What National Safe Boating Council does

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1958 and headquartered in Clearwater, Florida (with legal jurisdiction in Virginia). It operates as the national catalyst for recreational boating safety in the United States, delivering education, outreach, and training across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Its mandate derives from the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, positioning NSBC as the primary liaison between the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division and the boating industry, with funding flowing through Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund grants. Core programmatic offerings include the Safe Boating Campaign (Wear It), Boat Control On-Water Training (a four-module ANSI-verified curriculum), NSBC Instructor Certification, Skipper Club for teens 13-19, Boat On Course video education, Waves of Hope for accident survivors, Get Connected Boating, and Saved by the Beacon. The organization also hosts the annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS), now in its 29th year.

The organization's technology footprint centers on the NSBC Boating Data platform, which analyzes over 1 billion real-time and historical data points from the DECKEE mobile app to provide waterway analytics for governments, companies, and researchers. Programs are distributed through a network of certified instructors across four course providers and via NASBLA-approved online channels (BoatU.S. Foundation, Kalkomey, Recademics, AceBoater). Tiered memberships range from $50/year (Ambassador) to $1,000/year (Admiral Club), generating recurring revenue alongside training fees ($850 instructor certification, $11 reference manuals), e-commerce product sales, event sponsorships, and donations.

The customer base spans individual recreational boaters, certified instructors, marine industry organizations (Brunswick, Garmin, ACR Electronics, Freedom Boat Club, West Marine, NMMA, MRAA), and federal/state government agencies (U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Minnesota DNR). Operations are supported by a six-person staff led by Executive Director Peg Phillips and governed by a Board of Directors with representation from state agencies and industry associations.

Name

National Safe Boating Council

Legal name

National Safe Boating Council

Website

https://safeboatingcouncil.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The National Safe Boating Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1958, is the federally-embedded national catalyst for recreational boating safety, delivering education, outreach, training, and data analytics to boaters, instructors, marine industry, and government agencies across all 50 U.S. states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Recreational Boating Safety Education

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Safety, Lifeguarding & Training Services (Staffing, Certification) (THAAABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training (EDAOAMAJ)

Keywords

• Boating safety education
• Recreational boating training
• Water safety programs
• Boating instructor certification
• Marine safety advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Clearwater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Tiered membership structure providing access to training resources, networking events, professional development, and member benefits. Includes Admiral Club ($1,000/yr), Mariner Club ($500/yr), Crew Club ($175/yr), Ambassador Club ($50/yr), and Instructor memberships ($75-85/yr).
2. Training Courses and Certification: NSBC provides on-water training courses (Boat Control On-Water Training, NSBC Instructor Certification), online training via Boat On Course, and professional development videos. Revenue generated through course fees, certification fees, and training materials.
3. Product Sales: NSBC operates an e-commerce shop selling boating safety gear, education materials, apparel, signs, and training resources across various categories.
4. Donations: NSBC is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that accepts donations to support program administration, education, and outreach efforts.
5. Event Sponsorships and Registrations: The annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) generates revenue through free registration (funded by grants) and sponsorship opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The National Safe Boating Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes recreational boating safety through education, outreach, and training programs. Its core offerings include NASBLA-approved on-water skills training curricula (Boat Control On-Water Training) with ANSI-verified standards, instructor certification, the annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS), public awareness campaigns (Safe Boating Campaign/Wear It, Get Connected Boating, Saved by the Beacon, Waves of Hope), the Skipper Club program for teens, online Boat On Course video education, tiered industry membership programs, and the NSBC Boating Data analytics platform.

Product overview

The National Safe Boating Council operates a multi-component platform centered on recreational boating safety education and outreach. The core offerings include the Safe Boating Campaign (Wear It) messaging initiative, the annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS), and the Boat Control On-Water Training Course system with four progressive modules. Training products include NSBC Instructor Certification, Skipper Club teen program, Boat On Course video education, and Professional Development with CRBP continuing education units. Additional programs include Waves of Hope survivor support, Get Connected Boating (engine cut-off switches), Saved by the Beacon (EPIRB education), and NSBC Boating Data analytics. The organization supports its mission through tiered membership programs (Admiral, Mariner, Crew, Ambassador, Instructor) ranging from $50-$1,000 annually, offering benefits including event discounts, marketing features, and exclusive Pro-Deals. All programs are funded through Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund grants administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Safe Boating Campaign: An international effort that educates the boating community about the importance of responsible boating, with the key message to always wear a life jacket while boating.
• International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS)
• Skipper Club
• Waves of Hope
• Get Connected Boating
• Boat On Course
• Saved by the Beacon

Products and services

• Safe Boating Campaign (Wear It) International public awareness campaign educating the boating community about responsible boating and life jacket use.
• International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) Annual premier conference bringing together boating and water safety professionals worldwide for training, education, networking, and the IBWSS Communication Awards.
• Boat Control On-Water Training Course Four-module on-water training course teaching boat handling skills (docking, close quarters maneuvering, open water operations) delivered by NSBC Certified Instructors, with curriculum verified to American National Standards.
• NSBC Instructor Certification Train-the-trainer certification course ($850) conforming to American National Standards for on-water skills, enabling instructors to teach the NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum.
• Skipper Club On-water powerboat training program for teens ages 13-19 implemented in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard to prepare the next generation of safe boaters.
• Waves of Hope Engagement and support program for boating accident survivors and families who have lost loved ones to boating accidents, focused on advocacy and education.
• Get Connected Boating Public awareness campaign educating boaters about engine cut-off switch technologies and how they can proactively improve water safety.
• Boat On Course Free online educational boating safety video series teaching basic navigation rules with knowledge testing at the end of each video.
• Saved by the Beacon National campaign educating recreational boaters about the importance of 406 MHz beacons (EPIRBs and PLBs) and proper usage in boating emergencies.
• NSBC Boating Data Data analytics platform powered by DECKEE mobile app partnership that analyzes over 1 billion real-time and historical data points to provide insights about boating activity for governments, companies, industry, consultants, and researchers.
• Professional Development (CRBP) On-demand professional development videos enabling recreational boating professionals to earn NASBLA Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) continuing education units.
• Admiral Club Membership Premier organizational membership tier at $1,000/year providing complimentary IBWSS registration, 20% tabletop sponsorship discount, logo display at NSBC events, up to 6 social media features, exclusive Pro-Deals, and NSBC Proud Member logo rights.
• Mariner Club Membership Elite organizational membership tier at $500/year providing $100 off IBWSS registration and up to 3 social media features.
• Crew Club Membership Group membership tier at $175/year for organizations and teams committed to boating safety, including $10 discount per NSBC Instructor membership for qualified employees.
• Ambassador Club Membership Individual membership at $50/year providing access to tri-annual Anchorline newsletter, monthly Membership Connection, and notice of NSBC seminars and training programs.
• Instructor Membership Credentialed NSBC Instructor recognition at $85/year ($75 for crew membership) providing authority to issue completion certificates, access to liability insurance, discounts on training materials and NSBC products, NSBC Instructor lapel pin, patch, and membership card.

Quantifiable outcome

• The 2024 fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from 2023 (4.9 deaths per 100,000)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

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

• U.S. Coast GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Primary federal partner administering Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund grants to NSBC. U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division funds NSBC programs including Safe Boating Campaign, National Safe Boating Week, and IBWSS. Partnership established under Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 for National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
• NORC at the University of ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Conducts the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey on behalf of U.S. Coast Guard. Will contact more than 50,000 households over one year to collect data on boating participation, vessel types, and frequency of water usage.
• Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust FundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Federal trust fund administered by U.S. Coast Guard that provides grants funding NSBC programs including National Safe Boating Week, IBWSS, Skipper Club, and various safety campaigns.
• DECKEEcoreTechnology or IntegrationFree boating safety mobile app partner providing data for NSBC Boating Data platform. Analyzes over 1 billion real-time and historical data points to uncover trends in waterway usage for governments, companies, industry, and researchers.
• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSBC provides NASBLA-approved boating safety courses and recommends state-approved courses through the NASBLA Approved Courses dashboard. Partnership ensures standardized boating education across all 50 states.
• U.S. Coast Guard AuxiliarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniformed civilian component of U.S. Coast Guard supporting nearly all mission areas. Partner on Skipper Club program for teens, promotes National Safe Boating Week, and conducts vessel safety examinations. Admiral Club member.
• Annapolis School of SeamanshipmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCourse provider for NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum. Offers on-water training courses teaching boat handling skills to recreational boaters.
• Chapman School of SeamanshipmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCourse provider for NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum. Successfully guided 220 teens through Skipper Club program. IBWSS Communication Award recipient.
• At the Helm TrainingmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCourse provider for NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum. 2025 Silver Schooner Award recipient John Dial is associated with this organization.
• Central Florida Boating AssociationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCourse provider for NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum offering on-water boat handling skills training.
• American Canoe AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner2026 IBWSS Communication Award recipient for Wear Your Life Jacket Geofence Campaign. Collaborates on paddlesports safety education and 2019 Special Report on Paddlesports and Safety produced under Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund grant.
• BoatU.S. FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped the only FREE online boating safety course by state boating license agencies. Partnered with NSBC on on-water training program development. Admiral Club member. Provides EPIRB rental program.
• RecademicsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing NASBLA-approved boating safety courses through the NSBC partner dashboard. Admiral Club member providing online education to earn boating safety cards.
• KalkomeymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing NASBLA-approved boating safety courses through the NSBC partner dashboard. Admiral Club member providing online education options.
• AceBoaterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing NASBLA-approved boating safety courses through the NSBC partner dashboard. Admiral Club member offering online boating education.
• GarminminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdmiral Club member. Leading marine electronics and navigation technology provider. Supports NSBC through membership and marketing visibility.
• Brunswick CorporationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdmiral Club member. Parent company of Mercury Marine. Leading recreational boat and marine engine manufacturer. Supports NSBC through membership and industry advocacy.
• Freedom Boat ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdmiral Club member. Largest franchise boat club company in the U.S. Supports NSBC through membership and industry leadership.
• West MarineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdmiral Club member. Major boating supplies retailer. Supports NSBC through membership and brand visibility at retail locations.
• ACR Electronics Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdmiral Club member. Leading manufacturer of EPIRBs and survival equipment. Collaborated with NSBC on Saved by the Beacon print PSA.
• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerMariner Club member. Represents recreational boat and marine engine manufacturers. Board representation through Member at Large position. Hosts IBWSS.
• Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMariner Club member. Represents marine dealers and retailers. Board representation through Vice Chair position.
• NASBLA - Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSBC is a CRBP approved course provider supporting the voluntary credential for recreational boating professionals developed by NASBLA. Provides continuing education units through on-demand professional development videos.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSBC Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum conforms to American National Standards for on-water skills as verified through independent third-party assessment process. Standards include On-Water Power, On-Water Sailing, and On-Water Human-Propelled standards.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: Uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard focused on recreational boating safety missions including vessel safety checks and public education. Direct peer on safety outreach, partnering with NSBC on Skipper Club and National Safe Boating Week.
• Chapman School of Seamanship: Admiral Club member and NSBC Boat Control course provider; led 220 teen students through the Skipper Club program. Comparable on-water training peer.
• American Canoe Association: National paddlesports advocacy and safety organization; collaborates with NSBC on paddlesports safety education and recently won an IBWSS Communication Award for a Wear Your Life Jacket Geofence Campaign.
• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA): Membership organization of state boating administrators that sets national boating safety standards and approves courses. Direct counterpart: NSBC's on-water training curriculum feeds into NASBLA's approved-course framework.
• BoatU.S. Foundation: Nonprofit that develops free online boating safety courses and partners with NSBC on on-water training. Direct comparable: shared mission of recreational boating safety education, course provision, and federal-grant funding model.
• Annapolis School of Seamanship: Admiral Club member and NSBC course provider delivering the Boat Control On-Water Training curriculum. Comparable on-water recreational boating instruction, narrower scale.
• Sea Tow Foundation: Nonprofit focused on boating safety education and sober-skipper outreach. Recent IBWSS Communication Award recipient for "Sober Skipper" video series addressing the same BUI prevention mission NSBC pursues.

Emerging players

• American Red Cross (Lifeguarding & Water Safety): Major national training organization offering water safety, lifeguarding, and swim certification programs. Adjacent competitor for water-safety training mindshare, particularly for swimming and aquatic safety rather than on-water boating.

Others

• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): Trade association representing recreational boat and marine engine manufacturers. NSBC Board representation partner and Mariner Club member; adjacent rather than directly competitive.
• Kalkomey Enterprises: Operator of NASBLA-approved online boating education platforms and an Admiral Club member. Acts as a technology-enabled reseller in NSBC's course network — not a peer organizationally but a key ecosystem participant.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/safeboatcouncil
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/OutreachNSBC?feature=mhee
• Facebookfacebook.com/NationalSafeBoatingCouncil
• Instagraminstagram.com/boatingcampaign
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-safe-boating-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

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 National Safe Boating Council