Master the Art of Small Vessel Operations with Prism Marine

We believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Our unique course gives participants the time, space, and expert guidance to develop their skills in a controlled environment.

Navigating small vessels in challenging environments requires more than just basic skills—it demands confidence, precision, and the ability to respond to the unexpected. That’s why we’ve developed the Practical Boat Operators Course: A hands-on, practical training program designed to prepare your team for success on the water.

 

What sets this course apart?

This isn’t your average classroom session. Our course combines expert-led instruction with real-world practice to ensure participants leave with increased confidence on the water.

“Our goal is to empower participants with the practical skills they need to safely and confidently operate small vessels. This course is all about real-world training and gaining experience through hands-on practice and learning from trial and error.”

– Captain Andrew, Prism Marine

 

Course highlights

Anchor Equipment

Get hands-on experience with anchor equipment, including proper deployment, securing, and retrieval techniques.

Navigational & Lighting Systems

Understand the key components of your vessel’s navigation system, from anchor lights to radar, radio antenna, and other essential sensors. Learn how to properly operate and maintain these systems.

Pre- and Post-Start Checklists

Develop a routine for conducting thorough pre-start and after-start checks on your vessel’s engine, electrical systems, and navigational equipment.

Practical Maneuvering Techniques

Master both slow-speed and high-speed maneuvers in various conditions. Learn essential skills like tight maneuvering, navigating in rough weather, and using your vessel’s systems effectively.

Docking Skills

Gain the confidence to dock in any situation, including standard, upwind, crosswind, and downwind docking scenarios. Learn long- and short-term mooring techniques for both calm and challenging environments.

Weather and Visibility

Understand the impact of weather and visibility on your boating operations and learn techniques for navigating safely under varying conditions.

Intro to Advanced Equipment

Get a brief, practical introduction to chart plotters and radar, tools that enhance navigational accuracy and safety.

 

What our students are saying 

Recently, we had the privilege of delivering this course to the team at Ocean Networks Canada. Their feedback speaks volumes about the impact of our training: 

 

Prism’s knowledge regarding working on the water and the ability to use their experience to provide relatable and practical advice was invaluable to our team who works in the water in various ways. The lessons we learned extended beyond simply captaining our own workboat but to understanding the decision making and factors that any marine operation needs to consider.

This course provided all our staff with time at the wheel in a controlled environment where they can make mistakes and learn from them. All the participants feel much more comfortable captaining our boat and working on all boats. The team at Prism were very flexible in creating a course tailored to our needs.

A.J. Baron, P.Eng

Field Services Manager, Ocean Networks Canada

Learn from the best

Our instructors bring years of experience in tactical and marine operations, offering a wealth of knowledge that combines theory with practical, on-water applications.

Prism’s Practical Boat Operators Course is just one of the ways we’re committed to raising the bar in marine training.

Ready to take the helm with confidence? Contact us today to learn more!