Crabbing in Puget Sound
Whether you are an experienced Crabber or just starting out, there are 4 things that you want to accomplish: Do it safely, Reduce unneeded expenses, Protect the future of the resource and Get your limit(s)!  In this session we will explore ways to do all 4 of these on a consistent basis.  Topics include anchoring your trap tp prevent it from going into deeper water, principles of bait, best time to crab, how to not get pinched, having fun with kids along, and more.  Single 2 hour session.

 

Shrimping in Puget Sound
Did you know that Puget Sound has some of the best shrimp in the world? How about the fact that there are 7 different species that can be caught by recreational fishing? In this session, we will focus on gear needed/recommended to catch shrimp. Main emphasis will be on spot shrimp, but not exclusively. Other topics include safety, bait, preventing lost gear, when is best time and why so that productive exceptions can be made, how to avoid fines, and more. Even experienced shrimpers will get more ideas, and novices will get more than enough info to get started.  Single 2 hour session.

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Going Through the Locks
Ever shuddered in fear thinking about transiting the locks?  This educational discussion will provide complete guidance on how to do it safely in either of the locks and how to keep the lockmasters from yelling at you.  We will discuss preparation to transit, what is required, lock signals, how to tie to the big, little, or other boats in the locks and finally when to untie and exit the locks.  A must for new boaters wanting to go out into Puget Sound from the ship canal.  Single 2 hour session.

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Trailering Your Boat
In this 2 hour seminar, you'll learn how to safely hook up a trailer to move, launch and retrieve your boat.  Also covered are how to select the tow vehicle, hitch & trailer.  The basic techniques involved in towing, launching and retrieving a boat are described along with common problems and tips on how to avoid them (especially on a busy day at the boat launch).

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Anchoring Safely
In this 2 hour seminar, you'll learn about the different types of anchors and their suitability for different bottom characteristics.  Also, recommended anchor weight vs. boat size and recommended anchor line (rode) length.  The basic techniques for deploying and recovering the anchor are described as well as common problems and solutions.  Also, what to look for when selecting a place to anchor, especially if already occupied.

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Tides & Currents
Cruise confidently in the Pacific Northwest including those notorious passages with shallow depth and/or significant currents.  Learn how to use both printed and electronic tide tables to predict depth and current speed along your planned route.  Know the difference between US and Canadian charts regarding low water.  Learn from instructors experienced with local conditions how tides and currents can affect your choice of routes and anchoring locations.

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Using Marine VHF/DSC Radio
Explains the marine VHF channel numbers important to recreational boaters and their usage, factors affecting range, controls on typical fixed and handheld units and procedures both routine and emergency.  Also covers licensing and rules, why you should get an MMSI# and enter it into your radio and how to use DSC features for routine communication and avoid hailing on channel 16.

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AIS for Boaters
Explains what AIS is and how it works, the benefits and limitations, comparison with radar and with internet vessel tracking.  The various equipment alternatives are described including Receive-Only, Class A, B, or B-SO, and the options for displaying AIS data.

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Marine Radar
Explains how radar functions and how that contributes to its strengths and limitations.  Provides guidance on setting the controls and interpreting the display.  Covers the basic techniques for using radar to navigate in poor visibility and avoid collisions.  Gives an overview of the recent developments in recreational marine radar technology.

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