— WHAT'S INCLUDED
What You'll Learn
The First Mate Coaching Package covers everything the person beside the captain needs to know, from the basics of line handling to what to do if the captain is suddenly unable to perform their duties.
On Deck
You are the boss on deck. That means knowing when to wear your PFD and setting the example for everyone else on board. It means understanding the captain's intentions before you leave the dock, so you're never guessing. It means knowing the correct order of line removal on exit and line attachment on entry, how to prepare fenders for floating versus fixed docks, how to properly tie off to a cleat or dock pole, and why the spring line matters more than most first mates realize. It also means being the captain's eyes; calling out distances, obstacles, and anything they can't see from the helm.
At the Dock
Dock hands are trying to help. A prepared first mate knows how to direct them clearly and confidently so the approach goes smoothly for everyone involved. That coordination is one of the most visible differences between a polished crew and a chaotic one.
On the Water
First Mate Coaching covers marine radio operation for coordinating bridge openings and harbor arrivals, trip planning fundamentals, understanding landmarks for time and distance, and filing a float plan. These aren't advanced topics, they're the building blocks of being a genuinely useful crew member on any voyage.
In an Emergency
This is the part of the program that sets it apart from anything else available in this region. If the captain is suddenly unable to perform their duties, what happens next is entirely up to the first mate. This program prepares you for that moment: Covering radio operation, relaying your position, dropping anchor to prevent grounding or being pulled into a shipping channel, holding station while help is on the way, and if necessary, returning the vessel to a nearby dock.
