dangerous bar crossings in Oregon, and watch a few scary videos, it may convince you to do your boating from coastal ports that dont have bar crossings.
There is also a good forum for Oregon guys, with lots of threads about bar crossings, and fishing near shore and offshore.... Ifish.net
Yeah, I'm on ifish.net. I believe the Brookings port which is closest to me is not bad as far as getting your boat out.
Quote from: Jim O on February 28, 2026, 03:44:06 AMYeah, I'm on ifish.net. I believe the Brookings port which is closest to me is not bad as far as getting your boat out.
Yup, Brookings is a good bar for beginners.
Take the U.S. Power Squadron courses. Or just buy a nice boat and get the word out that you need a first mate.
Quote from: oc1 on February 28, 2026, 06:11:45 AMTake the U.S. Power Squadron courses. Or just buy a nice boat and get the word out that you need a first mate.
Yep, learning one-on-one from someone already well versed is the way to go, but I don't know anyone with an ocean boat.
Piloting. Seamanship, and Small Boat Handling aka "The Chapman" been in print for 80 years or more, originally by Charles Chapman. Go to a used book store and get several editions. I still refer to one from the 40's. Boats change, seamanship not so much.
I break it down and address each.
Navigation - night nav, night launch and return to port
Boat - know your boat inside out, make a pre launch checklist and stick to it before every launch
Piloting and boating in big water -
This is the most important topic
My strategy is simple, I avoid gale force winds. But knowing how to handle a wave that obscures the view of the horizon is important.
My snipe fleet has members who sail a small sail boat in open waters in Michigan and both atlantic annd pacific and it is all experience.
I say take your boat out on a calm day and put in the time on water.
[typos corrected]
Thanks everyone. I'm considering signing up for this "Mariner's" course from Charles Loos. Any feedback on this would be appreciated, as always.
https://www.theoceancoach.com/services-copy
Question: what is an offshore boat ??
Some guys say a 20' boat, some guys say 24', some guys say 26' and up, but bottom line is bigger is always better. For offshore fishing, a self bailing back deck is the best way to go, and smaller boats arent usually built with self bailing back deck.
The most important part of going offshore, is being able to get back to port. Flat water on your 20 mile run out, can quickly turn into a bigger swell and 3'-4' wind waves and that 20 mile run back in may take 3+ hours of crashing thru waves. So many things factor into safe boating offshore, but #1 is always know the forecast for swell height, duration of swell, wind waves, and wind speed and direction.
I've been 40+ miles offshore on washington coast, dozens of times in my 26' north river, and sometimes the weather predictions from NOAA are spot on, but sometimes the big weather comes outta nowhere, and just getting back to the dock is a challenge. Been there, done that, and its no fun. I started 35 years ago with a 16' glass bayliner, then 18' olympic, then 24' bayliner, then the 26 north river I've fished for 20 years. I learned a lot by starting with smaller boat and eventually worked my way up to my 26'.
Offshore fishing our west coast waters is no walk in the park. Taking a few classes will help, but nothing compares to actually taking your own boat out offshore. Thats where most the lessons are learned. Also it's always a good thing to buddy up with another boat when venturing offshore
Quote from: Jim O on March 02, 2026, 11:43:14 PMThanks everyone. I'm considering signing up for this "Mariner's" course from Charles Loos. Any feedback on this would be appreciated, as always.
https://www.theoceancoach.com/services-copy
You can not go wrong with Charles.
Not sure how congested your Port is but it important the other guys see or know where you are
What I have to deal with casting for small mouth bass
It looks like he is moving out of your way. Dominick
I have to keep my head on a swivel in puget sound. Tugs pulling barges, container ships, and naval vessels heading into port right by my launch. This one was coming right at me from about 2 miles away. I full throttled my trolling motor, but was still too close for comfort, as it went by cruising around 35knts
Quote from: Maxed Out on March 03, 2026, 12:33:28 AMAlso it's always a good thing to buddy up with another boat when venturing offshore
This is good advice.
Same hazards as when lobstering in Long Beach at night. It is surprising how something that big can be some damn quiet. john