Motorboat Operator Certification Course

I had to get re-certified in motorboat operation & safety a couple weeks ago. Luckily, the park service was offering their DOI course here in Seward so I didn't have to go anywhere to take it. They teach a really good, intensive 5-day class. Probably the best class I've ever taken. There was a mix of lectures in the classroom and field activities. In the pool session we donned all sorts of pfd's and immersion suits. Here we are below demonstrating the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Position).
And now the HUDDLE position.
The inverted huddle complete with leg kicks to attract attention.
Immersion suits were a little more difficult. These gumby suits are designed to keep you alive in cold water. Here we are, trying to 'save' Mark, the only one without a suit.
we're supposed to HUDDLE and keep him in the middle of the huddle. not doing a very good job of it. I had too much air in my suit and I had a hard time rolling over on to my stomach. Also didn't help that I was laughing too hard.
We practiced using fire extinguishers (filled with water) at the fire station. They had this neat-o fire simulator (real fire from propane and sensors in the front to extinguish the fire when enough water was present).

And we also got to shoot off expired flares.
flock of scoters in the Bay
here's a video of Janette



And finally, we put the boats in the water!!
The next day I got to drive the NPS SAFE boat!! I didn't have my camera with me so this is a photo from the SAFE boat website. The park boat had twin 90's. First time driving a boat with a console - it was AWESOME! That thing has some serious power!
Unfortunately, we didn't get to run through a race course like we did with George in K-Bay back in 2002 ... ;)