First Mate Coaching
The best captains have great first mates. Let's build yours.
Look closely the next time a boat executes a clean docking maneuver. Nine times out of ten, there's a confident, prepared first mate working the lines, managing the dock hands, and staying one step ahead of the captain's next move. Most boating programs train the captain. This one trains the person who makes the captain look good.
First Mate Coaching
The best captains have great first mates. Let's build yours.
Look closely the next time a boat executes a clean docking maneuver. Nine times out of ten, there's a confident, prepared first mate working the lines, managing the dock hands, and staying one step ahead of the captain's next move. Most boating programs train the captain. This one trains the person who makes the captain look good.
First Mate Coaching
The best captains have great first mates. Let's build yours.
Look closely the next time a boat executes a clean docking maneuver. Nine times out of ten, there's a confident, prepared first mate working the lines, managing the dock hands, and staying one step ahead of the captain's next move. Most boating programs train the captain. This one trains the person who makes the captain look good.
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
FIRST MATE COACHING
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for the spouse, partner, family member, or regular crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. You don't need any prior boating experience. What you need is a willingness to learn and a captain who will be glad you did. First Mate Coaching is also a strong standalone choice for anyone who crews regularly on other people's boats and wants to show up more prepared, more capable, and more valuable on deck.
FIRST MATE COACHING
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for the spouse, partner, family member, or regular crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. You don't need any prior boating experience. What you need is a willingness to learn and a captain who will be glad you did. First Mate Coaching is also a strong standalone choice for anyone who crews regularly on other people's boats and wants to show up more prepared, more capable, and more valuable on deck.
FIRST MATE COACHING
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for the spouse, partner, family member, or regular crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. You don't need any prior boating experience. What you need is a willingness to learn and a captain who will be glad you did. First Mate Coaching is also a strong standalone choice for anyone who crews regularly on other people's boats and wants to show up more prepared, more capable, and more valuable on deck.
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.
01
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.
02
At the Dock
03
On the Water
04
In an Emergency
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.
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.
01
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.
02
At the Dock
03
On the Water
04
In an Emergency
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.
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.
01
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.
02
At the Dock
03
On the Water
04
In an Emergency
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.
"The couple arguing at the dock in front of the whole marina — that's a training problem. This program solves it."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"The couple arguing at the dock in front of the whole marina — that's a training problem. This program solves it."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"The couple arguing at the dock in front of the whole marina — that's a training problem. This program solves it."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
HOW IT WORKS
How It Works
Our delivery process is simple and transparent:
Schedule
Reach out and tell us a little about your situation — your boat, your experience level, and what you're hoping to get out of the program. Captain Tom will walk you through what to expect.
Get on the Water
First Mate Coaching is hands-on and conducted on your vessel in your home waters. There's no classroom, no manual to memorize. You learn by doing.
Put It to Work
By the end of the program you'll have the skills, the instincts, and the confidence to be the first mate your captain has always needed. The next time you leave the dock, it will show.
HOW IT WORKS
How It Works
Our delivery process is simple and transparent:
Schedule
Reach out and tell us a little about your situation — your boat, your experience level, and what you're hoping to get out of the program. Captain Tom will walk you through what to expect.
Get on the Water
First Mate Coaching is hands-on and conducted on your vessel in your home waters. There's no classroom, no manual to memorize. You learn by doing.
Put It to Work
By the end of the program you'll have the skills, the instincts, and the confidence to be the first mate your captain has always needed. The next time you leave the dock, it will show.
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed — but this program is about the person standing beside the captain.
Behind every clean docking maneuver I've ever watched, there was a great first mate. Most people think captains are the ones making it look easy. They're wrong. The captain makes a hundred decisions a minute. The first mate is the one turning those decisions into action — on deck, on the dock, and on the radio. 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, and I've seen firsthand what happens when a first mate is prepared — and what happens when they aren't. This program is built to put you in the first category, regardless of your experience level when you start.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed — but this program is about the person standing beside the captain.
Behind every clean docking maneuver I've ever watched, there was a great first mate. Most people think captains are the ones making it look easy. They're wrong. The captain makes a hundred decisions a minute. The first mate is the one turning those decisions into action — on deck, on the dock, and on the radio. 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, and I've seen firsthand what happens when a first mate is prepared — and what happens when they aren't. This program is built to put you in the first category, regardless of your experience level when you start.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed — but this program is about the person standing beside the captain.
Behind every clean docking maneuver I've ever watched, there was a great first mate. Most people think captains are the ones making it look easy. They're wrong. The captain makes a hundred decisions a minute. The first mate is the one turning those decisions into action — on deck, on the dock, and on the radio. 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, and I've seen firsthand what happens when a first mate is prepared — and what happens when they aren't. This program is built to put you in the first category, regardless of your experience level when you start.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior boating experience?
No. This program is built for the spouse, partner, family member, or crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. Whether you've been on the boat for years or you're brand new, the program meets you where you are.
Is this only for people on the Great Lakes?
The program is delivered in the Great Lakes region, but the skills you'll learn — line handling, VHF radio, emergency protocols, float plan filing — apply anywhere there's water. First mates who've completed the program have taken those skills to the Intracoastal, the Caribbean, and beyond.
My captain is very experienced. Do I really need this?
Experienced captains benefit the most from a trained first mate. A confident captain paired with a capable first mate runs a cleaner, safer, more enjoyable boat than either one alone. This isn't about making up for your captain's shortcomings — it's about matching their level.
What if the captain really did have a medical emergency? Could I actually handle it?
That's exactly what the emergency module is built around. You'll learn radio operation, how to relay your position, when and how to drop anchor to prevent grounding, holding station while help arrives, and if necessary, returning the vessel to a nearby dock. It's the kind of knowledge you hope you never need — and the kind you're very grateful for if you do.
Is this something we do together, or just me?
Both work. The program is designed to be delivered directly to the first mate, but many captains choose to be on board during the sessions — both to reinforce what's being taught and to build shared vocabulary for the situations they'll face together. Either way is welcome.
How long does the program take?
Most first mates complete the core material in two or three sessions on the water. Some return for a refresher at the start of a new season or before a big trip. We'll build a plan that fits your schedule and your goals.
Is this really the only program like it on the Great Lakes?
Yes. Coaching programs for captains are everywhere — programs specifically designed for the first mate are rare nationally and essentially nonexistent in this region. That's not marketing language, it's just the state of the market.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior boating experience?
No. This program is built for the spouse, partner, family member, or crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. Whether you've been on the boat for years or you're brand new, the program meets you where you are.
Is this only for people on the Great Lakes?
The program is delivered in the Great Lakes region, but the skills you'll learn — line handling, VHF radio, emergency protocols, float plan filing — apply anywhere there's water. First mates who've completed the program have taken those skills to the Intracoastal, the Caribbean, and beyond.
My captain is very experienced. Do I really need this?
Experienced captains benefit the most from a trained first mate. A confident captain paired with a capable first mate runs a cleaner, safer, more enjoyable boat than either one alone. This isn't about making up for your captain's shortcomings — it's about matching their level.
What if the captain really did have a medical emergency? Could I actually handle it?
That's exactly what the emergency module is built around. You'll learn radio operation, how to relay your position, when and how to drop anchor to prevent grounding, holding station while help arrives, and if necessary, returning the vessel to a nearby dock. It's the kind of knowledge you hope you never need — and the kind you're very grateful for if you do.
Is this something we do together, or just me?
Both work. The program is designed to be delivered directly to the first mate, but many captains choose to be on board during the sessions — both to reinforce what's being taught and to build shared vocabulary for the situations they'll face together. Either way is welcome.
How long does the program take?
Most first mates complete the core material in two or three sessions on the water. Some return for a refresher at the start of a new season or before a big trip. We'll build a plan that fits your schedule and your goals.
Is this really the only program like it on the Great Lakes?
Yes. Coaching programs for captains are everywhere — programs specifically designed for the first mate are rare nationally and essentially nonexistent in this region. That's not marketing language, it's just the state of the market.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior boating experience?
No. This program is built for the spouse, partner, family member, or crew member who wants to move from passenger to active participant. Whether you've been on the boat for years or you're brand new, the program meets you where you are.
Is this only for people on the Great Lakes?
The program is delivered in the Great Lakes region, but the skills you'll learn — line handling, VHF radio, emergency protocols, float plan filing — apply anywhere there's water. First mates who've completed the program have taken those skills to the Intracoastal, the Caribbean, and beyond.
My captain is very experienced. Do I really need this?
Experienced captains benefit the most from a trained first mate. A confident captain paired with a capable first mate runs a cleaner, safer, more enjoyable boat than either one alone. This isn't about making up for your captain's shortcomings — it's about matching their level.
What if the captain really did have a medical emergency? Could I actually handle it?
That's exactly what the emergency module is built around. You'll learn radio operation, how to relay your position, when and how to drop anchor to prevent grounding, holding station while help arrives, and if necessary, returning the vessel to a nearby dock. It's the kind of knowledge you hope you never need — and the kind you're very grateful for if you do.
Is this something we do together, or just me?
Both work. The program is designed to be delivered directly to the first mate, but many captains choose to be on board during the sessions — both to reinforce what's being taught and to build shared vocabulary for the situations they'll face together. Either way is welcome.
How long does the program take?
Most first mates complete the core material in two or three sessions on the water. Some return for a refresher at the start of a new season or before a big trip. We'll build a plan that fits your schedule and your goals.
Is this really the only program like it on the Great Lakes?
Yes. Coaching programs for captains are everywhere — programs specifically designed for the first mate are rare nationally and essentially nonexistent in this region. That's not marketing language, it's just the state of the market.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready to become the first mate captains dream about?
This program changes the dynamic on board from the very first session. Reach out and let's get started.
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?
Ready to become the first mate captains dream about?
This program changes the dynamic on board from the very first session. Reach out and let's get started.
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?
Ready to become the first mate captains dream about?
This program changes the dynamic on board from the very first session. Reach out and let's get started.
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
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©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
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©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
