[VIDEO: short clip of a performance boat running, with Carl aboard]

Running a high-performance boat safely is a skill set of its own. Performance Boat Academy is a structured program for owners and operators of fast boats. It covers how to handle, trim, stop and turn a boat at speed, and what to do when something goes wrong.

Training happens on your own boat, and the program ends in a written test and an individual on-water evaluation. Candidates who meet the standard receive a numbered Certificate of Competency for their boat.

Who it's for

Owners stepping up to a faster boat
Family members and designated operators who will drive the boat
Younger operators who want to show they are trained and evaluated
Experienced drivers who want a formal, documented standard

The program

Three tiers by top speed.

Tier	Top speed of the boat	Focus
Tier 1	Under 70 mph	Performance boat fundamentals: handling, trim, safe speed and emergency response
Tier 2	70–80 mph	Tier 1 plus advanced trim, rough-water running and high-speed deceleration
Tier 3	80 mph and over	Tier 2 plus turning limits, trip and stuff recognition and recovery, and the advanced high-speed module set

A higher-tier certificate covers the tiers below it.

Why train with us

A real standard, on the boat you actually drive.

Your boat, your water. Everything you learn transfers directly to the boat you drive.
A real standard. A written test and an individual on-water evaluation, with critical safety skills scored pass/fail.
Documented. A numbered, vessel-specific Certificate of Competency.
Experience. Taught by Captain Carl McBride: 45+ years as a professional captain, 20 years commanding about 120 high-performance boating events, and a zero-loss safety and claims record.

Enquire about 2027 intake

How it works

From enquiry to certificate.

Intake review.
Send us your boating résumé and your boat's details. We confirm your tier and any prerequisites. Experienced operators may qualify for an exemption.
Vessel safety inspection.
Before any on-water training, we inspect your boat and its safety equipment. We don't train on boats that are overpowered or not in safe condition.
Classroom.
Theory sessions online or in person, covering rules, safety, trim and the physics of high-speed running. Families and small groups can train together.
On-water training.
Hands-on instruction aboard your boat, progressing at a pace set by the instructor.
Assessment.
A written test, which can be taken as a group, and an individual on-water evaluation, with one candidate at the helm.
Certification.
Candidates who meet the standard receive a numbered Certificate of Competency for their tier and boat.

If you don't pass first time: the first review and re-evaluation of any module is free. After that, additional training is available.

The standard

A standard worth holding.

We set a high bar because the consequences at speed are serious.

Written test: 80% overall, and 90% on critical safety content.
On-water evaluation: 80% overall, and every critical skill must be passed. A strong score in one area cannot make up for a missed critical skill.
Critical skills include: collision avoidance and the rules of the road, safety equipment and engine cut-off use, emergency response, man-overboard recovery, occupant protection, high-speed deceleration and, at Tier 3, turning limits and trip recovery. Operating sober is non-negotiable and is part of the standard.
One candidate at the helm. Every on-water evaluation is individual.
Safe boats only. Every boat is inspected, and we don't train on boats that are overpowered or unsafe.
Instructor discretion. Speeds in training and evaluation are set by the instructor to suit the boat, the conditions and the candidate.

FAQ

Common questions.

Will this lower my insurance or get a young driver approved?

Coverage decisions belong to your insurer. Your Certificate of Competency is a documented record of training and evaluation that you can share with your broker. We recommend talking to your broker before you enrol.

Do I need a boating licence first?

Yes. Candidates need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or equivalent. We may also ask for a recognised boating course, such as CanBoat, or an experience exemption, which we decide at intake.

Why do I have to use my own boat?

Every performance boat handles differently. Training on the boat you'll actually drive makes the skills real, and it keeps the certificate specific to that boat.

Can my family or crew train together?

Yes. Classroom sessions and on-water training can be shared, with up to three students per boat. Group rates are available. Every evaluation is individual.

Where does training happen?

On-water training takes place at your dock or marina. Our home base is Muskoka and Georgian Bay, and we travel elsewhere on request. Group classroom sessions are held at partner venues.

What about weather?

Safety comes first. If conditions are unsuitable, we reschedule.

What if I don't pass?

Your first review and re-evaluation of any module is free. After that, additional training is available.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on your tier, the number of students and the location. Contact us for a quote. Group and family rates are available.

Enquire about 2027 intake

Performance Boat Academy

Three tiers by top speed.

A real standard, on the boat you actually drive.

From enquiry to certificate.

Intake review.

Vessel safety inspection.

Classroom.

On-water training.

Assessment.

Certification.