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A Message from the Executive Director
As we move through February, I want to pause and recognize the momentum we are building — and the people who make that momentum possible.
From welcoming more than 50 students into our workforce programs at the start of the year, to advancing major waterfront infrastructure improvements and expanding new training offerings, Chapman continues to grow. But growth at a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit does not happen on its own. It happens because of donors, sponsors, alumni, and community partners who believe in what we do.
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Every seawall installed, every dock expanded, every youth scholarship awarded, and every veteran transitioning into a new maritime career is made possible through philanthropic support. Tuition alone does not fund the full scope of our programs. Your contributions help maintain our fleet, support instructors, expand access for students who otherwise could not attend, and allow us to invest in the safety and professionalism that define Chapman.
This newsletter highlights alumni success, community recognition, expanded youth programs, and new workforce certifications — but behind each success story is donor support. As we continue to grow, your partnership is essential.
Chapman’s mission is not just to train mariners. It is to change lives through education and to make our waterways safer for generations to come. We invite you to stand with us, invest in the future, and help ensure this impact continues.
Thank you for your continued belief in Chapman School of Seamanship.
Warm Regards,
Jim Allen
Executive Director
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A Message From The Director of Development
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Beacon Barbecue. This event not only raised critical funds for youth scholarships, but also brought valuable awareness to the mission and impact of Chapman School of Seamanship.
It was inspiring to see our community come together in support of workforce training, boating safety, and youth education. Once again, we extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and to every individual who purchased a ticket, hosted a table, or contributed to the evening’s success. Your support makes a meaningful difference.
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If you were unable to attend—or would like to continue supporting our work—you can still make an impact by becoming a member of the Chapman Burgee Society. Monthly giving helps sustain scholarships, maintain our training fleet, and ensure access to high-quality maritime education year-round.
Thank you for standing with Chapman and investing in the next generation of mariners.
With gratitude,
Renee Booth
Director of Development
📧 r.booth@chapman.org | 📞 772-210-4711
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Community Spotlight:
Chapman School of Seamanship Week
The week of February 22–28 was officially declared “Chapman School of Seamanship Week” in Martin County — a meaningful recognition of the School’s ongoing impact in boating safety, maritime workforce development, and community service.
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Members of our staff and Board of Trustees attended the meeting of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, where the proclamation was formally presented. The declaration acknowledges Chapman’s role in preparing professional mariners, marine technicians, surveyors, and safe recreational boaters, while strengthening the local and regional marine industry.
For more than five decades, Chapman has worked to make waterways safer and to create career pathways within the maritime sector. This recognition reflects not only our history, but also the continued growth and relevance of our programs.
We are deeply grateful to Martin County for honoring our mission and for supporting the work being done on our campus. The positive impact of our students and graduates extends well beyond our community — and we look forward to continuing that service in the years ahead.
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Partnership Spotlight:
Loggerhead Marinelife Center & The Perry J. Cohen Foundation
Chapman is proud to partner with Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation to launch the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety & Ocean Stewardship Course.
This free, two-day educational program is designed to equip teens and young adults with critical boating safety skills while fostering environmental stewardship. The course blends boating fundamentals, maritime law, navigation rules, required safety equipment, and hands-on on-water training at Chapman with conservation education led by Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Participants gain practical experience operating vessels safely and responsibly while developing a deeper understanding of Florida’s marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting wildlife. Upon completion, students meet the requirements to obtain their Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
The inaugural course begins March 21, 2026, marking an important step forward in expanding youth boating education and honoring Perry Cohen’s legacy through safety and stewardship.
Click here for more details about the course.
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Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Class 01-26
First Graduating Class of 2026
Chapman proudly congratulates the first graduating class of 2026 from our Yacht & Small Craft Surveying program.
Seventeen students successfully completed six weeks of intensive, hands-on training designed to prepare them for professional careers in marine surveying. Throughout the program, students developed practical expertise in vessel inspection, damage assessment, valuation methodology, ABYC standards application, and comprehensive survey report writing.
The curriculum emphasizes real-world application. Students worked directly with vessels to conduct detailed inspections, identify compliance issues, evaluate systems integrity, and prepare professional-grade reports consistent with industry expectations. By the end of the program, graduates gained not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence and professionalism required to represent themselves effectively in the marine marketplace.
We commend this class for their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make across the recreational marine industry.
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Alumni Spotlight: David Caudill
From Army Retirement to Marine Industry Leader
After retiring from the U.S. Army, Dave Caudill enrolled in Chapman’s Professional Mariner Training (PMT) program, graduating as Valedictorian in September 2018. He continued his education with Chapman’s Yacht and Small Craft Surveying Course, building a strong technical foundation that later supported advanced ABYC standards training.
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Dave launched his post-military career as a Captain on 100-passenger whale watch vessels in Alaska, then moved into a leadership role with Antares Catamarans, heading up their Factory Certified Program—where his surveyor training proved invaluable.
Building on his experience and industry relationships, Dave established his own marina and marine services operation in Merritt, North Carolina. Today, Marine Craft provides brokerage services, complex electrical upgrades (12/24/48v DC and 120/220/240v AC systems), vessel refits, outboard and inboard repairs, rigging, and logistics support for Antares Catamarans and the Zonda Group.
Dave’s commitment to professional development continues—many of his employees are ABYC certified, and one is currently enrolled in Chapman’s Yamaha Marine Maintenance Certification Program.
The foundation for Marine Craft was laid at Chapman School of Seamanship, and it continues to influence the recreational marine industry today.
Marine Craft Website | Marine Craft Facebook | Marine Craft YouTube
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Program Highlight:
NMEA Basic Installer & NMEA 2000 ® Installer Courses
March 16 - 19, 2026
Chapman will host the NMEA Basic Marine Electronics Installer and NMEA 2000® Installer courses on March 16–19, 2026, delivering industry-recognized training for technicians, surveyors, captains, and mariners working with today’s increasingly complex marine electronics.
Participants receive hands-on instruction in:
- Marine electrical fundamentals
- Wiring best practices
- Grounding and bonding
- Circuit protection
- NMEA 2000® architecture and troubleshooting
These certifications are highly valued across the marine industry.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Program Highlight:
ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology
April 6 - 24, 2026
This new three-week, in-person program builds foundational marine systems knowledge from the ground up.
Students receive hands-on training in shop safety, electrical fundamentals, engines, propulsion, plumbing, and core boat systems.
Participants also complete:
- Florida Safe Boating Course (Boating Safety ID Card)
- NSBC Modules 1–4
Spots are limited. Join us this spring and start building your future on the water.
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New Online Course
Rules of the Road
Practice. Prepare. Pass.
Chapman is proud to offer a new online Rules of the Road course designed to help mariners build confidence and pass their exams.
For just $30, mariners gain access to structured navigation rule instruction plus built-in practice exams that mirror USCG testing formats.
Self-paced and accessible anytime.
Know the rules. Practice with confidence. Be ready when it counts.
Purchase The Course Here
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Safe Boating Tip:
Situational Awareness & Closing Speed
On the water, two vessels approaching each other can be more deceptive than most operators realize. Speed often feels slower over open water — but the math tells a different story.
If your vessel is running at 25 mph and another vessel is approaching at 25 mph, your closing speed is 50 mph. That means you are covering roughly 73 feet per second combined. In just 10 seconds, the distance between you shrinks by more than 700 feet. What seems like “plenty of room” can disappear very quickly.
Even at moderate speeds — say 15 mph each — your closing speed is 30 mph, or about 44 feet per second. That leaves very little time to assess which vessel is the Stand-On vessel and which is the Give-Way vessel, determine risk of collision, and make proper course or speed adjustments.
The Navigation Rules require that operators take early and substantial action to avoid collision. The Stand-On vessel must maintain course and speed, but also has a responsibility to act if the Give-Way vessel does not take appropriate action. These decisions must be made calmly and early — not at the last second.
Situational awareness means scanning 360°, tracking relative motion, recognizing developing crossing situations, and giving yourself ample time to apply the Rules properly.
If you want to sharpen your understanding of Stand-On and Give-Way responsibilities, lights, shapes, and collision avoidance, Chapman’s Rules of the Road – Online course is a practical way to practice and prepare. For just $30, the course includes structured lessons and practice exams that mirror real USCG testing formats.
Know the rules. Practice the rules. Apply them early.
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Now Accepting Applications
2026 Summer Youth Programs
Chapman’s 2026 Summer Youth Programs are now open for enrollment. These hands-on programs are designed to build boating confidence, safety awareness, and foundational maritime skills in a structured and engaging environment.
Each program blends classroom instruction with on-water training, reinforcing safe boating practices and practical seamanship skills.
NSBC Youth Bridge
This introductory program focuses on foundational boating safety and seamanship skills. Students learn safe boat handling, close-quarters maneuvering, situational awareness, and proper use of safety equipment. The goal is to build comfort and confidence at the helm while reinforcing safe decision-making.
Youth Boating Basics
Designed for students seeking formal safety credentials, this program covers core boating principles and prepares participants to earn their Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. Instruction includes navigation rules, required equipment, safe operation, and collision avoidance.
Youth Advanced
This next-level course builds upon foundational skills and introduces navigation concepts, chart reading, knot tying, first aid awareness, and more advanced boat handling techniques. Students gain deeper understanding of responsible vessel operation and teamwork on the water.
Youth Adventurer
Our most immersive youth experience, this program incorporates extended on-water training, real-world navigation exercises, and decision-making scenarios. Students develop leadership skills, situational awareness, and confidence while operating Chapman training vessels under instructor supervision.
Chapman’s youth programs are designed not only to teach boating skills, but to instill professionalism, responsibility, and respect for Florida’s waterways.
Spots fill quickly each summer. Early application is strongly encouraged. Learn more here.
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A New Way to Turn Your Boat Into Impact
What if your vessel could do more than sit at the dock or wait on the market?
Chapman School of Seamanship is expanding its innovative Donate-to-Lease Program — a structured solution that allows boat owners to donate their vessel to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit while continuing to create value through a professionally managed lease arrangement.
This program supports maritime workforce training, boating safety education, and student scholarships — all while offering potential tax advantages and a unique alternative to traditional resale.
Brokers and industry professionals are also taking notice. With built-in incentives for introducing qualified vessels, this program creates opportunity not just for donors, but for the marine community as a whole.
If you own a vessel — or know someone who does — and are looking for a smarter way forward, this may be worth a conversation.
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