Frequently Asked Questions
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1. I'm interested in receiving
some instruction, what is the first thing that happens?
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| First we do a comprehensive telephone consultation
at no obligation to identify needs/goals, prioritize and
develop a strategy for the lesson. This ensures our time
on the water will be as productive as possible. If the
first mate is going to be on board, it is advisable to
have her / him included in consultation. |
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| 2. Where do you teach the instruction,
your boat or mine? |
| I come to your marina and do the instruction
on your vessel at the time of your choosing. If the boat
is trailered, we agree to meet at a specific launch ramp
at your convenience. |
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| 3. Do you drive the vessel and instruct
or do I drive? |
| You will drive 90% of the time we are underway.
I will be by your side the entire time to give guidance,
instruct and ensure safety. I will demonstrate things like close quarters
maneuvering / docking before turning over the helm to
you. |
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| 4. How long will it take to teach me
to competently operate my vessel? |
| Each client is different, each vessel is
different, each location is different and each marina
is different. I can give an estimate of how long it will
take to achieve desired results based on consultation,
but it depends on many (unforeseen) factors, so it should
be considered just that: An estimate. You can end instruction
at any time. There is no contract other than the 3-hour
minimum. |
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| 5. How long is a typical lesson? |
| A typical lesson lasts between 3 to 6 hours.
If it goes over four, we would probably take a one-hour
break for lunch. I have found that it is mentally very
fatiguing for most clients to go more than 4 hours without
a break. (Especially large yachts in close quarters maneuvering
/ docking.) |
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| 6. I have children, can I bring them
along? |
| Yes. But I highly recommend not doing so.
The value of the lesson will be diminished in direct proportion
to the number of children on board. |
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| 7. Please describe a typical lesson.
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| Usually the first thing we do is a simulated US Coast Guard / Pacific Powerboating safety check. Although I can't issue the sticker or document for passing the test, I can identify deficiencies on your vessel to be corrected before taking the test from either US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron thereby insuring you will pass first time. Next I do a machinery / systems orientation to identify all system components and how they operate and interact. Then I start instruction on the agreed upon proficiencies in order of your priority. |
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| 8. Is this a course or a lesson? |
| The instruction is a minimum three hour
lesson. I also have a course designed around the 10 core
competencies. In many cases, you can receive a discount
on your boat insurance after the completion of the 10 core
competencies. There is no obligation beyond the first
three hours and you can discontinue instruction at any
time. |
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| 9. What are the 10 core competencies? |
- Machinery
/ Systems Orientation
- Coast
Guard Requirements
- Close
Quarters Maneuvering / Docking
- Basic
Navigation
- Anchoring
- Rules
of the Road
- Safety
/ Courtesy
- VHF
Operation
- Lines
& Knots
- Man Overboard Procedures
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| 10. Do I need to contact my insurer to
make sure Pacific Powerboating instructors are covered?
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| Yes. Definitely. I cannot board your vessel
unless you are insured. Most insurers have no problem.
(After all, I am making you safer on the water and potentially
reducing claims for them!) Usually you are allowed to
have paid personnel on board for 15 days each year. Other
insurers just want to be informed. A few want you to take
out additional coverage for the duration of instruction
to cover your liability. (Sort of like getting auto insurance
for a few days in Mexico). |
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| 11. Do you charge by the person or the
boat? |
| I charge by the vessel, not by the person.
Including your first mate for the instruction is advised.
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| 12. Do you charge by the day, hour or
what? |
| I charge by the hour, ($70.00). There is
a three-hour minimum and a $30 travel fee. |
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| 13. How do I set up my first lesson? |
| Simply call us at 925-890-8428 or
e-mail us at kevin@pacificpowerboating.com
and I will do the rest. I require a Visa or M/C number
in order to confirm your reservation. You can pay by cash,
check or keep it on the card. |
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| 14. What happens if the weather doesn't
cooperate on the day we scheduled? |
| Naturally, if we encounter inclement weather
on the day of your lesson we will reschedule at no charge.
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| 15. What happens if I'm not satisfied? |
| Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you discover
that my boating instructions haven't improved your boating
techniques by the end of the instruction period, I will
charge you "0" for the lesson. |
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| 16. What is your cancellation policy? |
| I require a 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of appointment will
be subject to a $70.00 cancellation fee. However, I understand
some things are beyond your control and will work with
you and try rescheduling the lesson without charge. |
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| 17. Will I receive anything to show that
I have safely completed the boating lessons? |
| Only if you complete the 10 Core Competencies
Course. You will receive a Certificate of Completion and
a signed letter summarizing the competencies that have
been completed. This can be presented to your insurance
company for a possible insurance discount. |
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| 18. This would be perfect as a gift.
Can I get gift certificates? |
| Absolutely! I offer gift certificates in
denominations of hours of instruction. (Great for Christmas,
Chanukah, Valentine's Day, Mother / Father's Day and Birthdays.)
Simply call us at 925-890-8428 or e-mail us at
kevin@pacificpowerboating.com |
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| 19. Is Pacific Powerboating insured? |
| Yes. Pacific Powerboating is fully insured. |
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