A Message from the Executive Director

April brought the kind of momentum that reminds us why Chapman continues to serve a vital role in South Florida’s marine community.

We also celebrated Chapman’s 55^th birthday this month. From our humble beginnings aboard the S/V Jesus Cristo in Fort Lauderdale to today’s nine-acre campus in Stuart, Florida, Chapman has come a long way. That journey reflects the students, instructors, alumni, donors, partners, and friends who have helped carry this mission forward for more than five decades.



April was also a busy month for our workforce programs and recreational boating courses. Our professional six and nine-week courses welcomed 41 students who are preparing to make their mark in the marine industry. Whether students are training for a new career, building technical skills, or becoming safer and more confident boaters, Chapman remains committed to practical, hands-on education that meets the needs of our community and our industry.

A Message from the Director of Development

Our summer weather is here, and so is boating season -- the busiest and most beautiful time to be on South Florida’s waterways. It is also, unfortunately, the most dangerous. In 2024, Florida led the nation in registered vessels and in boating accidents, with the most boating fatalities happening in May.

Class Graduation:
Congratulations to Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Class 03-26



Chapman proudly congratulates our Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Class 03-26 on their graduation on May 1. Throughout this intensive six-week program, students completed a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for entry into the marine surveying profession, combining technical classroom instruction with practical, hands-on application.

From vessel inspections and damage assessments to written survey reporting and marine systems evaluation, these students developed the detailed knowledge and observational skills required in this highly specialized field. Chapman is proud to continue preparing the next generation of marine professionals and providing the industry with trained individuals ready to uphold the standards of quality, safety, and professionalism.

Community Connections:
Chapman Hosts the Chamber Breakfast

Chapman was proud to host the Stuart/Martin County Chamber Breakfast in April, bringing community members, business leaders, and local partners onto campus for a morning of connection and conversation.

Events like this help introduce more people to Chapman’s mission and create opportunities to discuss boating safety, workforce training, youth education, and the role maritime education plays in South Florida’s economy.



Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning a meaningful reflection of the community support surrounding Chapman School of Seamanship.

Martin County School District Secure My Future Job Fair

Thank you to Martin County School District for inviting us to another Secure My Future Job Fair!

We always value the opportunity to connect with local high school juniors and seniors as they begin thinking about what comes after graduation.

It was exciting to share just how many career paths exist within the marine industry and to hear so many students talk about their goals for the future.

The next generation is full of potential, and we are proud to help show them what is possible on the water and beyond.

Staff Spotlight:

Welcome, Zachary Klosterman, to the Yamaha Training Team

Welcome, Zachary Klosterman, the newest addition to our Yamaha Training Team.



Zachary recently relocated from Mobile, Alabama, bringing with him a lifelong passion for working on boats. Raised around the marine industry, he learned early on from his father, who worked as a diesel mechanic. From cleaning parts as a young boy to developing a strong technical foundation, his path into marine service began at an early age.

As the industry began shifting toward outboards, his father recognized the opportunity ahead and encouraged him to train at Chapman. Zachary enrolled in the very first Yamaha class offered here and quickly developed a strong connection with instructor Shane Bowlin. After spending the last three years working in the field, he has now returned to Chapman to begin the next chapter of his career.

Working on Yamaha outboards remains his favorite part of the job, and he is excited for the opportunity to continue growing professionally while building a future for his family here in Florida.

He and his wife, Saraya Klosterman, have four children: Noah, Tinley, Colston, and Luna. Outside of work, the Klostermans enjoy spending time on the water, visiting sandbars, and watching the kids swim.

Football is also a major part of life in their household. As Zachary puts it, “Football is a religion in our family. Roll Tide!”

Please join us in welcoming Zachary to the Chapman family and our Yamaha Training Team.



New Summer Course:

ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology

July 13 - 24, 2026

The marine industry offers more opportunities than most people realize. The challenge is figuring out where to begin.

That is the purpose behind our new ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology course.

This hands-on entry-level program allows students to experience multiple areas of the industry, including boat operation, marine safety, engines, electrical systems, plumbing, trailer service, and more.

Instead of guessing which career path is right, students get the chance to work through it firsthand without making a major long-term commitment.

Learn more and sign up here.

Summer Youth Programs Open for Enrollment

Summer is almost here, and Chapman’s 2026 Summer Youth Programs are open for enrollment. These programs give students a structured way to get on the water, build confidence, and practice safe boating skills under instructor supervision.

The lineup includes options for students who are just beginning as well as students ready for more advanced navigation, vessel handling, and on-water decision-making. Families should review current schedules and availability early, as summer sessions can fill quickly.

NSBC Youth Bridge

A limited-time bridge option for students who completed NSBC Modules 1-2 or Modules 3-4 in 2025 and need to complete the remaining modules for full NSBC completion.

Youth Boating Basics

A 30-hour, five-day program for students ages 11 to 17 that teaches essential safe-boating skills, on-water handling, and preparation for the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card and National Safe Boating Council certificate.

Youth Advanced

A 30-hour, five-day program that builds on foundational skills with basic navigation, survival at sea, first aid, knots, and boat handling aboard twin outboard vessels.

Youth Adventurer

A five-day experience for students ages 14 to 17 focused on navigation, voyage planning, underway trips on the St. Lucie River and offshore, First Aid/CPR/AED certification elements, and distress-signal training.

Chapman’s youth programs are designed to teach practical seamanship while reinforcing responsibility, professionalism, and respect for Florida’s waterways.

Learn more about Chapman’s youth programs here.

Tech Tips from Yamaha Master Technician, Shane Bowlin

Annual Fuel System Check-Up

Summer boating season is here—it's time to check your fuel system thoroughly.

Quick Maintenance Checklist:

• Fuel Lines: Check for cracks, brittleness, or leaks.

• Fuel Filters: Replace the On-Motor Fuel Filter annually, and the Spin-On Fuel/Water Separating Filter in the vessel every 6 Months to ensure clean fuel.

• Connections: Verify clamps and fittings are secure.

• Fuel Tank: Look for corrosion, leaks, or sediment.

Always consider professional marine technician service for optimal safety and performance.

Stay safe and enjoy your time on the water!

Safe Boating Tip:

What If Your Captain Falls Overboard?

A captain overboard emergency can happen fast. Before every trip, at least one other person on board should know how to take the helm, reduce speed, shift to neutral, stop the engine, use the VHF radio, and locate the throwable flotation device.

If the captain goes overboard, act immediately. Shout “captain overboard,” keep the person in sight, and have one passenger point at them continuously. Toss a life ring, cushion, or other throwable flotation device right away. Do not jump in unless there is no safer option.

Take control of the boat, slow down, and return carefully. Never back the boat toward a person in the water. Circle around while moving forward, keep the captain visible from the helm, and approach from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger.

When alongside, shift to neutral and shut the engine off before bringing the captain back aboard. Use a boarding ladder, swim platform, lifeline, or rescue device, and keep weight balanced to avoid creating a second emergency. Once recovered, check for injuries, shock, or signs of cold-water exposure, and call for help if needed.

The best rescue plan starts at the dock: wear the engine cut-off switch, keep safety gear within reach, and make sure someone besides the captain knows what to do.

Leave Your Legacy on the Water

For Chapman alumni looking for a meaningful way to give back, Chapman’s Donate-to-Lease Program offers a way to turn vessel ownership into lasting impact. Rather than letting a boat sit idle or become a burden, alumni and supporters can donate a qualifying vessel to Chapman, where it can help support maritime education, workforce development, scholarships, or hands-on training for the next generation of mariners and marine technicians.

This is more than a boat donation. It is a way to strengthen the marine industry, expand Chapman’s “Learn at the Helm” training curriculum, and support boating safety programs for years to come. For graduates who want to leave a lasting legacy to help shape the journey for future students, this program creates a direct and meaningful way to invest in Chapman’s future.

Exclusive New Benefit for Chapman Students & Graduates

Chapman School of Seamanship is proud to announce a new partnership with West Marine, designed specifically to benefit our student and alumni community.

Through this exclusive Chapman Program, eligible students and graduates can now access special discounts on a wide range of West Marine products, including boating safety equipment, marine electronics, maintenance supplies, apparel, dock lines, and other on-the-water essentials.

These savings go beyond standard retail promotions and are even greater than the discounts offered through West Marine’s Pro customer program, giving Chapman graduates a valuable advantage as they continue their boating careers and adventures.

Whether you're outfitting your vessel, replacing worn gear, purchasing tools for the job, or simply stocking up on boating necessities, this is a benefit worth taking full advantage of.

Enrollment is free, quick, and available now through the end of the year.

Don’t leave money on the table. Sign up now and start saving on the gear you need most.

Stay Connected With Chapman!



Thank you for being part of the Chapman community and for helping us make waterways safer through education.