Certifications

CERTIFICATION STUDY GUIDE

To qualify for chartering Aventura boats, it will be necessary for you to pass both written and on-the-water examinations. Aventura`s vessels are inboard auxiliaries with wheel steering and are berthed in slips with narrow channels. Check the slip maps and observe docking conditions personally if you have questions about what boat handling skills will be required of you.
The Standard Certification exams include information covered in Aventura’s Basic course and qualify you for chartering boats from 27-31 feet in length. Once you have 5 charters in this range, you may ask to be upgraded to 32 foot boats. To charter vessels in the Intermediate range of 33-34 feet requires at least 5 charters and passing an Intermediate examination on-the-water as contained in the Intermediate Certification course. There is no additional written examination for this.
Special Certification for vessels larger than 34 feet requires additional exams covering areas of advanced seamanship such as contained in Aventura`s Advanced Course and syllabus, Chapman’s classic “Sailing, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling”, and Colgate’s Basic and Cruising texts.
The most common method of certification is through Aventura’s regularly scheduled classes.
However:
1. If you believe that your boating experience adequately qualifies you to operate the specific vessels in the Aventura fleet without taking the class, you may challenge the class examinations and certify through private lessons.
2. If you have sailing knowledge and experience but your experience has not included the size or type of vessels in Aventura`s fleet, you must attend a “mini-class” consisting of the last two on-the-water sessions in the Basic Class [to 30'] or the entire Intermediate Class [to 34'].
3. Candidates for certification are normally allowed to retake the written examination if they fail to receive the required 90% score for certification. However, failure to make an 80% score indicates a serious lack of boating knowledge and will require attending class to become certified.
To assist you in preparing for your exams, the “Basic Syllabus” offers specific guidelines for Aventura boat operation, a course outline and sample exams. You may also pay to attend any individual class sessions which you feel may benefit you.
At some point prior to your first charter, you must attend one of the regularly scheduled meetings with the Operations Manager or his staff. This meeting, referred to as “lab 5", covers the operational aspects of chartering from our fleet.
When you are ready to certify, come to the Aventura office at any time during normal working hours and take the written exam. Please allow ½ hour for the Standard and 1½ hours for the Special certification exams. At that time you may also schedule for the on-the-water examination.

Good Luck!!

Q: How may I become eligible to upgrade to a larger boat?
A: In addition to the class, 5 charters in the current classification boat size (or equivalent) must be completed.

Q: Can I take the next level/upgrade class before I have the required 5 charters in my name?
A: Anyone can take any class at anytime for personal improvement or interest. You will not be certified for the next level until completion of the five charters.

Q: What does (or equivalent) experience mean?
A: Prior experience on comparable vessels with inboard engines and wheel steering. Notify the instructor during class for notation on Progress Card.

Q: Can I be downgraded if I have problems controlling my boat?
A: If at any time a member shows evidence of inability to control a boat, particularly during docking maneuvers, that member may be reduced to a lower classification level. Take clinics to avoid falling into this trap!