Boat Operations Academy

We provide expert Boat Operating instruction, Boat Handling and Seamanship to all levels of boaters. We teach the basics of Rules of the Road on the water, using your electronics, navigating and maritime safety. Private Boat training and semi private boat training on the water with maximum time at the helm. Our curriculum has been developed over years of experience by marine safety officers that have taught hundreds of recreational and professional boaters. Whether you're looking for new boater certification, advanced certification or offshore certification, we provide informed, calm, skilled and enjoyable training.
Boater Operations Course
01

New Boater Operations Course

This 3 hour course is designed to take a new boater through basic intro to rules of the road, vessel pre-departure procedures and then a progressive approach of throttle control, steering instruction and basic boating.

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Offshore-Advance
02

Offshore/Advance

Our 3 hour Advance training will take the intermediate boat operator through offshore operations, and more advanced maritime skills necessary to safely operate, anchor/moor and return you, your crew and your vessel home.

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Training Ops
03

Custom "On Your Boat" Training Ops

This entry level training has been developed with the boater in mind who needs training on their own personal vessel. We go through a series of Academy exercises and skill building techniques tailored..

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Trailer Ops
04

Trailer Ops -Launching and Retrieval w/Land Maneuvering

Our Trailer Ops training will familiarize you with launching and retrieval of a trailable boat, emphasizing important safety concerns and checklists.

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Highly Qualified Educators

All of our instructors have achieved Coast Guard Masters licenses and hold several additional advanced certifications in their field and are experts on the water. Our instructors bring this enthusiasm, experience and CALM into their lessons. At Boat Ops Academy, we take pride in our team of expert instructors who possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in boating. Our carefully crafted curriculum caters to beginners and seasoned boaters alike, ensuring that everyone receives the necessary skills to handle a boat confidently. From understanding navigational rules and safety protocols to mastering docking, anchoring, and maneuvering techniques, our comprehensive courses cover all aspects of safe and efficient boat operation.

Call Today @ (562) 315-7049
Boater Operations Course

Our Training Captains

Captain-Abby

Captain Abby

Captain Abby spent 25+ years as a Baywatch Rescue Boat captain- LAcoFD and crew. During that time teaching close to 400+ professional boat operators. He carries several certificates including a 100 ton Coast Guard Master License.
Captain Pete

Captain Pete

Boat Handling and Training Specialist | 100-Ton Boat Captain | US Navy Veteran With over 40 years of maritime expertise. Captain Pete Axelrod is a highly skilled and experienced 100-ton boat captain specializing in basic boat handling and training.
Captain Kimo

Captain Kimo

Captain Kimo began operating vessels on Catalina at an early age. After spending years fishing and cruising in Catalina waters he earned a 100 ton USCG Masters license. He operates Catalina Express high speed power catamarans.
Captain Aiden

Captain Aiden

Captain Aiden is a highly skilled and experienced fishing captain with a passion for the ocean and a deep understanding of the art of angling. Holding a USCG license, Captain Aiden has spent over 10 years honing his skills in boating and fishing.
Captain Fipp

Captain Fipp

Captain Fipp is 100 ton USCG master licensed captain and a local waters expert. He grew up spending summers on Catalina Island in Avalon CA as a 4th Generation Summer Islander. In addition to joining Boat Ops, he currently is a professional Boat Captain with Catalina Express..
Reviews

Customer Experience

Tyson J.

I had an exceptional day on the water with Capt. Abby. He was an amazing resource of information. He's both professional and personable in my experience. I found him to be extremely detailed in his techniques in navigation, explaining throttle feathering sensitivity and his bow to stern knowledge. Thanks for a one of a kind experience. I highly recommend Boat Ops Academy! ... It's the most informative hands on class you can take!

Tyson J.
Los Angeles, CA

Tom S.

I highly recommend Capt. Abby and his Boat Ops Academy instruction. He has an authentic passion for boating and his individualized, hands-on training was invaluable. His personable, patient approach combined with a thorough boating/safety knowledge was very helpful and much appreciated. If you are looking for an informative, comprehensive, enjoyable boat/safety training class, this one's for you!

Tom S.
Seal Beach, CA

Raman M.

I took a beginners intermediate Hands On Boating TraininG, including boat launch from trailer from this institute and had a superb experience. Captain Abby was extremely knowledgeable, patient and thorough in explaing all aspects of boating. I feel confident to take my new boat to the Ocean now. Captain Abbys services are highly recommended.

Raman M.
Hawthorne, CA

Marylin W.

Captain Abby, at Boat Ops Academy, is awesome! He's an instructor who is very knowledgeable about rules, regulations and safely operating a boat. Being a beginner in boating, I appreciated his patience and encouragement!

Marylin W.
Lakewood, CA

Siana P.

My husband and I have been wanting to introduce ourselves to water sports and activity to utilize our location. Riding a boat was on top of our list and I decided to look up where we could start. Apparently there are not many restrictions on renting a boat and driving it yourself but I thought even though we know how to drive a car it would be quite different on water. So I googled and few Boat driving lessons popped up, and Boat Ops Academy seemed to be the one to go for. We had to postpone our lesson due to the Hurricane, but the communication was smooth and there was no problem at all. On the day captain Abby greeted us by the dock with a nice sparkly clean boat, and we had a blast for 3 hours. We could ask many random questions about boating around the town, got informations on boaters license and many more. He taught us how to drive, park, read the signs and etc so we can be confident to drive a boat on our own. Captain Abby was super chill and made us feel comfortable. I'd highly recommend to get his lesson if you're looking into boating. We're going to take his advanced class soon as well and can't wait to get on a boat again!

Siana P.
Los Angeles, CA

Loren S.

Captain Abby is knowledgeable and a great teacher! I appreciated his approach and taking his time making sure I absorbed the info. If you're looking for a patient and easy going teacher who really cares about your experience, this is the place!

Loren S.
Los Angeles, CA

Digirender

The best service I've ever experienced from any company. It's not often that you come across such a decent person. Always punctual and respectful of our time. Very reasonable fee. He is very knowledgeable and communicates effectively. He was so calm and reassuring that he made experience actually fun. Now that we've covered all the basics, we plan to continue having Abby teach us more advanced skills and someday sailing instruction.

Digirender

Gallery

 
Let's Get On The Water!!
 
Let's Get On The Water!!
 
Let's Get On The Water!!