Navigation & Maritime Skills Classes

Online and in-person

Our Navigation & Maritime Skills classes offered in-person and online, are designed to make you a better, safer, and more confident mariner. Taught live by our qualified instructors, presentations are engaging, interactive, and come with resources and references to download and keep.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class to maximize learning. In addition, subjects are presented with good humor and humility (we made these mistakes so you don’t have to!).

Online classes are taught live from the Stan Cummings Classroom with interactive presentations. In-person classes are taught in our classrooms, Chartroom, and Pilothouse simulator—with occasional outings to the docks, Boatshop, or on the water as needed.

The Navigation & Maritime Skills class series is offered in the spring and fall, and most classes are offered at least twice throughout the year. Take one or two classes, or sign up for a whole series!

Register for January, February, & March Classes Now!

2026 Full Schedule Coming Soon

Keep scrolling to learn more about all of our different Navigation & Maritime Skills classes.

SAVE WITH OUR MARINERS ADVANTAGE SERIES

Individual Online Courses
Non-member: $95 each | Member: $86 each

Full Sail Savings
Pick Any 3 Online Courses: Save 10%!
Non-member: $255 (save $30) | Member: $231 (save $27)

The Whole Regatta
Pick Any 5 Online Courses: Save 20%!
Non-member: $380 (save $95) | Member: $344 (save $86)

Bundles are flexible: choose your own schedule, but you must complete all courses within the same calendar year. Discount is for online classes only—choose from six classes:

Ready to sign up? Just head to our registration page, pick Full Sail Savings or The Whole Regatta, and select the classes you’d like to bundle.

Class Descriptions

Classes are listed in alphabetical order.

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Anchoring & Anchorages – Online

6:30–8 PM

Anchoring & Anchorages – Online

Learn the fundamentals of anchoring and anchorages! This class starts with the basics. We’ll provide practical tips specific to our local waterways about how, when, and where to drop anchor,...

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Charts & Dead Reckoning – Online

6:30–8 PM

$95 non-member, $86 member

Charts & Dead Reckoning – Online

Jan 27–28, 2026

Navigation without a GPS! Learn to use latitude, longitude, compass bearings, transits, and your paper charts to know where you are. This is an introduction to the traditional art of...

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Electronic Navigation & VHF - Online

6:30–8 PM

Electronic Navigation & VHF - Online

What are my electronic instruments, and what are they really telling me? This introductory class covers the essential electronic tools that support safe navigation, including depth sounders, GPS, chart plotters,...

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Marine Navigation for Women and Couples: Navigate Your Way with Confidence — Two-part, In-Person Class

10 AM–12 PM

$150 non-member, $135 member

Marine Navigation for Women and Couples: Navigate Your Way with Confidence — Two-part, In-Person Class

March 28 + April 4, 2026 (two-part)

Designed specifically for women and couples, this supportive, hands-on navigation class builds real confidence with practical, transferable skills. You’ll learn how to read and understand paper charts, find your latitude...

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No Impact Docking – Online

6:30–8 PM

No Impact Docking – Online

How to dock without fear (or damage)! No yelling! No leaping! We’ll see slides, handouts, and tips for successful docking strategies for sail and power boats, and how to practice...

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Rules of the Road & Aids to Navigation – Online

6:30–8 PM

Rules of the Road & Aids to Navigation – Online

Lights, sounds, right of way: know the rules! Who has the right of way? Where's the channel? By the end of this class, you'll understand the maneuvering rules, lights, sound...

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Safety for Cruising Couples — In-person Class

9 AM–3 PM

Safety for Cruising Couples — In-person Class

Description: Taught by experienced presenters from the Cruising Club of America, this engaging class helps couples prepare for safe and confident cruising together. It’s designed for partners where one person is...

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Tides & Currents in the Salish Sea - Online Class

6:30–8 PM

Tides & Currents in the Salish Sea - Online Class

Unlock the secrets of safe and confident boating in the dynamic waters of the Salish Sea. Tides and currents are a huge part of boating in our local waters. Knowing...

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Scholarships

NWM is proud to offer scholarships to those facing financial barriers so everyone can have the opportunity to learn with us, regardless of financial circumstances.

To apply for a scholarship for adult programs, please complete our scholarship application form during the registration process.

If you are in a position to pay more than the suggested price for a program, additional funds will contribute directly to making programs more widely accessible. Please contact our registrar directly at registrar@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x1.