WHY HANDS-ON BOATING TRAINING MATTERS
For many people, stepping into boating can feel overwhelming, whether you’re brand new to life on the water or simply a little out of practice. Rules and regulations change, equipment evolves, and even experienced boaters can find themselves second-guessing procedures they once knew well. That’s why practical, hands-on learning remains so important.
Time spent understanding how the water behaves, learning your vessel inside and out, and using the right equipment in real-world conditions builds skills and confidence that simply can’t be replaced by theory alone.
Owning a boat is also a significant investment, and protecting it properly makes sense. Today, insurance providers increasingly expect boat owners and operators to demonstrate their competence before offering cover. Evidence of sound boat handling and navigation skills helps reassure insurers that vessels are being operated safely, particularly when taken offshore or on longer voyages.
The added bonus is that structured training not only meets insurance requirements, but also gives owners genuine confidence in their ability to manage their vessel responsibly.
This is where Nautical Training and Marine Services comes in. Led by Karla Herbert-Evans, the organisation delivers practical training designed to meet the needs of both boat owners and insurance companies. Each course is carefully structured, and participants receive a Certificate of Completion detailing the skills and activities they have successfully achieved.
Karla provides a broad range of training and services, covering everything from recreational boating licences to professional maritime qualifications. Courses include AMSA and Queensland Boatsafe training, recreational marine driver licensing, personal watercraft training, and the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal practical course. In addition, yacht and vessel delivery services are available throughout Australia and the Pacific.
One of the most sought-after offerings is the individually tailored Onboard Practicals. These sessions can be conducted on your own vessel or aboard Nautical Training’s commercial vessel, allowing instruction to be directly relevant to the boat you operate.
Training focuses on vessel familiarisation, knots and line handling, navigation within local waterways, close-quarters manoeuvring, and essential skills such as berthing, docking, and anchoring.
Navigation training has also become increasingly popular, particularly for insurance purposes. Courses range from foundational navigation principles through to advanced positioning and night navigation techniques, ensuring boaters can confidently plan passages, interpret charts, manage tides, and navigate safely in reduced visibility or after dark.
For those looking to book a course, obtain a boat or jet ski licence, or complete AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 practical training, Karla can be contacted directly at karla@nauticaltraining.com.au
Published in print April-July 2026
