America’s Boating Club Oceanside’s Hands-On Training (HOT) program gives you the real-world skills that no classroom can provide — because you spend the day actually driving a boat in Oceanside Harbor and the coastal waters of the San Diego region.
This is a $285.00, one-day, 5-hour program led by certified USPS instructors. You will spend time at the dock learning the fundamentals, then get behind the wheel on the water for supervised practice. Whether you are a new boater building confidence, or an experienced captain sharpening your skills, the HOT program meets you where you are.
Serving boaters from Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Diego, Escondido, and across North San Diego County — no membership required.
What You Will Learn
Click any module below to see what is covered during your training day.
Who Is This For?
The Hands-On Training program is ideal for:
- New boat owners who have taken a classroom course but want real practice before heading out alone
- First-time boaters who want to experience the water before committing to buying a boat
- Returning boaters who have not been on the water in years and want a refresher
- Family members of experienced boaters who want to be able to operate the vessel in an emergency
- Anyone who prefers learning by doing rather than studying a textbook
No prior experience is required. All skill levels are welcome.
Schedule Your Hands-On Training Session
Training is available by appointment at Oceanside Harbor. Sessions fill quickly — reach out early to reserve your spot.
- Call or text Shawn Goit: 760-468-6212
- Duration: One day, approximately 5 hours
- Cost: $285 per person
- Location: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054
Send Us a Message Register for Courses
Want to move faster? Paying before you schedule helps us confirm your spot and prioritize your session date. You can pay securely online now and coordinate the details with Shawn after.
Private Lessons on Your Boat
Want one-on-one instruction aboard your own vessel? We offer private HOT sessions where our certified USPS instructor comes to you. Before we can get on the water together, there are two straightforward requirements — insurance and a signed waiver.
1. Insurance — $1,000,000 Minimum with USPS as Additional Insured
Your boat must be covered by a marine public liability and casualty insurance policy of at least $1,000,000, and United States Power Squadrons – America's Boating Club and its instructors must be named as additional insureds on that policy.
This is simpler — and cheaper — than it sounds. Most marine insurance companies can add a USPS endorsement with a quick phone call to your broker. And if you're currently under $1,000,000 in coverage, bumping up to a million-dollar policy typically costs only a few dollars more per month. The difference in your premium is minimal. The difference in your protection is enormous.
Ask your broker for a certificate of insurance naming USPS as an additional insured, along with a copy of the endorsement. Bring both on the day of training.
2. Signed Waiver — Every Person on the Boat
Every student or passenger aboard during a USPS training session — including the boat owner — must sign the USPS Marine Release, Waiver, and Indemnity Agreement before the session begins. If any participant is a minor, a parent or guardian must also sign.
You can print the form, fill it out, and hand it to your instructor on the day of training — or scan and email it to Shawn ahead of time at 760-468-6212.
Once your insurance endorsement and waivers are in order, we're ready to go. Contact Shawn to schedule your private session.