Captain Rick Mendez

Boating in New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Waterways for over 25 years

Safe Boating Certification Class
at the Williamsburg Yacht Club
with Captain Rick Mendez

Rick Mendez Training Flyer 2022 carefree

Click here to register for the 6/26 Safe Boating Certification Class at the Williamsburg Yacht Club

USCG Licensed Master Captain 100 ton Near Coastal
CPR- First Aid Certification AED
Boating Instructor: Docking, Navigation and Safety

For Private Lessons on your own boat or to coordinate a boat rental and a private lesson call or text Captain Rick directly at (718) 956-5000.

For NYS Safe Boating Certification classes, visit NYBoatSchool.com.

Captain Rick will be your instructor for our Semi-Private Powerboat Training Classes. His professional services include managing, transporting and chartering yachts. He serves as a private captain to yacht owners and provides training for docking, safety and navigation.

“I am very passionate about boating and have a great respect for the sea. Safety is very important to me as well as making sure you and your passengers have a pleasurable experience.”

When he is not busy as a professional Captain, he enjoys spending quality time on his 36’ yacht “Vida Loca” with his wife “The Admiral” and two Mermaids (1 & 5).

Powerboat Training

US Powerboating offers the Nation’s best and most comprehensive hands-on boating courses.

Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!

Classes offered

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Semi-Private Classes

New to boating? If you don’t have prior boating experience but you want to rent a boat on your own, these classes cover the hands on training to operate a boat and are required to reserve a rental.

Semi-private training classes can be taken on the same day or on different days and must be taken in the order of Boat Handling followed by Open Water. Class fee is $199/class per person. Successful completion of both classes is required if you have no prior boating experience and want to rent our 21′-27′ boats. Note: Your first few rentals may be limited to our 21′ boats.

Have some prior boating experience? If you have lake boating experience, want to get familiar with local waters or learn how to handle a boat larger than our 13′ Boston Whaler, these classes will improve your boating skills so you can rent all season long.

Click Here to Purchase Classes

Class Calendar

Semi-private classes have a $99 non-refundable fee for class attendee cancellations. There are no refunds in the the event LIBR needs to reschedule the class, only “store credit” for a future class in the same season. There are no “store credits” or refunds for no-show class attendees. Classes are held rain or shine unless the instructor deems the weather “unboatable” in which case you will have a credit on file for use at a later date.

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Tuesday or Thursday

Dockside Training
Pre-Departure Checks
Trip Planning and Navigation
Departing the Dock Safely
Driving the Boat
Maintaining Proper Lookout
Close Quarter Maneuvering
Reverse/Backing Up
Holding Position
Anchoring

Class Fee: $199/ person. Masks Required for All Classes.

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Tuesday or Thursday

Getting Underway
Planing and Speed Control
High-Speed Stops
Steering a Range
Crossing Wakes/Waves
Required Safety Equipment
Man Overboard (MOB)
Mooring Arrival and Approach
Returning to Dock
Securing the Boat

Class Fee: $199/ person. Masks Required for All Classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m new to boating and want to be able to take out a boat on my own. Where should I start?

If you have no prior boating experience, both of our semi-private classes, Boat Handing and then Open Water are required to rent a boat. These classes give you the hands-on experience we require with our boats 21′ or larger in coastal waters (Long Island Sound), knowledge of navigation rules, essential markers, U.S. Aids to Navigation System, plotting a course and navigating using marine GPS and practicing safety procedures in order to rent without a captain.

We recommend new boaters take a boating safety class online through US Power Squadron and watch US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Maneuvers Videos. This provides a great background of basic boating knowledge to jump-start your hands-on powerboat training with our semi-private classes.

The Safe Powerboat Handling Course is the most comprehensive and earns the student a State Boating Education Certificate. At this time we do not have plans to offer this course during the 2020 season.

Do I need a boating license to rent? I have my NY Safe Boating Certificate, do I need hands-on training?

The Safe Boating Certificate is a great place to start, just like getting a learner’s permit. When it’s time to learn how to drive, our semi-private classes get you familiar with our boats in our local waters, the same place you will be renting. Most new boaters are surprised by how much there is to learn and quickly realize the benefits of taking the classes with someone they will have on board. NYS Parks & Recreation FAQs About Boating has many answers to the basic requirements for boating and more helpful information.

Educated boaters are safer boaters, our favorite rental clients.

How can I register for a semi-private lesson or Safe Powerboat Handling Course?

You can view semi-private class availabilities and register for classes on our powerboat training page. Semi-private classes are offered in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays and have to be taken in the order of Boat Handing and then Open Water. They can be booked online up to an hour before the class starts. At this time we do not have plans to offer the Safe Powerboat Handling Course during the 2021 season. Both the Boat Handing and Open Water semi-private classes are required to rent a boat if you have no prior experience.

What is the cancellation policy for course?

Semi-private classes have a $99 non-refundable fee for class attendee cancellations. There are no refunds in the the event LIBR needs to reschedule the class, only “store credit” for a future class in the same season. There are no “store credits” or refunds for no-show class attendees. Classes are held rain or shine unless the instructor deems the weather “unboatable” in which case you will have a credit on file for use at a later date.

What is NASBLA? What does it mean to me?

NASBLA – National Association of State Boating Law Administrators – is the organization that unifies all the state curriculum and certifications. As a result of NY providing a NASBLA approved course, your New York Safe Boating Certification is recognized in Florida and many other states that have required Safety Certifications to operate powerboats. NASBLA outlines the necessary topics that need to be covered in Classroom only. NASBLA does not regulate any on-the-water training curriculum. The US POWERBOATING SAFE POWERBOAT HANDLING Certification and NEW YORK SAFE BOATING CERTIFICATE are NASBLA approved. Long Island Boat Rentals has our own hands-on, on-the-water, skills, knowledge and experience requirements beyond what is required by NASBLA in order to rent our boats 21′ or larger. No exceptions.

How many people are in a semi-private class? Can I bring my family?

The semi-private classes have room for 3 students. You can book all 3 spaces to have a class just for you and your family or friends. The cost is $199 per person, per class for a great educational experience and a fun boat ride! If you plan to boat with family and friends, it is safer to have them educated about what to do when they’re on board. It’s a great idea to book a class with your first mate.

Do I receive any certifications from semi-private classes?

No, certificates are not issued for taking semi-private classes. However, much of the knowledge and skills taught in the lessons come from of the same educational materials.

How many students are allowed in the semi-private training classes

We aim to deliver the best training and use of your time, with 3 students per class to ensure the safety of everyone and to keep you constantly engaged and learning.

What if the weather forecast is poor when my semi-private class is scheduled?

Semi-private classes go out, rain or shine. The Instructor will determine if the weather is “unboatable” and will prevent completing the necessary objectives of the course or lesson. You can always contact us at any time to confirm if the course or lesson is on. We will notify you regardless, please don’t assume we are canceling if there is inclement weather forecasted.

Captain Rick Mendez

Safe Boating Certification Class
at the Williamsburg Yacht Club
with Captain Rick Mendez

USCG Licensed Master Captain 100 ton Near Coastal

CPR- First Aid Certification AED

Boating Instructor: Docking, Navigation and Safety

Powerboat Training

Classes offered

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Semi-Private Classes

Class Calendar

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Tuesday or Thursday

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Tuesday or Thursday

Frequently Asked Questions

Powerboat Training Waitlist

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION

WE DELIVER!

Captain Rick Mendez

Safe Boating Certification Class at the Williamsburg Yacht Club with Captain Rick Mendez

USCG Licensed Master Captain 100 ton Near Coastal

CPR- First Aid Certification AED

Boating Instructor: Docking, Navigation and Safety

Powerboat Training

Classes offered

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Semi-Private Classes

Class Calendar

Boat Handling Session: 8:00am -11:00am

Tuesday or Thursday

Open-Water Session: 11:30am -2:30pm

Tuesday or Thursday

Frequently Asked Questions

Powerboat Training Waitlist

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION

WE DELIVER!

Safe Boating Certification Class
at the Williamsburg Yacht Club
with Captain Rick Mendez