The SBSA Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) is entry-level training recommended
for those persons who will be acting as small vessel operator or crew for SBSA member institutions. The MOTC provides fundamental training in boating knowledge and skills. It is not a certification course. Graduates must still be evaluated and authorized to operate vessels by their home institution. The home institution may require additional training in local knowledge, vessel characteristics, regional and local regulations, and agency policies, as necessary.
Course Objectives
Through demonstration and actual use, provide the participant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities, to safely perform as operator or crew while on board a motorboat.
Classroom Topics
- Agency, state and institution policies
- Vessel orientation, terminology
- Required & recommended equipment
- VHF radio communications
- Rules of the road
- Aids to Navigation (ATONS)
- Marlinspike seamanship
- Safety and emergency procedures
- NASBLA topics
- Security
- Invasive species control
- Pollution control
- Recreational boating & other activities
- Carbon monoxide
Field Topics
- Vessel inspection & safety equipment
- Float plan and check lists
- Boat & engine maintenance
- Prop change
- Jet drive overview (where applicable)
- Trailer inspection, connection & maintenance
- Anchoring and beaching
- Rendering assistance and towing
- Fire suppression
- Visual distress signals
Underway, Slow Speed Maneuvers
- Launch & recovery
- Vessel handling characteristics
- Crew responsibilities
- Docking, port & starboard sides to using various approaches
- Turning around in a confined area (ìstarî or ìcircleî)
- Touch & go – Station keeping
- Object recovery – Personnel recovery
- Line &/or pfd toss
- Anchoring & beaching
- Towing – if time allows
- VHF radio use
Underway, At Speed Maneuvers
- Vessel handling characteristics
- Serpentine
- Object avoidance
- Man Overboard (MOB) drills