Your experience with online courses?

[john6206]

ASA offers online courses - at about $430 each!!! BUT you get a fancy sticker for your log when you are done.
Udemy has classes that seem to be directly ripped off of ASA for $15 each (Ace your ASA coastal navigation test . . . etc)
Boater's University (which is associated with Sail Mag) has classes running about $200 each

With Boat's U - you can get a "one year pass" for $400 - take as many classes as you want - that has an appeal.

I've signed up for the Udemy Coastal Nav class, waiting for my chart and tools to arrive by mail (sold separately).

While it's -5 Fahrenheit here in Ann Arbor, I'd like to take a marine diesel maintenance course, anchoring, underwater basket weaving, yoga . . .
learning is always a good thing.

Have you taken any online sailing classes? What was your experience.

 

[jssailem]

Online classes, books, YouTube videos, talking at the marina bar are all ways you can learn about sailing. Sports like sailing are learned by experiencing the activity. All other cerebral approaches will give you a glimpse, and are a great introduction. Until you experience the boat broaching because you have too much sail up, the warning “Reef early” is just words.

If you want to learn, get in a tippy small dinghy with a sail and get on the water.

You’ll make mistakes just like a toddler learning to walk. They are recoverable. They will instill muscle memory that will kick in as you explore bigger boats and open seas.

 

[john6206]

@jssailem
Just for clarity, I've been sailing for almost 30 years.

I'm thinking about buying my first non-trailerable boat, and before I make the jump there are things I'd like to learn. With diesel engine maintenance for example, I think some basic instruction is probably less expensive, less frustrating, and less dangerous than "making mistakes and recovering from them."

Two things that no one can away from you; a good education, and a good time.

 

[dLj]

It depends upon what you are looking to learn.

Anything related to actual boat handling, like anchoring, docking, sail handling, I feel are fairly limited in usefulness.

For other subjects such as navigation, chart reading, trip planning, lights and regulations, have a better end result.

There is no substitute for getting on a boat and having hands-on practice. You can study all you want off a boat, but in the middle of the night, and you see nothing but lights of another boat and you need to figure out what it is and what you need to do - all the on-line learning can do may help, but nothing compares to being there and doing it....

dj

 

[jssailem]

I can appreciate the needs to learn about systems on a boat. My diesel engine knowledge was enhanced by a community college course. Hands on learning. Getting oil and grease under my finger nails helped me understand and diagnose the issues that led to rebuilding my diesel.

 

[BigEasy]

I have taken online courses from US Power Squadron, ASA, & NauticEd. Good to have basic understanding before going aboard. Best to be familiar with effects of wind, current, prop walk, prop wash, & springlines before trying to dock. Makes the on water experience less daunting & easier to understand what you need to do to have success. Should follow up with on water instruction to complement online courses. Online weather course from US Power Squad is excellent as well as diesel mechanics.

 

[john6206]

Thanks @BigEasy
I hadn't considered US Power Squadron - I'll check them out.

By the way, sorry about the snow . . . I'll do my best to keep that crap up here where it belongs.

 

[BigEasy]

Thanks @BigEasy
I hadn't considered US Power Squadron - I'll check them out.
By the way, sorry about the snow . . . I'll do my best to keep that crap up here where it belongs.

Thanks! We can deal with it once every few years!!

 

[SFS]

@jssailem
...With diesel engine maintenance for example, I think some basic instruction is probably less expensive, less frustrating, and less dangerous than "making mistakes and recovering from them."...

Probably true with diesel maintenance, and possibly with navigation, as well as learning COLREGs.

Having said that, for the folks with less experience than you or me, I think what @jssailem meant above was that while in the small tippy dinghy with a sail, the mistakes made will be recoverable - not expensive or dangerous. You may get wet, and/or have to use a bailing bucket, but that's about the extent of it.

Or, as a buddy who is a long-time charter captain told my students one day: "In small boats, things happen fast and don't really matter much. In bigger boats, things happen more slowly, but are much more important, and usually involve insurance companies."

 

[Stu Jackson]

With diesel engine maintenance for example, I think some basic instruction is probably less expensive, less frustrating, and less dangerous than "making mistakes and recovering from them

The ONLY engine you need to learn about is the one in YOUR boat. Basic diesel concepts are book learnin' applicable to all small diesels. Details of differences are critical. I have a Universal which is different than a Yanmar, raw water and fresh water cooled engines are different Hands-on? ONLY your engine is worth the time and $$.

Two things that no one can away from you; a good education, and a good time.

True, with caveats as supplied by dLj in #4.

 

[william24424]

Unite States Coast Guard "Six Pack" is a very useful license that has allowed my wife & I to charter sailboats in Greece and Italy. You can also charter your own boat with license. (I don't) Mariners Learning System guarantees a pass. They use USCG approved materials, and help you study/pass exam.

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License) allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). limited to six paying passengers plus crew-hence the term "Six-Pack." This license is valid on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.

I highly recommend the class, even if you don't plan on chartering, you will gain an immense amount of knowledge.

OUPV/Six-Pack Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

Earn your "6-Pack License" with our online OUPV captain's license course. This program offers comprehensive training & access to USCG licensing experts.

marinerslearningsystem.com

 

[john6206]

Thanks @william24424

 

[JBP-PA]

Great Lakes Crusing Club School always has a variety of online classes during the cold months. They vary from onboard cooking, weather forecasting on the Great Lakes, Diesel Maintenance, History of Rum, etc. These are open to the public for a small fee and are free for members of GLCC. You can participate live or just watch the recording.

Class schedule

Our 2024-25 schedule is still growing every day. Be sure to check back to see the great webinars available for any and all cruisers of the Great Lakes.

www.glccschool.com

 

[john6206]

Hey Thanks @JBP-PA
Those look good - especially Jan 28th looks interesting.
I'm already pretty familiar with Traverse Bay, I should take that one just to see if I learn anything new.

 

[FastOlson]

Unite States Coast Guard "Six Pack" is a very useful license that has allowed my wife & I to charter sailboats in Greece and Italy. You can also charter your own boat with license. (I don't) Mariners Learning System guarantees a pass. They use USCG approved materials, and help you study/pass exam.

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License) allows the holder to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons (about 75-90 feet long). limited to six paying passengers plus crew-hence the term "Six-Pack." This license is valid on uninspected vessels to 100 gross tons.

I highly recommend the class, even if you don't plan on chartering, you will gain an immense amount of knowledge.

OUPV/Six-Pack Captain’s License - Online Course and Exam

Earn your "6-Pack License" with our online OUPV captain's license course. This program offers comprehensive training & access to USCG licensing experts.

marinerslearningsystem.com

I would recommend seriously looking into getting your Capt. license. While many of us have rolled our eyes at some of the semi-competent "captains" we have known over the decades, it's still a good way to learn/absorb the knowledge to go with your on-water experience.
Several of us have compared notes to marvel at how we all have the minimum plus plus of sea miles from 20 seasons of crewing on deliveries up n down the US West coast. But we never sat for the exam.
Now we are older and get less calls for help in the summers. While certainly not necessary to do those trips, it would be rather cool to have the actual USCG license.
And, it would be one more thing for your family to post along side the wilted flowers at your wake someday!

Seriously, the more formal education would be a nice addition to all those night watches we have all stood -- straining our mind to stay awake, and straining our vision to spot crab pot floats in the dark...!

 

[jssailem]

crab pot floats in the dark

Sure they keep me awake at night. Then there is the fear that the Crab King will appear.

 

[mistermike55]

I too would endorse the MLS program to attain the USCG '6-Pack' license. As an ASA instructor, I was required to obtain this status to support teaching paying customers on board sailboats. I used the Mariners Learning System (MLS) program, and that was adequately compehensive, though a bit watered-down, as their training content exactly mimics their exams. (They are authorized by the USCG to administer their exams as the actiual CG exams, all done on-line.) As others have mentioned, beyond the credential for commercial at-sea teaching, this 6-Pack license helps when looking to bareboat charter.
As for Online course, in general, I would say, they can be great for 'things you want to know', but for most 'things you want to do', e.g. diesel engine maintenance, coastal cruising, etc., I recommend the ASA (or other such) instructor-led hands-on courses. Beyond building the muscle memory for some activities, you learn from classmates' experiences and perspectives at no additional charge.

 

[john6206]

As a teacher, I've taken A LOT of online classes - chasing after renewing my certificate every 5 years for the last 35. I'm aware of the strengths and limitations of online format. I also taught a fair number of online classes during Covid lockdowns. I teach Middle School and High School Band . . . . try making THAT relevant online! ( I don't think I did too bad )

My brain gets older every year, and the best way to keep it young is to learn new things (I'm also attempting woodworking and ukulele . . . who knows - I might try guitar if uke goes well). I've always been a bit confused by some of the specifics of chart reading, dead reckoning, etc. I thought this online coastal nav class might be a good winter project.

In my 18' boat, we've never been out of sight of land - it's usually pretty easy to find our way back home. We might be having bigger adventures soon.

Bonus, my wife is taking the class with me.

I've got some criticisms of the (Udemy) class structure and style, but it was $15, and some of the other online versions of the same class were $400. In fairness, I think some of the expensive ones INCLUDED the chart and basic nav tools kit.

 

[john6206]

OK, now that I'm almost finished with my Udemy class, I'm prepared to say . . . wait for it (you're not going to believe this).

You get what you pay for.

There are numerous errors in this class. One problem includes "what buoy is approximately 3 miles East of your current position?
When we found no buoy there, we assumed we had done the problem incorrectly. No, we were exactly where the instructor was, the buoy was three miles WEST.

There were several problems where insufficient information was given to plot the course requested.
A couple times the instructor said, "when you've completed the problem, scroll down to check your solution."
It's a video . . . . you can't scroll down.

It's kind of a comedy of errors

BUT - I'll still say it was $15 and the ASA version is $420, and I'm reasonably confident I could use these skills in the real world.

The ASA version includes two textbooks, the chart, chart #1, an interactive component where you can "chat" with the instructor and with classmates, and includes both paper and electronic navigation. In short, one is an online class with instructor interaction and feedback, the other is a set of videos.

I'm pretty cheap, but if someone asked, I'd probably suggest they take the ASA version.
I still might.

 

[Urban Hermit]

Thanks @BigEasy
I hadn't considered US Power Squadron - I'll check them out.

By the way, sorry about the snow . . . I'll do my best to keep that crap up here where it belongs.

Second USPS. Excellent courses over a very wide range of subjects and good comradery and activities as well. And the least expensive you'll find -- just membership.