For the safety of all boaters and to ensure new boaters become confident and continue boating, the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM), the Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis School of Seamanship and Boat U.S. Foundation have teamed up to offer opportunities for new boaters to learn how to properly launch, retrieve/load, and dock their boat.

At Sandy Point State Park boat ramps:  Thursday, May 12 and Friday, May 13, 2022.

Back by popular demand, and with an expanded capacity, we will offer clinics on May 12^th and 13^th.  The instruction on docking, launching and safety, taught by Annapolis School of Seamanship and Boat US Foundation, will run for 2 hours and 15 minutes each beginning at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm each day. 

In addition to the docking, launching and safety demonstrations, boaters can talk to experts on a variety of topics to include: Flares, safety items and boat paint – Orion and derema Group, Towing and Anchoring – TowBoat US, Clean Boating - DNR Clean Marina Program and Fishing and Conservation – Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland and Oasis Marinas with information about winterizing.

The event is FREE and open to the public; however, we ask that you PLEASE REGISTER. There is a fee to enter Sandy Point State Park.  

DO NOT BRING YOUR BOAT – All training will be done on Annapolis School of Seamanship boats.  We also advise that this is most appropriate for adults and children over 14.