Boater Education & Safety Seminars
At Sundance Marinas, we believe confident boaters make safer, stronger communities. That’s why we host complimentary boater education seminars twice a month, rotating between our Sundance Marina and Harbor 1 Marina on-water clubhouses.
These monthly sessions are designed for boaters of all experience levels—from first-time owners to seasoned cruisers—and focus on safety, local waterways, practical skills, and seasonal preparedness.
January Seminar Dates
- January 15 — Sundance Marina
- January 24 — Harbor 1 Marina
Additional details, times, and registration information will be shared ahead of each session.
2025 Seminar Schedule & Topics
January — Boating Basics & New-Year Safety Refresher
Start the boating year off right with our January Boater Safety Seminars, designed as a practical refresher for both new and experienced boaters. These in-person sessions cover essential safety knowledge, Oregon regulations, and real-world river considerations to help you boat with confidence.
Boater Safety Seminar
📅 January 15 | ⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Sundance Marina Clubhouse
This evening seminar provides a comprehensive refresher on boating basics and safety requirements, with time for discussion and questions.
Boater Safety Seminar
📅 January 24 | ⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Harbor One Marina Clubhouse
The same refresher safety class offered on a different day and location, ideal if you missed the first session or prefer a daytime option.
Topics Covered
- Oregon boating regulations & OSBM card requirements
- Required safety gear (what’s required, what expires, and how to stay compliant)
- Life jackets: types, proper fit, and maintenance
- Marina rules & river-specific navigation considerations
- Practical boating tips for safer, more confident operation
Each seminar is presented in a classroom-style format and includes a live Q&A, so you can ask questions specific to your boat, experience level, or cruising plans.
February — Cold-Water Survival & Hypothermia Awareness
- Winter hazards on the Columbia & Willamette Rivers
- Cold-water immersion survival basics
- Reboarding ladders, safety lines, and recovery techniques
- Dry suits & thermal layering overview
- Guest speaker: USCG Auxiliary (if available)
March — Docking, Line Handling & Close-Quarters Maneuvering
- Cleat hitches, bowlines, spring lines
- Docking angles, wind & current compensation
- Crew communication and hand signals
- Hands-on practice using available slips
April — Navigation Basics: Charts, Buoys & Local Waterways
- Understanding buoys, markers, and ATONs
- Reading Columbia & Willamette River charts
- Basic course plotting
- Introduction to Rules of the Road (COLREGS)
May — Engine, Electrical & Fuel System Basics
- Pre-season engine checks
- Battery care, fuses, and common issues
- Fuel safety in marinas
- What to do during engine failure
- Guest speaker: local marine mechanic (if available)
June — On-Water Boat Handling Day
(Most popular session—sign-up required)
- Slow-speed maneuvering
- Turning radius & pivot points
- Anchoring basics
- Man Overboard (MOB) drills using a buoy
- Safety boats required
July — River Etiquette & High-Season Safety
- Wake management & no-wake zones
- Sharing waterways with paddlers, PWCs & commercial traffic
- Oregon BUI laws
- Seasonal hazards: debris, swimmers, jet skis
August — Towing, Trailering & Launch Ramp Etiquette
- Trailer inspections & safety
- Tie-downs and tongue weight basics
- Launch ramp best practices
- Emergency towing on the river
September — Emergency Preparedness & VHF Radio Training
- Mayday vs Pan-Pan calls
- Local VHF channels & Coast Guard sectors
- Fire extinguisher types & demonstrations
- Power loss & grounding response
October — Weather, Tides & River Conditions
- Reading NOAA forecasts & river level charts
- Seasonal wind, current & weather risks
- Storm preparation for boats in slips
- Fire season smoke considerations
November — Boat Winterization & Off-Season Maintenance
- Fuel and engine winterization
- Lubrication & fogging
- Water systems & plumbing prep
- Canvas, covers & moisture control
- Ideal month for service partner involvement
December — Year-End Review & Advanced Topics Workshop
A flexible, discussion-driven session based on tenant interest:
Recognition for tenants attending multiple sessions
Night boating & navigation lights
Knots masterclass
Local river history
Open boater Q&A roundtable