American Boating Courses In Barbados
Build Your Powerboating Skills with American Boating Courses
Get out on the water and build your powerboating skills in Barbados. At Wet & Salty School, our American Boating courses offer hands-on training for different experience levels. Whether you’re learning the basics or developing your boat-handling skills, you’ll practise with an instructor in a beautiful Caribbean setting.
What’s Included
-
Full-day (8am-2pm), instructor-led training on a powerboat (Center consol Highfield dinghy 12 feet long)
-
Hands-on practice in boat handling, docking, navigation, and safety
-
American Boating certification upon passing the required assessments
-
Support and guidance from our local boating team
Who It’s For
-
For people who want to learn powerboating during the day and return to the comfort of their home or hotel afterward.
-
Complete beginners looking for a supportive introduction to powerboating
-
Travelers who want to learn a new skill while exploring Barbados
-
Locals ready to build confidence handling a powerboat
-
Boaters who want to earn an American Boating certification or refresh their skills
-
Anyone who prefers day courses to staying aboard overnight
Why Take It in Barbados?
-
Consistently perfect weather with warm temps and steady winds
-
Calm seas that are ideal for beginners
-
Unmatched scenery, including beaches, reefs, and open-water stretches
-
Turtles and marine life often seen right from the boat
-
Easy travel access from the US, UK and Canada
-
A safe, welcoming, and well-developed Caribbean island
AB 101 – Beginner Powerboating
Begin your journey to becoming a skilled powerboater. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to confidently operate a recreational powerboat in various water conditions. The AB 101 certification covers essential boating terminology, safety practices, and navigation skills. Students will learn about boat types, propulsion systems, hull shapes, safety equipment, and the responsibilities of the skipper and crew. You’ll leave equipped to handle docking, navigating, and maneuvering a powerboat safely in light to moderate conditions.
This course is available as a standalone day course (8am–2pm).
Through AB 101, you’ll become proficient in:
-
Understanding boat types, hull shapes, propulsion methods, and handling.
-
Navigating and identifying hazards, such as currents, weather, and local boating regulations.
-
Preparing for a safe journey, including pre-departure and emergency procedures.
-
Basic skills for docking, mooring, and safe gear stowage to ensure stability.
-
This course is designed to build foundational skills for recreational boating, making you capable of independent and safe operation in calm waters.
-
Certification in AB 101 qualifies you to:
-
Operate a recreational powerboat of appropriate size, managing speed, throttle, and steering effectively.
-
Identify and use essential safety equipment in compliance with USCG and local regulations.
-
Perform safe fueling, engine start, and shutdown procedures.
-
Navigate according to nautical rules and interact courteously with other vessels.
Course Details
-
Duration: 2 days
-
Prerequisites: No boating experience needed, however, pre-study of the "Powerboating Made Easy" textbook is required.
-
Certification: AB 101 Beginner Powerboating
-
Price: $650 per person. Instructor gratuity is not included and is always appreciated
AB 103 - Intermediate Powerboating
Advance your skills for more challenging boating adventures. Build upon your foundation with AB 103, an intermediate-level certification designed to prepare you for single-day cruising aboard powerboats between 30 to 45 feet. This course covers essential skills for operating and maintaining a larger vessel, including handling boat systems, understanding weather patterns, emergency procedures, and safe docking. You’ll gain confidence to navigate moderate conditions, manage onboard systems, and respond effectively to challenging situations.
In AB 103, you’ll expand your knowledge and skills with:Advanced boat handling techniques, including maneuvering in confined spaces and using spring lines.Essential systems management, including routine engine checks, battery safety, and fuel procedures.Practical skills for emergency response, galley safety, weather interpretation, and navigation in unfamiliar harbors.With AB 103, you’ll be prepared to skipper a larger vessel with control and confidence, ensuring safe and enjoyable day cruises.
Course Details
-
Duration: 3 days, only private course based on request, available as day course and liveaboard course
-
Prerequisites: AB 101 certification and review of the "Advanced Powerboating" textbook.
-
Certification: AB 103 Intermediate powerboating
-
Price: contact us at info@wetandsaltysailing.com for availability and price
AB 104 - Advanced Powerboating
Master the skills for multi-day cruising and coastal navigation.
AB 104 is an advanced certification designed for boaters ready to tackle the challenges of multi-day cruises and coastal waters. This course prepares you to skipper a larger powerboat (30 to 45 feet) in moderate to heavy conditions, teaching skills for extended trips and bareboat charters. You’ll cover crucial topics, from provisioning and boat system management to advanced navigation, multiple-anchor mooring, and handling emergencies on open water.
Course Details
-
Duration: 3 days, only private course based on request, available as day course and liveaboard course
-
Prerequisites: AB 101 and AB 103 certification and review of the "Advanced Powerboating" textbook.
-
Certification: AB 104 Advanced powerboating
-
Price: contact us at info@wetandsaltysailing.com for availability and price
What Our Students Are Saying
At Wet & Salty Sailing School, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch sailing experiences. But don't just take our word for it — here’s what some of our students have to say about their time on the water with us.
— Michael C., USA
The ASA 101 course was an incredible experience — fun, hands-on, and full of confidence-building moments. The boat was clean and well-maintained, and the instruction was world-class.”
