Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation have partnered to develop the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety & Ocean Stewardship Course, a free educational program designed for teens and young adults. The PJCF Boating Safety and Ocean Stewardship Course is facilitated by Chapman School of Seamanship and taught by their knowledgeable staff. This series of two-day courses will be offered throughout the year, with the inaugural class scheduled in March 2026.
This Course is free to teens and young adults (ages 14 - 25) thanks to the generous support and strong vision of the Perry J Cohen Foundation. Scholarships are available by application through the link below.
Remaining Courses for 2026 will be filled by large groups - not individual teens - though individuals are encouraged to still complete the application form for future consideration in 2027: Apply Here >
Community organizations, schools or other organized groups serving teens and young adults are encouraged to complete the application as a Group Leader. Private Courses on requested dates are offered for groups of 15+ students based on instructor availability.
Course Dates:
- March 21-22, 2026
- April 18-19, 2026
- May 23-24, 2026
- June 20-21, 2026
- June 27-28, 2026
- July 25-26, 2026
- August 8-9, 2026
- August 22-23, 2026
- September 19-20, 2026
- October 3-4, 2026
Lessons taught during the Course will likely include:
- Introduction to Boating
- Boating Law
- Safety Equipment
- Safe Operation and Navigation
- Boating Emergencies
- Intro to Florida's Marine Life
- Marine Life Boat Strike Prevention
The Course is designed to transcend boating safety theory to focus on boating safety practice. Each Course is paired with an on-water learning experience with seasoned, qualified boat captains from Chapman's School of Seamanship and Conservation Scientists from LMC to bring written theory to life and to practice boating safety best practices for humans and for wildlife.
Upon completion of the Course, participants will have met the requirements to earn their Boating Safety Education Identification Card, required to operate most powerboats in Florida (10 hp+ if born after Jan 1. 1988).
Who Should Apply:
• Teens and adults age 14 - 25* interested in learning safe boating practices and environmental stewardship
• Teens and adults age 14-25* interested in gaining on water experience while earning their FWC Safe Boating Education ID Card
*Individuals 26 years old+ may be awarded scholarships as additional funding is available and are encouraged to apply.
Reviews:
"I loved the relaxed and supportive nature from both the Loggerhead and Chapman instructors. It felt like if I didn’t understand something they were more than willing to help me figure it out."
"It was helpful to go out on the water and practice what we were taught. My favorite part of the program was being on the boat taking turns driving the boat."
"Both sets of instructors were very prepared, organized and professional. Myself and the seven students that I brought to the experience all got a lot of quality information from both days."
