Question 1

Do I need a license to operate a boat in Florida?

Accepted Answer

While not required for everyone, anyone born after January 1, 1988 must complete the Florida Boater Safety Course to operate a vessel legally. Even if you’re exempt, we highly recommend it as it may even qualify you for an insurance discount! You can complete the course online through our affiliate partner, Recademics.(https://recademics.com/boating/florida/partners/miami-boating-lessons/)

Question 2

Are your captains licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our captains are USCG-licensed and insured, bringing years of local experience on South Florida waters to ensure your safety and learning. Our lessons also include towing insurance with Sea Tow even if you do not have a towing membership.

Question 3

What does the initial lesson cover?

Accepted Answer

Our first lesson focuses on essential boating skills: docking, anchoring, slow and high-speed maneuvering, navigation basics, safety checks, and rules of the water.

Question 4

How long is a typical lesson?

Accepted Answer

Our standard private lesson is 3 hours, which provides plenty of time to cover hands-on basics and practice at the helm. We can add on an extra hour if needed.

Question 5

Are lessons customized to my experience level?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether you’re brand-new to boating or an experienced boater upgrading to a larger boat with multiple engines, our lessons are fully tailored to your experience level and type of boat.

Question 6

Do you offer advanced lessons if I need more time after the initial session?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer follow-up lessons tailored to your skill level—covering advanced navigation, offshore handling, electronics, night boating, and more.

Question 7

Do your lessons cover trailering, launching, and retrieving if we trailer our boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you tow your boat to the ramp, we can incorporate launch, ramp etiquette, retrieval, and trailering tips into your lesson.

Question 8

What if I don't have my own boat?

Accepted Answer

While we usually conduct lessons on your own boat, we can arrange a rental boat for your lesson if you don't have one yet. This way, you can get comfortable before making a purchase.

Question 9

Is a kill switch or engine cut-off device required on my boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida law requires boats under 26 feet with a motor of 3hp or more to have a functional engine cut-off switch (ECOS). This is crucial for your safety.

Question 10

Do children need to wear life jackets while the boat is underway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida law requires children under the age of 6 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while on board any vessel under 26 feet in length.

Question 11

What should I bring to the lesson?

Accepted Answer

We recommend sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, your boating safety card (if required), and any safety equipment your boat carries.

Question 12

Do you teach navigation with electronics like GPS, chartplotters, or radar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we include your onboard electronics into the lesson so you’re comfortable using your specific equipment.

Question 13

Can I schedule lessons on weekdays or only weekends?

Accepted Answer

We offer flexible scheduling seven days a week, subject to captain availability.

Question 14

Do you teach docking in marinas and tight spaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We emphasize docking skills, including handling crosswinds, currents, and crowded marinas.

Question 15

What if my boat lacks some required safety equipment?

Accepted Answer

We'll guide you on the necessary equipment, but it's your responsibility to ensure your boat meets USCG regulations. You can purchase boating safety gear from West Marine via our affiliate link.(https://www.westmarine.com/?utm_source=pepperjam&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=374972&utm_content=5243129561&clickId=5243129561&cm_mmc=AF-_-Pepperjam-_-374972-_-5243129561)

Question 16

Do you offer a boating license after the lesson?

Accepted Answer

No. We don’t issue licenses. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you’ll need a Florida Boater Safety ID Card, which you can earn online by completing an approved safety course. You can complete the course online through our affiliate partner, Recademics.(https://recademics.com/boating/florida/partners/miami-boating-lessons/) If you were born before that date, you don’t need a license—just a valid photo ID.

Question 17

What if the weather is bad on the day of my lesson?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our priority. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule at no extra cost.

Question 18

How soon should I book a lesson in advance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during weekends or peak boating season, to secure your preferred time slot.

Question 19

Do you offer lessons on sailboats?

Accepted Answer

At this time, our lessons focus on powerboats, including single-engine and multi-engine vessels. We don’t currently provide sailing instruction, but we can recommend local sailing schools if that’s your area of interest.

Question 20

Do you offer lessons outside of Miami?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While most of our lessons take place in Miami-Dade County, we can arrange travel to most parts of Florida for an additional fee. This allows us to provide training in the waters where you’ll be doing most of your boating.