The Scientific Boating Safety Association’s (SBSA) Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) is entry-level training recommended for persons who will be acting as small vessel operator or crew for SBSA member institutions or other organizations. CSU/OSI (an SBSA Organizational Member) has adopted this course as the foundation for our small boat training program. The MOTC provides fundamental training in boating knowledge and skills, however it is not a “certification course”. The home institution may require additional training in local knowledge, vessel characteristics, regional and local regulations, and agency policies, as necessary.
Course Dates and Fees
RESUMPTION OF TRAINING IS PROVISIONAL BASED ON STATE GUIDELINES AND COVID-19 NUMBERS REMAINING STABLE
DATES FOR SUMMER 2021:
MOTC Session 1:
June 7-11, 2021; completed application deadline May 14, 2021 – applications must include a copy of your California Boater Card (see below) incomplete applications will not be accepted.
MOTC Session 2:
June 14-18, 2021; completed application deadline May 14, 2021 – applications must include a copy of your California Boater Card (see below) incomplete applications will not be accepted.
MOTC Session 3:
June 28-July 2, 2021; completed application deadline May 28, 2021 – applications must include a copy of your California Boater Card (see below) incomplete applications will not be accepted.
MOTC Session 4:
August 16-20, 2021 completed application deadline July 16, 2021 – applications must include a copy of your California Boater Card (see below) incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Please Note: Due to COVID restrictions the number of paricipants is extremely limited – applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, in the following order:
CSU Graduate Students/Staff; CSU Undergraduate Students; SCMI Members; Other Qualified Applicants.
Cost: Free for CSU/OSI consortium members
$250 for SCMI consortium members
$500 for All other qualified applicants
*When conducting cooperative training with other SBSA Institutional Members, CSU/OSI will waive course fees for candidates when the home institution provides a qualified instructor and vessel
MOTC Application Forms
Prerequisite For The Course:
- California Boater Card – Starting January 1, 2018, California law will require boaters to carry the California Boater Card. The curriculum for this NASBLA-approved certification is outside the current scope of the MOTC. There are a number of resources, such as boat-ed.com, which offer online courses for a nominal fee that will satisfy this course prerequisite.
Required Items For The Course:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Pen, Paper, etc. for taking notes
- Personal Flotation Device – USCG Type III PFD
- If your home institution can’t supply this item, we may be able to provide one (inventory is limited, so this will be on a first-come, first-served basis).
- Closed-toe, non-skid shoes appropriate for boat decks
Recommended Items For The Course:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Dry Bag
- Foul Weather Gear
SBSA Instructors
Darrell Montague (SBSA Lead Instructor), Dive and Boat Safety Officer for the Ocean Studies Institute, has been working in the dive industry for 17 years as a Divemaster and Instructor. Prior to his current position, he was Dive Safety Officer for the California Science Center Foundation, overseeing exhibit, youth education, and open water diving, as well as boat operations. He has also trained divers for the California Institute of Technology, and acted as Dive Safety Officer and expedition medic on remote dive operations for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, National Geographic, and several film and television productions.
FAQ About the MOTC
- Is there a certificate for the course, how long is it valid for?
- How much does the MOTC cost?
- What is the typical course schedule?
- I have other commitments and may miss some of the course, will I still be able to complete the course?
- What clothing will I need to bring to the training?
- I don’t have a personal flotation device, will you provide one?
- I’ve never operated a power boat before, will this be a problem?
- I have never trailered a boat, will this be a problem?
- I’m a licensed mariner with many years experience operating boats, what will I lean from this course?
- I need to learn how to operate specific hardware on our institutions boat, will you teach this?
- Can we choose which type of boat we learn to operate?
Questions should be directed to Darrell Montague, OSI Dive and Boat Safety Officer
820 South Seaside Avenue, Terminal Island, CA 90731
Cell: (626) 399-3308; SCMI: (310) 519-3172 x 976
Email: darrell.montague@csulb.edu