Cruisers College, the boat-owner-specific marine technical education offered through Skagit Valley College, is gearing up for another great season of hands-on learning.
Are you interested in acquiring the skills to maintain your vessel effectively? How about gaining the confidence to identify and address potential problems on your boat, making you more self-reliant and assured while on the water?
Cruisers College was created in 2016 to provide high quality marine courses for boat owners to do just that. It is run as a part of Skagit Valley College’s (SVC) Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. Cruisers College spun off from SVC’s professional technical program, which offers extensive training for new marine technicians and would be great material for boat owners, but the 12-week course schedule proved challenging for the average recreational owner. This month, Cruisers College is excited to announce its course schedule for 2023-2024.
Cruisers College courses take place on weekends and are led by industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their extensive knowledge and experience. Offered in a world-class marine training facility, there’s ample opportunity for demonstrations and hands-on activities. It is fitting to seek out this kind of education in Anacortes, a town with a rich maritime industry history that is even more vibrant today.
Cruisers College’s schedule for 2024 includes a variety of hands-on courses that allow you to apply your newfound knowledge in practical labs. For instance, if you enroll in the DIY diesel course, you’ll have the opportunity to don personal protective equipment and change a fuel filter yourself. This hands-on experience boosts confidence when tackling similar projects on your own vessel. One of the newer course options, the program is now offering classes in canvas work and maintenance. Cruisers College is constantly adding new classes to the roster, so it’s a good idea to sign up for their monthly email notifications.
This season’s first courses are offered on October 14 and 15, 2023. Topics covered will be:
- Extending your boating season in cooler weather
- All about marine heating systems
- Tips for couples sharing the boat handling
- Overboard recovery on a powerboat using a LifeSling
- Managing power on board modern cruising vessels
- DIY outboard maintenance and winterization
