On The Water (OTW) Training

Welcome to On The Water Training

What exactly is On The Water Training (OTW)? SJDPS offers two programs, similar yet dfferent. Our OTW I class focuses on training spouse, significant others, older children, or close friends who boat with the skipper on a regular basis how to handle the boat in the case of an emergency or in the event that the skipper is unable to command the vessel. The course addresses the basics of boat handling and things they should know or be aware of in the event that the skipper becomes unable to handle the boat due to injury, illness, or medical emergencies. The class is divided into both classroom sessions and on-the-water training with instructors proficient in all areas of boating.
The class room sessions include focus on life jackets and man overboard, anchoring, VHF radio procedures, signaling, first aid, boat handling in the Bay and Delta, pollution control and how to tie your boat to the dock (knots). The on-the-water portion of the class is just that, on the water. Instructors proficient in boat handling will accompany the students out on the water and go through a series of exercises designed to teach the students how to competently and safely maneuver their particular vessel. During this time, the skipper becomes first mate, line handler, gofer, etc. and only gets to offer input if the instructor deems it necessary. He actually does get to offer words of wisdom before the boat leaves the dock in case there is something particular to his boat that both the instructor and student need to know. Areas covered during this time include moving the boat forward, backwards, using the transmissions to turn the boat in either direction, pivot points, the effects of wind and current, docking (both side to dock and sterning in), anchoring, radio communications, electronics use, and much more. By the time the session is over, the student should be very comfortable in numerous situations.

Our OTW II program is similar in content, however, it is in much more detail. For larger boats it may entail going into the engine room and locating various pumps, tanks (water, fuel, holding, etc.), ball valves, battery chargers, navigation equipment such as auto pilot, depth finder sensors and any other items depending on the particular vessel. Knots, hitches, and lines are discussed including how to whip the end of a line. Also discussed are maintenance items such as records, impeller and fluid changes, etc. The use of any navigation equipment on board is also discussed. The end goal of OTW II is to make sure the skipper is completely comfortable with all aspects of his particular boat as well as handling the boat.

Program Criteria:
For both of our OTW programs, the instructor must be invited on board by the owner, the vessels must have current insurance and a current Vessel Safety Check (VSC), the weather must be suitable and life jackets must be worn while on the water. In the event that the vessel does not have a current VSC, we have instructors qualified as VSC examiners who are more than happy to perform an inspection prior to going out on the water.
These programs meet all of the requirements of published USPS OTW guidelines.