This presentation takes the Emergency rather than the Hardware as the focal point and then discusses what you should have/use to deal with the problem. It covers a number of "typical" emergency situations that are apt to occur when boating including; Man-Over-Board, Distress Calling, Fire,Limited Medical/Injuries and Weather Awareness. It includes Equipment both on display for discussion and some demonstrations. Always there is ample opportunity to ask questions.

Designed for the owner/operator who takes, or would like to take a significant role in the maintenance of their yacht, this seminar will draw from documented maintenance history across a wide range of vessels and identify common equipment failures and failure modes found in trawler-style yachts. In addition, we will discuss maintainability issues found in existing builds that can be avoided if you are planning on purchasing/building a new yacht. The presentation will include actual failure data and photographs of common problems that can be improved on your current yacht and avoided on your next yacht.

Learn what yacht insurance is for, review the two different types of policies--named risk and all risk--and explain the differences between them. In easy to understand language, I will explain the implied warranties that most insured’s must follow in order to have coverage, even though those requirements are not written in their policies. I will then go through clauses found in most policies and give an overview of what those clauses mean and what property or liability risks they cover. I will explain to the audience how to negotiate with their insurance company for better terms and conditions. I will then detail the “exclusions” that most policies contain and explain how some policies will differ concerning their exclusions. Lastly, I will open the discussion up to answer any questions concerning marine insurance and marine law.

Making certain your vessel is seaworthy, reliable and thus safe is your responsibility. You do everything you can in advance of getting under way to ensure a trouble free cruise. When something goes wrong, however, will you be prepared with the right parts, tools and techniques? In this interactive presentation PMM’s Tech Editor Steve D’Antonio, will indoctrinate attendees in the art of being prepared for systems and equipment failures. The presentation will include specific guidance on tool selection, spare parts and troubleshooting techniques and how, with a little preparation cruisers can meet and overcome these challenges.

Helping you shop for a trawler and prepare for ownership whether you are buying new or used. Important aspects to consider – What styling, design and layout work for you? How much time will you spend aboard? Where will you cruise? How much will it cost? Suggestions on how you can prepare for ownership (classes to take - weather, diesel engines, navigation, licensing, etc…) web site resources and reading materials will be reviewed. Plus, behind the scenes tips from an industry veteran who will explain how the searching, buying and owning process work - contract, deposits, survey/sea trial, closing etc…, so that you can go into this process with a strong understanding of what to expect and what to look for.

What are all those symbols on your charts? What do they mean? How do you know what to do when another boat is coming at you? This seminar will offer answers to these questions, and more! Learn how to get the most out of your charts, how to recognize landmarks and markers, and how to use them to help you know where you are. Learn the Rules of the Road and what to do about all the traffic that is out there with you.

Have you ever thought, “Why can’t my boat be as reliable and trouble-free as my Lexus or Mercedes”. As the manager of a busy boat yard for over a decade I’ve heard that comment countless times. While the marine industry may never reach the point of “Lexus-ization”, there’s a lot that can be done to improve vessel reliability and the bulk of this effort starts with improved attention to detail. Thorough attention to detail on the part of the folks working on your boat makes all the difference to in the world when it comes to reliability, safety, seaworthiness and cost of ownership. In this interactive, image-intensive session delivered by PassageMaker’s Technical Editor, and resident attention to detail fanatic, Steve D’Antonio, you’ll be introduced to many of the seemingly small but maddeningly common faults, defects, errors and oversights that occur every day in the boat building and repair trades. Steve will photographically detail each one of these issues while explaining the methods you can use to identify them in a vessel you own or are intending to buy. The session’s interactive, so questions and comments are welcome.

In the subject of cruising, one should look at the vessel critically. Can you get the vessel back to the dock if something breaks? What are the critical items on your vessel, and do you need spare parts? Learn how to plan for cruising and the issues that can come about on your journey.

This couples-oriented session offers tricks and tips on boat handling with an emphasis on team work. The husband and wife team of Captains Chris and Alyse Caldwell will teach you how to formulate a plan and effectively communicate together while cruising. Audience participation and Training include: Communicating, Vessel Systems Review, Docking Pointers about fixed and floating docks, Anchor Techniques, Basic Maintenance, Navigation and Trip Planning. In addition to boat handling, these are all important experiences to master as a couple. This unique interactive classroom session allow us to review the essentials of navigation come rain or shine. We share what works in the real world...and sometimes what doesn't.

Whether you have a Ford Lehman engine, Perkins, John Deere, Cummins, or Yanmar, the power supply of your boat is the most critical piece of equipment on board. If you have questions about parts, service, maintenance, or why it makes a certain sound, Bob Smith, developer of the Ford Lehman, can help. He will share his years of hands-on experience and expertise in a relaxed and conversational way. This is a practical session, so bring your questions and learn the answers.

This is a practical, fun, interactive session on how to equip and use the human body repair kit to maintain good health and treat common injuries and illness. You can’t afford to miss this seminar- learn how to take care of yourselves and your crew while underway as well as you would take care of your engine.

Kim Petersen helped build a 65 foot power catamaran and has lived aboard with her husband and two teenagers for over 5 years. In 2007, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean in their home-made cat and spent two years cruising the Mediterranean including Egypt and Israel. In this class, open to men and women, Kim will seek to inspire you with her own story, one that includes no prior nautical knowledge and a hearty fear of the water. If you are uncertain or have questions about living on the water, this is the class for you! Believing both education and preparation are the best defenses against worry, Kim will supply you with resources and tips for conquering water based fears surrounding change, weather, pirates, and anchoring. In addition, challenges like living in tight quarters, organization/provisioning, finances, and general preparation for offshore passagemaking, will be discussed from a woman's perspective. Whether you live aboard for a weekend or for a year, the rewards of travelling, facing your fears, living a simpler lifestyle, and making lasting memories with those you love will have you shoving off the dock in no time.

Learn the importance of checking engine systems each day, parts, pieces, and related systems. Know where things are located, what they look like, and how they work.

Close quarters maneuvering can be a real challenge and a bit stressful. Unfortunately, you have little time and room for mistakes. This seminar will help you visualize what your boat is about to do and why. With this in mind, you will be better able to plan and execute your maneuvers. While every boat is a bit unique, understanding the underlying factors will help you get the most out of your boat and increase your comfort level. This seminar is an excerpt from a United States Power Squadrons mini-course and will be taught by Bob Sweet, author of Powerboat Handling Illustrated, (McGraw-Hill, 2007) and Asst. National Educational Officer of USPS.

Learn how to select your perfect dinghy- Is it hard to decide inflatable vs. RIB vs. rowing pram? How do you plan to use your dinghy? What size and passenger limit do you need? How fast do you want to go? Center console or tiller control of an outboard? Store it aboard on roof top? Swim platform? Cockpit? How will you launch it? Dinghy etiquette for cruising anchorages and crowded dinghy docks. Practical knowledge that will keep your crew happy. Learn all this and more from Captain Chris Caldwell a seasoned cruiser who started out just like you.

Navigation has change markedly over the past few years impacted largely by new electronic tools. This session talks about the latest in what’s available, and how to use them to your advantage. Does AIS make sense for you, and which one? Learn about advances in radar and radio. Does digital radar make a difference? How do I get the most out of DSC? Chartplotters and digital charting software continues to advance – what’s useful for me? What’s new in electronic compasses and autopilot systems? We’ll discuss these and your questions.

The Chesapeake Bay, a protected estuary with 11,000 miles of shoreline, countless rivers and bays, unspoiled towns, friendly people and affordable prices, is recognized as one of the worlds top boating destinations. Jack Dozier, publisher and owner of Waterway Guide and Skipper Bob and owner of two marinas on the Bay, grew up boating on the Chesapeake and after 60 years it remains his favorite cruising ground. Jack will provide advice, tips and his recommendations on navigation, anchoring, favorite ports and cruise itineraries to help you experience life on the Bay like a native.

Distinguished Yachtsman and Naval Architect will discuss innovations up to now on yachts and boats most people have never heard of. The pros and cons of new ideas and designs using new technology, hull styles, designs and drives will all be covered.