March 2026 Edition: Issue #22 of Our Boating Newsletter
Welcome to our March Edition!
Ahoy, Reader!
Spring is almost here — and it’s time to get back on the water.
Whether you’re brushing up on skills, preparing for a new boating career, or planning your next adventure, exciting opportunities are lining up.
In this issue:
- Expert tips to avoid costly pre-season mistakes
- Final reminder: 15% course promotion ends March 16
- Recreational and professional course highlights
- Charters opening soon
- Private lessons launching this spring
Now is the perfect time to lock in your plans for an unforgettable season.
Let’s dive in. 🚤⚓
📖 Boating Tips & Insights: Avoid Costly Pre-Season Mistakes
Before you launch this season, ask yourself:
- Is your insurance requiring updated training?
- Have you practiced docking since last summer?
- Are your systems and safety equipment up to date?
- Does everyone onboard know their emergency role?
Small oversights now can turn into major expenses later.
A little preparation protects your entire season.
⏰ Final Call: 15% OFF Courses — Ends March 16
We extended this early-season promotion — this is the final call.
15% OFF all classes and private lessons
Promo Code: 15OFF2026
Expires: March 16
This incentive will not be repeated this spring.
If training is on your list, now is the time.
🚤 Recreational Training: Start the Season Strong
⚓ US Powerboating – Start Powerboating Right!
Safe Powerboat Handling (NASBLA Approved)
A 16-hour, 2-day classroom + on-the-water course designed for:
- First-time boaters
- New boat owners
- Anyone wanting to improve boat handling
No experience required.
Covers:
- Docking & close-quarters maneuvering
- Navigation rules & aids to navigation
- Person-in-water recovery
- Anchoring & systems
- Weather & preparation
✔ US Sailing / US Powerboating Certification
✔ State Boating Education Card
✔ On-the-water portion can be scheduled on your boat
Upcoming sessions begin April 25.
🌊 NSBC Certified On-Water Training Modules
Focused, 3-hour hands-on training:
- Intro to Boating
- Precision Docking
- Open Water Handling
Advanced Maneuvering
Take one or complete all four.
Modules begin in May.
🛥 RI & MA 1-Day Boater Safety Course
8-hour classroom course preparing you for the RI or MA boating exam.
✔ Same-day exam
✔ Application submission included
✔ Insurance discounts may apply
Next class: March 15
👩✈️ Women In-Command
A one-day program (4 hours classroom + 3 hours on-water) designed to build:
- Docking confidence
- Radio & emergency readiness
- Seamanship knowledge
- Active crew or captain capability
All-female instruction. Supportive environment. Real skills.
May sessions are filling now.
Private groups of 4 available upon request.
🧭 Dock-Pro: Conquer Docking Anxiety
A focused 3-hour on-the-water lesson covering:
- Close-quarters maneuvering
- Wind & current adjustments
- Fender & line setup
- Crew communication
Available on our boats — or yours.
Spring sessions begin April 25.
🌍 Powerboat Cruising + IPC Certification
Planning to charter internationally?
Our 5-day Basic + Inshore + Night Operations course qualifies you to apply for your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
Conducted aboard a Sabre 36 Express.
Next session: May 18–22
🛥 New Owner Training: Protect Your Investment
Buying or upgrading your boat?
Insurance companies often require formal training — and even if they don’t, your confidence will.
We design custom programs tailored to your boat, including:
- Rules of the Road
- Systems & safety walkthroughs
- Docking & low-speed maneuvering
- Open-bay cruising
- Anchoring & shore power transitions
Experienced across:
- Single & twin screw
- Thrusters & joystick controls
- Pod drives (IPS & Zeus)
Training built around your boat and your goals.
📞 401-4SAFETY
📩 info@incommandri.com
🔎 Bow-to-Stern Dockside Assessment
A 3-hour dockside evaluation with a USCG Licensed Captain covering:
- Vessel systems
- Propulsion & charging systems
- Electronics & radar
- Safety equipment
- Dock line configuration
- Fueling & water procedures
An optional 3-hour on-water add-on is available.
If you want confidence before launch day, this is where it begins.
🎯 Private One-on-One Skill Development
On Our Boats
2-hour private sessions to improve:
- Docking confidence
- Close-quarters handling
- Decision-making & control
Instructor & fuel included.
On Your Boat
Custom 3-hour (power) or 4-hour (sail) instruction tailored to your vessel:
- Twin screw handling
- Joystick maneuvering
- Thruster techniques
- Docking & crew communication
Confidence on your boat matters most.
|
⚓ Professional Courses: Turn Experience Into Opportunity
Thinking about taking boating beyond recreation?
Now is the time — before the season fills up.
🧑✈️ OUPV / 6-Pack License + Application Assistance
Our USCG MMC License Assistance Program includes:
✔ 30-minute pre-course consultation
✔ 2 hours post-course personal assistance
✔ License level evaluation
✔ Forms, documentation & checklist review
✔ Ongoing NMC clarification support
Price: $195
Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of the OUPV course.
Professional licensing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
🚤 Launch Operator – U.S. Coast Guard
16-hour, 2-day course meeting USCG requirements for:
- Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- Launch Tender Service (Inland Waters)
Next session: April 12 & 19
Ideal for marinas, yacht clubs, and waterfront employers.
🌊 Launch Operator Lab
On-the-water professional refinement covering:
- Passenger loading
- Dock approach
- Mooring transfers
- Wind & tide management
- Professional communication
Available individually or as a discounted package with licensing.
🌊 Wickford Boat Rentals: Spring Is Opening
The weather is shifting — and boats will be in the water soon.
⚓ Captain’s Club
Designed for boaters who want:
- Priority booking
- Flexible options
- Exclusive savings
- First access to premium vessels
Membership levels available now for 2026.
🚤 Bareboat Charters Opening Soon
Multi-day charters aboard:
Charter Requirements:
- Prior experience
OR
- Completion of Powerboat Cruising Course
Spring dates are already booking.
📢 Referral Bonus
Refer a friend to Captain’s Club:
- Earn 10% off your next rental or training
Current members receive:
- 10% off their first rental of the season
Boating is better with friends.
📖 Must-Read Blog Posts
🚢 The Season Is Almost Here
- Boats launch mid-April.
- Lessons begin soon.
- Charters are opening.
- Discount ends March 16.
- Train now → cruise all season confidently.
See you on the water.
📣 Stay Connected
- Blog updates
- Course announcements
- Anniversary content
- Fleet reveals
🌟 Share the Joy of Boating!
If you love what we do, why not share the experience with friends and family? By sharing this newsletter, you can invite them to join our warm and welcoming community of boating enthusiasts.
We’re passionate about building a vibrant community; your referrals mean the world to us. Together, let’s make 2026 our best season yet!
We Want to Hear From You! Choose Your Interests!
Thank you for being part of our boating community! We're thrilled to have you on board and excited to share our passion for the sea and boating with you.
To ensure we send you the most relevant information, please let us know what you're most interested in:
- All Things Boating: Why choose? Get updates from Wickford Boat Rentals, In-Command Seamanship Training, and Rhumb Line Outfitters. Don't miss out on anything!
- In-Command Seamanship Training: Receive updates on our seamanship courses, certification programs, and expert tips to enhance your maritime skills.
- Wickford Boat Rentals: Stay informed about our latest boat rentals, special offers, and exclusive deals, perfect for your next adventure on the water.
- Rhumb Line Outfitters: Get updates on our sustainable boating fashion and special offers. All our garments are 100% designed, sourced, printed, and shipped within the U.S.A.
How to Update Your Preferences:
Scroll to the bottom of any email you receive from us and update your preferences to select the option that best suits your interests.
Thank you for your time, and thanks for being part of our community!
|
Feedback: We'd love to hear your thoughts! Hit reply and share your feedback to help us improve our newsletters.
Stay Connected
LinkedIn
In-Command Training
|
|
LinkedIn
Wickford Boat Rentals
|
Your journey on the water is important to us, and we're here to support every step of the way. Whether you're charting a course toward professional boating or enjoying the seas recreationally, In-Command Seamanship Training and Wickford Boat Rentals are your trusted partners.
We're just an email or phone call away for any questions or to register for our courses and rentals. Here's to smooth sailing and the adventures ahead!
Warm regards,
The Team at In-Command Seamanship Training & Wickford Boat Rentals
Captain Carol Beecher, carol@incommandri.com
Captain Dave Fetherston, dave@wickfordboatrentals.com