USCG LICENSED MASTER
Increasing your confidence,
safety & enjoyment
on the water.
Increasing your confidence,
safety & enjoyment
on the water.
Professional captain coaching, vessel deliveries, and expert guidance. Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, let's get you there confidently.
Or give me a call at (248) 497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
36
YEARS ON THE WATER
100GRT
USCG MASTER
Great Lakes
OPERATIONAL AREA
USCG LICENSED MASTER
Increasing your confidence,
safety & enjoyment
on the water.
Professional captain coaching, vessel deliveries, and expert guidance. Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, let's get you there confidently.
Or give me a call at (248) 497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
36
YEARS ON THE WATER
100GRT
USCG MASTER
Great Lakes
OPERATIONAL AREA
USCG Master 100 GRT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
USCG Master 50 GRT
NEAR COASTAL
Commercial Towing Assistance
Endorsement
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Past Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
USCG Master 100 GRT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
USCG Master 50 GRT
NEAR COASTAL
Commercial Towing Assistance
Endorsement
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Past Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
USCG Master 100 GRT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
USCG Master 50 GRT
NEAR COASTAL
Commercial Towing Assistance
Endorsement
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Past Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do. I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help. Regardless of your vessel, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do. I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help. Regardless of your vessel, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do. I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help. Regardless of your vessel, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
WHAT I DO
From the 20-foot pontoon to the 65-foot sportfish.
Every service tailored to your vessel, your waters, your goals. Pricing always upon request — I'd rather talk through what you actually need.
WHAT I DO
From the 20-foot pontoon to the 65-foot sportfish.
Every service tailored to your vessel, your waters, your goals. Pricing always upon request — I'd rather talk through what you actually need.
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drifts into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drifts into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drifts into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
CAPTAIN'S COACHING PROGRAM
Five modules.
Your boat. Your waters.
Every safe and successful journey begins before you even leave the dock. Preparing the boat and crew. The value of a Float Plan. Route planning to identify hazards to navigation, safe harbors in case of emergency, and waypoint identification for situational awareness. OCS emphasizes Preparation, Planning, and Practice to enhance your safety, knowledge, and confidence on the water.
01
Docking & Departure
Engine room checks, dock line order, spring lines, floating vs. fixed docks, close-quarters handling.
02
Running Your Boat
Channel markers, trim tabs, right of way, VHF radio etiquette, man overboard drill.
03
Anchoring
Scope, setting and weighing the hook, anchor lights, bridle use, first mate communication.
04
Trip Planning
Weather apps, distance planning, ports of call, marina reservations.
05
Captain's Log
Maintenance records, fuel burn, travel logs, marina notes — protects your investment.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do in the terrifying event that your own captain has been injured or suffers a medical emergency. Your decisions and actions as the First Mate matter.
Let OCS bolster your knowledge and confidence. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
CAPTAIN'S COACHING PROGRAM
Five modules.
Your boat. Your waters.
Every safe and successful journey begins before you even leave the dock. Preparing the boat and crew. The value of a Float Plan. Route planning to identify hazards to navigation, safe harbors in case of emergency, and waypoint identification for situational awareness. OCS emphasizes Preparation, Planning, and Practice to enhance your safety, knowledge, and confidence on the water.
01
Docking & Departure
Engine room checks, dock line order, spring lines, floating vs. fixed docks, close-quarters handling.
02
Running Your Boat
Channel markers, trim tabs, right of way, VHF radio etiquette, man overboard drill.
03
Anchoring
Scope, setting and weighing the hook, anchor lights, bridle use, first mate communication.
04
Trip Planning
Weather apps, distance planning, ports of call, marina reservations.
05
Captain's Log
Maintenance records, fuel burn, travel logs, marina notes — protects your investment.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do in the terrifying event that your own captain has been injured or suffers a medical emergency. Your decisions and actions as the First Mate matter.
Let OCS bolster your knowledge and confidence. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
NOW OFFERING OWNER-ASSISTED DELIVERY
NOW OFFERING OWNER-ASSISTED DELIVERY
Get your boat home, and learn her on the way.
Get your boat home, and learn her on the way.
Owner-assisted delivery combines an over-water boat delivery with on-water coaching from a USCG Master Captain. Hire the run, learn the boat, finish the trip knowing how she handles.
TESTIMONIALS
What they're saying
Tom has an outstanding curriculum to get brand new power boaters comfortable, knowledgable, competent and safety conscious with their new boat. He is very patient and thorough, and I can tell he loves what he does. I highly, highly recommend this captain to get you comfortable with your new boat!
Craig Kelly
"Along with a personality geared towards being driven for success, Tom is a unique individual who provides both hands-on leadership and the inspiration to accomplish anything in front of him."
Jason Schmitt
Director, Danis Construction
"Moving from an outboard to my first Sea Ray cruiser was a big jump, especially with no experience on Lake Erie. Captain Tom Ketelhut helped me bring the boat from Cleveland to Detroit and was a total pro. When the swells picked up, he stayed calm and walked me through I/O handling and navigation right in the middle of the chop. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to get us home safely. I highly recommend him"
Paul Cooper
TESTIMONIALS
What they're saying
Tom has an outstanding curriculum to get brand new power boaters comfortable, knowledgable, competent and safety conscious with their new boat. He is very patient and thorough, and I can tell he loves what he does. I highly, highly recommend this captain to get you comfortable with your new boat!
Craig Kelly
"Along with a personality geared towards being driven for success, Tom is a unique individual who provides both hands-on leadership and the inspiration to accomplish anything in front of him."
Jason Schmitt
Director, Danis Construction
"Moving from an outboard to my first Sea Ray cruiser was a big jump, especially with no experience on Lake Erie. Captain Tom Ketelhut helped me bring the boat from Cleveland to Detroit and was a total pro. When the swells picked up, he stayed calm and walked me through I/O handling and navigation right in the middle of the chop. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to get us home safely. I highly recommend him"
Paul Cooper
RESOURCES
Latest From the Helm
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
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©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved