One Standard, Paced to the Boater
Every boater is evaluated against the same Trusted Boater assessment standard. What changes is time on the water — not the standard. Less-experienced boaters may need more time to demonstrate the required skills; experienced boaters demonstrate the same competencies more efficiently.
Prep Builds the Skill. An Assessment Proves It.
A boating education certificate shows that someone has successfully completed a training course. The Trusted Boater assessment verifies that the individual can demonstrate practical boating skills on the water.
Assessment Prep
Build the skill.
Professional instruction helps boaters develop the skills needed to operate confidently and safely.
Assessment
Verify the skill.
A standardized on-water assessment documents demonstrated competency against an established assessment standard.
Simple. Standardized. Verifiable.
Assess
A vetted professional captain evaluates demonstrated on-water skills.
Verify
Competency is evaluated against the Trusted Boater assessment standard.
Document
The assessment result, vessel class, date and assessor are recorded.
Share
Authorized partners can verify assessment status digitally.
The Assessment Matches the Vessel
Small Boats · Under 26 ft
- ✓ Pre-departure & safety checks
- ✓ Close-quarters handling
- ✓ Navigation & rules of the road
- ✓ Safety-equipment familiarization
- ✓ Emergency preparedness
Large Boats · 26–64 ft
Everything in the small-boat assessment, plus:
- ✓ Docking & maneuvering in varying conditions
- ✓ Vessel systems & situational awareness
- ✓ Handling characteristics of larger vessels
- ✓ Risk management for larger vessels
The right assessor for the right vessel. Each boater is assessed by a vetted captain qualified for the appropriate vessel class.
What You Keep
Authorized partners can verify your assessment through a secure portal.
Professional assessments require professional assessors . . .
54%
More than half of our assessors are former military, law enforcement or first responders.
Ready to Get Assessed?
Whether you're a boater looking to verify your skills or an organization looking for a standardized on-water competency program, Trusted Boater can help.