Reel Repair by Alan Tani

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 Today at 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 Today at 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.