What SaferBoater does

SaferBoater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, that operates a national on-water boating education platform connecting recreational boaters with a network of 400+ USCG-licensed captain instructors across nearly 30 U.S. states. The company's core product is standardized, instructor-led on-water driver education, anchored by a 42-point skills certification covering 483 training elements and aligned with ANSI EDU-1, ABYC NOWS, NASBLA, and USCG standards. Course offerings span Small Powerboat Skipper (under 26 feet), Large Powerboat Skipper (26+ feet), the women-only Women Making Waves program, the international Bareboat Charter Master certification, six 2-3 hour Skill Builder refresher courses, and Custom On-The-Water Training for government and military clients. Per-course pricing ranges from approximately $225 for a 2-hour Boat Ramp session to $3,600 for the international Bareboat Charter Master program, with skill builders typically priced at $350-$550.

The underlying technology is a proprietary training management platform that handles captain scheduling, billing, instant payouts, customer relationship management, and public captain profiles, complemented by a Captain Map and TrustedBoater App for discovery and booking, and integrated with the NauticEd online learning system for international knowledge courses. SaferBoater monetizes through direct course fees, a transaction-based platform fee on captain earnings, bulk voucher sales to boat dealers and manufacturers under the MyNewBoat program, and referral/co-marketing arrangements with insurance carriers (InsuranceAhoy, Cincinnati Insurance, Travelers) that offer graduates up to 10% premium discounts. The company serves a fragmented mix of customer segments including new and experienced boat owners, women boaters, government and military agencies, international yacht charterers, and B2B partners (dealers, manufacturers, marinas, insurance carriers). The 1-10 core employee team operates a capital-light model where growth is executed through the independent contractor captain network rather than headcount expansion.

Name

SaferBoater

Legal name

SaferBoater

Website

https://saferboater.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SaferBoater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating a national on-water boating education platform that connects recreational boaters with 400+ USCG-licensed captain instructors across nearly 30 U.S. states, offering standardized driver education and skills certification.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Boating Safety Training & Education

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Other Support Activities for Water Transportation (48839)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF)

Keywords

• Boating safety training
• Powerboat education
• On-water certification
• Boater skills courses
• International yacht licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

North Charleston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. On-Water Training Courses: Primary revenue from instructor-led on-water training courses for powerboats, cruisers, yachts, and skill-building sessions. Priced per course with durations ranging from 2-48 hours. Includes small powerboat skipper, large powerboat skipper, women-specific courses, and international yacht certification.
2. Skill Assessments: Expert opt-out assessments for experienced boaters seeking insurance discounts without completing full training. 3-hour evaluation sessions.
3. Captain Platform Services: Captains receive automated student referrals, instant payouts, and business management tools. SaferBoater takes a platform fee from captain earnings.
4. Dealer/Manufacturer Voucher Program: MyNewBoat voucher program where dealers and manufacturers purchase bulk training vouchers for new boat buyers. Revenue from voucher sales to B2B partners.
5. Insurance Partner Referrals: Insurance companies refer policyholders to certified captains for training. Potential referral fees or co-marketing arrangements with insurance partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SaferBoater delivers on-water boating safety training courses through a network of 400+ USCG-licensed captain instructors, covering small and large powerboat operations, women-specific instruction, international yacht charter licensing, and short-format skill refreshers. The courses are booked via a self-serve captain map and proprietary training management platform, with standardized 42-point skills certification, NauticEd online integration, and eligibility for insurance discounts with partner carriers.

Product overview

SaferBoater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering a nationally recognized on-water boating education platform. The core offering consists of driver education courses for powerboats—divided into Small Powerboat Skipper (under 26 feet) and Large Powerboat Skipper (26+ feet), plus the women-exclusive Women Making Waves program and the international Bareboat Charter Master certification. These primary courses are supplemented by six 2–3 hour Skill Builder refresher courses covering specific competencies (Docking, Anchoring, Night Operations, Boat Ramp/Trailering, Maneuvering Fundamentals, and Boating Fundamentals). The company operates a business-in-a-box platform enabling 400+ USCG-licensed captains to offer training, and provides enterprise solutions for boat clubs, marinas, dealers, manufacturers, and insurance partners. The portfolio is tied together by ANSI EDU-1 and ABYC NOWS compliance, NauticEd online course integration for international certifications, and insurance discount partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MyNewBoat: New Boat Owner Training Program - a voucher training program for boat dealers and manufacturers
• TrustedBoater
• Bareboat Charter Master

Products and services

• Small Powerboat Skipper Course 6-10 hour on-water driver's education course for powerboats up to 26 feet, covering 42 maneuvers aligned with ANSI EDU-1 standards. Qualifies graduates for insurance discounts with partner carriers. Priced ~$900 for 2 participants (~$900 total for 6 hours); bring-a-friend free for the second participant. Age 12+.
• Large Powerboat Skipper Course 24-hour on-water skills course for cruisers and yachts 26 feet and over, delivered over 3 days and covering 42 maneuvers plus advanced procedures for larger vessels. Meets insurance requirements for boats up to 64+ feet. Estimated total $1,875; Age 18+.
• Women Making Waves 6-hour women-only powerboat course taught exclusively by certified female captains for boats up to 25 feet. Priced $398-$750 per student, or $900 for 2 people. Age 12+.
• Bareboat Charter Master International yacht charter certification combining 25 hours of NauticEd online knowledge coursework with 24 hours of on-water skills training, for operating and chartering powerboats 35 feet and up internationally. Priced $3,600/pp plus fuel and provisions; license accepted in 55+ ports across 30+ countries and recognized by the EU.
• Boating Fundamentals Skill Builder 3-hour refresher course covering basic boat handling fundamentals including wheel centering, gear shifting, pre-departure checklists, and station holding. Estimated total $350.
• Docking with Confidence Skill Builder 3-hour skill refresher course teaching docking, departure, and close-quarter maneuvering techniques. Estimated total $350.
• Anchoring & Mooring Balls Skill Builder 3-hour refresher course covering open-water anchoring and mooring ball techniques. Estimated total $350.
• Maneuvering Fundamentals Skill Builder 3-hour refresher course covering open-water planing techniques, wave crossing, and steering maneuvers. Estimated total $350.
• Night Operations Skill Builder 3-hour course teaching night navigation procedures, signal light identification, and safe operation of powered cruising vessels after dark. Estimated total $550; available for small powerboats or cruisers/yachts.
• Boat Ramp & Trailering Skill Builder 2-hour course teaching trailer hitching, maneuvering, and boat ramp launching and retrieval techniques. Flat rate of $225 for up to 3 people; valid driver's license required.
• Custom On-The-Water Training Tailored on-water boat training programs for government agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and military organizations. Documented engagements include standardized training for Cannon Air Force Base personnel in New Mexico and adoption by New Mexico State Parks to enable joint federal-state operations.
• My New Boat Voucher Program B2B voucher program for boat dealers and manufacturers that bundles SaferBoater Skill & Safety Training, life jackets, and safety equipment into new boat purchases. Dealers purchase single or bulk vouchers, and the end customer redeems them by scheduling with a certified captain.
• Captain Business-in-a-Box Platform Operating platform supplied to certified captains that delivers scheduling, billing, customer management, insurance coverage, instant payouts, automated student referrals from insurance partners, NauticEd class access, TrustedBoater App listing, and a personal business page. SaferBoater takes a platform fee from captain earnings.
• Business Solutions Enterprise offering for boat clubs, marinas, boat rentals, manufacturers, and dealerships that bundles certified training programs, real-time inventory tracking, and online booking capabilities through software integration.
• Insurance Partner Program Partnership program for insurance companies that directs their policyholders to certified SaferBoater captains for standardized on-water training, with the aim of reducing claims and promoting boating safety.
• Master Captain Courses Advanced licensing upgrade program for existing USCG captains to earn additional certifications, increase tonnage ratings, and become SaferBoater instructors.
• Insurance Discount Program Discount program enabling graduates of SaferBoater certified courses to qualify for insurance premium reductions of up to 10% with partner carriers including Ahoy.insure, Cincinnati Insurance, and Travelers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of boating fatalities involve operators with zero formal training
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Cannon Air Force BasemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024Military partnership to standardize on-water training program. SaferBoater provides licensed, insured, certified captains for on-water boat training. Enhanced Air Force on-water programs with nationally verified standards.
• New Mexico State ParksmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024State parks partnership adopting standardized training from SaferBoater. Enables seamless integration with federal partners like Cannon Air Force Base for joint operations.
• NauticEdcoreTechnology or IntegrationInternational yacht certification partner. SaferBoater issues SLC (Sailing License and Certificate) and Motor Yacht SLC through NauticEd licensing. Certifications valid in 55+ international locations, accepted in over 30 countries and recognized by EU for chartering.
• InsuranceAhoycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance partner referring policyholders to SaferBoater captains for training to qualify for discounts. Part of insurance discount ecosystem.
• Cincinnati InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance partner offering up to 10% discount to policyholders who complete SaferBoater certified courses. Drives customer referrals to captain network.
• Travelers InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance partner offering discounts to graduates of SaferBoater Driver's Education or Skipper Programs. Provides referral pipeline to captains.
• MyNewBoat.net (Dealer/Manufacturer Program)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMyNewBoat voucher training program where boat dealers and manufacturers purchase single or bulk vouchers for customers buying new boats. Each voucher entitles customer to Skill & Safety Training course with certified SaferBoater instructor.
• Courtyard Charleston WaterfrontminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel partnership offering 25% discount to trainees visiting SaferBoater headquarters in Charleston, SC.
• ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurriculum aligned with ABYC On-Water Standards (NOWS) for powerboat training. Provides standards-based evaluation and certification.
• NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurriculum meets NASBLA state boating knowledge compliance requirements for state certification.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of the United States): Largest U.S. boating membership organization offering insurance, towing and education services including training and certification. Comparable customer base and insurance-discount ecosystem interactions.
• Discover Boating (NMMA): Industry-funded initiative by the National Marine Manufacturers Association promoting boating and supporting new boater onboarding. Comparable mission on new boat owner education and dealer/manufacturer channel dynamics.

Direct peers

• Boat-Ed / BoaterExam (Kalkomey Enterprises): Largest U.S. provider of state-approved boating safety education, focused on online NASBLA-compliant courses. Comparable product overlap on state certification and adjacent to SaferBoater's on-water offerings.
• US Powerboating: National on-water powerboat training program under US Sailing offering courses for small and large powerboats. Directly comparable curriculum and certification positioning to SaferBoater's skipper courses.
• Chapman School of Seamanship: Established Florida-based maritime training school offering USCG-approved courses for recreational and professional mariners. Comparable on-water powerboat and yacht training curriculum.
• American Sailing Association (ASA): Leading sailing and powerboating certification body with affiliate schools and standardized curriculum. Comparable instructor-network model with international recognition, particularly via the Bareboat Charter Master category.
• BoatUS Foundation: Non-profit boating safety organization offering free and low-cost boating education, including the BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course. Closest direct analog to SaferBoater's mission and non-profit structure.
• Annapolis School of Seamanship: Premium boating school focused on boat handling, electronic navigation and safety for cruising powerboat and yacht owners. Comparable advanced on-water curriculum targeting experienced boaters.

Emerging players

• NauticEd: Online sailing and powerboating education platform already a technology partner of SaferBoater. Comparable international SLC licensing and online knowledge curriculum; potential emerging competitor as well as partner.
• Boat Captains Academy: Provider of USCG captain licensing prep and recreational boating courses; partial overlap with SaferBoater's Master Captain Courses and Bareboat Charter Master offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=vGXbszPsuaM
• Facebookfacebook.com/SaferBoater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saferboater
• Instagraminstagram.com/saferboater
• Xx.com/SaferBoater

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SaferBoater