The course materials include both a 244-page full color manual and interactive "courseware". The
manual is your textbook, and the "courseware" is your virtual instructor. Both cover the same topics
but each in its own way. The manual includes extensive diagrams, graphics and boating tips. The
courseware is narrated and interactive, making use of animation, video, and sound. Both manual
and courseware provide review questions so that you can verify that you truly understand the material.
 In addition to the lessons, the courseware includes resources which will come in handy long after you
have completed the course: printable forms (checklists, accident reports, float plans, etc.) and links to
reference documents such as the Navigation Rules.

The course manual consists of five chapters packed with boating tips along with the nautical rules of
the road. The first four chapters contain core boating information while the last chapter is optional and
contains an introduction to GPS waypoint navigation and piloting via dead reckoning skills.

Chapter 1:

1.  Getting Started - nautical terms

2.  Required Safety Equipment-life jackets, fire ext.

3.  Going Boating - fueling, casting off, underway

Chapter 2:

1. Navigation Rules

2. Navigation Aids

3. Lights and Sound signals

4. Government Regulations

5. State and Local Regulations

Chapter 3:

1. Finding Your Way - nautical charts, electronic navigation

2. Anchoring

3. Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

4. Communications Afloat

Chapter 4:

1. Water Sports Safety-water skiing, hunting/fishing, paddling

2. Trailering

3. PWC Operation

4.  Knots and Lines

Chapter 5: (not part of classroom sessions)  

1. Introduction to Navigation - how GPS works, nautical charts, digital charts

2. Charts - what they convey and how to interpret the many symbols

3. Digital Charting - an introduction to waypoint and route planning using the
        computer software