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Intermediate powerboating

AB 103 Certification

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Our AB 103 Intermediate Powerboat course builds directly on the foundation of AB 101, preparing you to skipper larger vessels between 30 and 45 feet with confidence. Designed for students ready to progress beyond the basics, this course balances classroom instruction with extended time at the helm, giving you the tools to safely manage more complex boats in moderate conditions.

Classroom sessions focus on essential systems and seamanship skills—engine checks, battery and fuel management, weather interpretation, emergency procedures, and safe galley use. These lessons, guided by the Advanced Powerboating textbook, help you translate technical knowledge into practical decision-making.

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On the water, you’ll spend several hours each day practicing advanced handling techniques, including maneuvering in confined spaces, using spring lines, and navigating in unfamiliar harbors. Each exercise builds confidence in real-world scenarios while reinforcing safe docking, anchoring, and crew management.

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By the end of AB 103, you’ll not only be capable of piloting a larger recreational powerboat but also of managing its systems and responding effectively to unexpected challenges. Graduates are certified to operate vessels between 30 and 45 feet for single-day cruising, equipped with the seamanship, safety awareness, and technical knowledge needed to command with assurance.