US boating experts agree to skill-based standards for powerboaters

For the very first time in United States maritime history, a diverse group of subject matter experts (SMEs) have agreed to an initial set of 37 On-Water, skill-based standards that recreational powerboat operators should be able to demonstrate at the entry level.

With support from a United States Coast Guard grant US Sailing/US Powerboating has engaged a professional facilitator to assist the SMEs in achieving national consensus on the development of On-Water skill-based Standards. The Grant Oversight Committee is now seeking public validation of this initial version of powerboat standards through a national survey targeting recreational boating educators across the US.

Individuals involved in the recreational boating education community and especially those with experience in on-water or experientially based teaching or training are urged to participate in a short on-line survey designed to collect feedback on the content of the power standards. You can access the survey by clicking here.

Once validated for content, the SME Team will test the applicability of the power boat skills standards on the water in a national field test. Long term, the USCG anticipates that these consensus-built, skill-based power standards will be recognized as components to be incorporated in any recreational powerboating education program.

For more information related to the On-Water Standards Grant, the SME Team participants, their role with the program, and other details about the National On-Water Standards project, please click here.