Maine Maritime Academy Earns US Powerboat Training Center Status

As more individuals are learning to become effective and safe powerboaters, US Powerboating has worked closely with over 30 US Powerboating and Training Centers to develop hands-on curriculum for courses to ensure we are certifying competent powerboat operators. US Powerboating is proud to add to its ranks, our fourth maritime academy and 31st certified US Powerboat Training Center – Maine Maritime Academy (Castine, Maine). Maine Maritime’s dedication, drive and structure has exceeded expectations, and fits with the goals of the US Powerboating program.

Maine Maritime has been focused on developing nautical training, and since its creation, the college offers three degrees, and 17 undergraduate and graduate academic majors. Maine Maritime is a leader in on-the-water training and education, with a mission to provide top-tier marine and maritime education to students and the public.

“Maine Maritime Academy is excited to work with US Powerboating to offer relevant and professional learning opportunities to our current and future students as well as the general public in the support and promotion of safe boating education,” said Captain Cullen Teel, Sailing Master, MMA.

US Powerboating, an affiliate of US Sailing is the national leader in on-the-water training and education. Our hands-on courses taught by Certified Powerboat Instructors empower students with the skills and confidence they need to get more out of their boating experience and become safer powerboat operators.

Powerboat Training Centers serve as a model and resource for sharing best practices with start-up powerboat facilities in their regions, as well as hosting powerboat instructor, safe powerboat handling and cruising courses. Since July of 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard has awarded US Sailing with a significant Drivers Education for Boaters™ grant. This grant is used to support our on-the-water training capacity, provide sustainable powerboat training facilities, reduce accidents, and to build the acceptance of safe boating practices.

Maine Maritime Academy along with all of our maritime academies exhibit strong leadership and dedication to developing well educated powerboat operators. Maine Maritime’s commitment to education, training and preserving maritime heritage has been extraordinary.

About US Sailing
The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.

About US Powerboating
US Powerboating was organized to directly address the educational needs of powerboat owners and operators in the United States and is an affiliate of US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing. Its powerboat courses are offered through participating schools, community programs and clubs. These courses highlight on-the-water training for recreational powerboat operators, rescue boat operators, race support boat officials and instructor candidates, starting at the entry level and progressing into advanced boat handling, cruising, and applied piloting and navigation. The Certification Series of US Powerboating™ has established definitive national standards to validate knowledge and practical skills of operators of sport and cruising powerboats.