By BIFF MATTHEWS

Private pilots invest the time, energy and patience in teaching their spouse, partner or significant other a few basic flying skills, primarily, how to use the radio along with how to land the plane. They have them practice those functions so they at least feel comfortable.

We guys are typically the captain of the vessel, so if you fall overboard or have a serious injury, what does your spouse, partner or friend do? In a MOB, do they know how to locate you, much less get you back on board? With an injury can he or she radio for help or get the boat home or to a port where you receive treatment? Or are they helpless, victims themselves now?

As males, we are poor teachers when it comes to our spouse-partner because we are yellers and they don’t respond to yelling.

Several companies advertise themselves as “No yelling” or “Boating for women, by women.” Their courses are hands-on, lasting from 5 to 12 days costing about $200–$300 a day. Other professional boating groups have the experience to teach our spouse-partners for less or little cost.

Worth the investment? Well, what is your life worth?

After my wife had seven days of training, I learned that I had to step back, be the first mate, and let her try. She sometimes succeeded, sometimes failed, tried again, then succeeded. I bit my lip. Pilots do it, boat captains should train their spouse-partner or boating friend to do it.

But really: no yelling!

Basic boating knowledge along with some experience spouse-partners need:

How do I start and stop the engine?

How do I put the transmission into gear and what happens? Then how to take it out of gear and what happens?

How do I use the radio especially in an emergency?

How do I steer a boat both forward plus in reverse?

Where are the life jackets and how are they put on and worn?

Where are the fire extinguishers and signal flares, plus when and how do I use them?

What are the basics of navigation, use of compass, chart plotter, radar and most importantly, observation?

How do I anchor, plus retrieve the anchor?

What is the correct way to untie and tie the boat?

How do I dock and undock the boat?

How do I remove and reattach the power cable?

Where and how do I add fuel plus what kind of fuel?

Where do I add fresh water?

Where is the pump out and how do I use the pump out?

A few hours teaching your spouse, partner or boating friend; or investing in someone else teaching them basic boating skills will save your bacon.

Reinforce your boating skills by taking a boating course or seminar on line from United States Power Squadron ® or your local squadron the Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron. Contact our education officer, Kelly Adams, at pspsed@gmail.com for more information on the upcoming seminar, Using GPS, and an advanced course, Marine Communications Course. We also invite you to visit our web site at http://www.pamlicosailandpowersquadron.org.

Biff Matthews is a member of the Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron.