A Message from the Executive Director

As we moved through March, Chapman School of Seamanship continued to build on a strong start to 2026.

This month reflected the heart of our mission. On March 13, we celebrated the graduation of PMT Class 01-26 and Yamaha Class 01-26, with 12 Professional Mariner Training students and 16 Yamaha Marine Technician students completing nine weeks of intensive, hands-on training. Their success marked another important step in helping meet the growing need for skilled professionals in the marine industry.

A Message from the Director of Development

To everyone who has supported Chapman School of Seamanship--Thank You! Your generosity is making a difference in so many ways--fueling program growth, campus improvements, and life-changing opportunities for our students.

I am also pleased to share that Chapman has once again earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar. This is the highest level of recognition for nonprofit accountability. This designation is only awarded to organizations that demonstrate exceptional financial transparency and responsible stewardship. You can give with confidence knowing your support is being used exactly as intended.

Class Graduations:
Congratulations to PMT & Yamaha 01-26



Chapman proudly congratulates our Professional Mariner Training (PMT) Class 01-26 and Yamaha Marine Technician Class 01-26 on their graduation on March 13. A total of 12 PMT students and 16 Yamaha students successfully completed their respective nine-week training programs, marking another important milestone for both Chapman and the marine industry.

These graduates represent more than just course completions; they represent another win in helping address the marine industry’s declining workforce. Through nine weeks of focused, hands-on training, these students developed the knowledge, discipline, and practical skills needed to step into careers as professional mariners and marine technicians. Chapman is proud to play a role in preparing the next generation of skilled maritime professionals and strengthening the workforce that keeps our industry moving forward.

Alumni Spotlight: Captain Rena Trotter

Captain Rena Trotter, a proud graduate of the Chapman School of Seamanship, has turned her lifelong connection to the water into an exciting new venture on Florida’s Treasure Coast. As the founder of Cool Cat Charters LLC, Rena brings a personalized, experience-driven approach to private boating in Fort Pierce and the surrounding areas.

A Treasure Coast native and graduate of the University of Florida, Rena’s path to entrepreneurship is rooted in both service and discipline. She served six years in the United States Army as a combat medic, an experience that shaped her ability to lead under pressure, prioritize safety, and care for others—skills that translated seamlessly into her work on the water.

In addition to her maritime training, Rena is a certified Dive Master and works as a Registered Nurse with the Hospital Care at Home Program through Cleveland Clinic. Her diverse background reflects a deep commitment to helping others, whether on land or at sea.

Cool Cat Charters was born from Rena’s belief that time on the ocean is more than just recreation—it is restorative. Her company, a female- and veteran-owned business, offers customized private excursions aboard her 37-foot power catamaran, Imagine. Experiences range from sunrise and sunset cruises to eco tours, sandbar outings, and overnight adventures, all designed to provide guests with meaningful, memorable, and therapeutic time on the water.

By March, Cool Cat Charters had entered the final stages of launch and had already gained traction with pre-bookings for the upcoming season. Rena credited the foundation she built at Chapman School of Seamanship as instrumental in giving her the confidence and technical expertise she needed to pursue this venture.

Through Cool Cat Charters, Rena has not only built a business but also created a space where people can disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with nature, and experience the healing power of the ocean.

Cool Cat Charters Website | Cool Cat Charters Facebook | Cool Cat Charters Instagram

Program Highlights:

NMEA Basic Installer & NMEA 2000 ^® Installer Courses

June 1 - 3, 2026

ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology

July 6 - 24, 2026

Chapman has announced its next NMEA Marine Electronics Installer Course for June 1–4, 2026. This hands-on training continues to provide valuable instruction in marine electrical fundamentals, wiring best practices, grounding and bonding, circuit protection, and marine electronics installation skills.

The next ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology course is scheduled for July 6–24, 2026. This three-week, in-person program continues to build foundational marine systems knowledge through practical training in shop safety, electrical fundamentals, engines, propulsion, plumbing, and core boat systems.

Chapman’s Rules of the Road – Online course also remains available, giving mariners a self-paced way to practice navigation rules and prepare for USCG-style testing.

Safe Boating Tip:

When is it OK to Anchor by the Stern?

In most situations, anchoring by the stern is not recommended. A vessel is designed to face into the wind, current, and seas from the bow, which allows it to ride more safely and predictably. When a boat is anchored only by the stern in open or exposed water, it becomes much more vulnerable to taking waves over the transom. That can quickly lead to flooding, loss of stability, or even capsizing, especially if wind or seas begin to build.

Wind, current, and wave action can also push the stern sideways and place unusual stress on both the boat and the anchor line. Even when conditions seem calm, they can change quickly. For that reason, the safest general practice is to anchor from the bow and remain aware of the weather, sea state, and current.

There are, however, limited situations where using a stern anchor is appropriate. One common example is when a boat is positioned bow-out from a sandbar. In that case, a bow anchor may be deployed first, and a stern anchor can then be placed up-current or offshore to keep the stern from drifting onto the beach or coming ashore. In this setup, the stern anchor is being used to help control the vessel’s position, not as the primary anchor in rough or open-water conditions.

When used this way, a stern anchor can be a useful tool, but only in protected conditions and with close attention to wind, waves, and current. As a rule, stern anchoring is acceptable for position control in calm, controlled environments, but it should be avoided as the primary anchoring method in exposed water.

Tech Tips from Yamaha Master Technician, Shane Bowlin

Prevent Yamaha Prop Shaft Damage: Check for Fishing Line

Did you know that fishing line wrapped around your Yamaha outboard’s prop shaft can damage seals and lead to costly repairs?

A simple preventative step is to remove your propeller regularly and inspect for any fishing line or debris wrapped around the shaft. If you find any, cut and remove it right away before it has a chance to damage the seals. It is also important to watch for signs such as oil leaks or milky gear oil, which may indicate water intrusion into the lower unit.

Before reinstalling the propeller, apply marine grease to the shaft to help prevent corrosion and make future removal easier. Just a few minutes of routine maintenance can help save thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your Yamaha running smoothly.

Summer Youth Programs Open for Enrollment

Chapman’s 2026 Summer Youth Programs opened for enrollment in March.

These hands-on programs are designed to help young people build boating confidence, safety awareness, and foundational maritime skills in a structured and engaging environment. Each program blends classroom learning with on-water training to reinforce safe boating practices and practical seamanship.

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 the proper use of safety equipment.

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.

Youth Advanced

This course builds on foundational skills and introduces navigation concepts, chart reading, knot tying, first aid awareness, and more advanced boat handling techniques.

Youth Adventurer

Our most immersive youth experience includes extended on-water training, navigation exercises, and real-world decision-making scenarios designed to build leadership and confidence at the helm.



Chapman’s youth programs are designed not only to teach boating skills, but also to instill professionalism, responsibility, and respect for Florida’s waterways.

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, and 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.

Seawall and Dock Expansion Update

Chapman’s seawall project reached approximately 75% completion in March, marking another major step forward in strengthening and modernizing our waterfront campus. As work on the seawall continues, installation of the new floating docks follows close behind, keeping this important infrastructure project moving steadily forward.

When complete, the new floating dock system will provide Chapman with more than 900 feet of dockage, expanding our capacity for hands-on training, vessel operations, and future program growth. This investment will directly support Chapman’s mission by enhancing the waterfront access that is central to our “Learn at the Helm” approach to maritime education.

Stay Connected with Chapman

Chapman School of Seamanship continued to grow because of the support of our students, alumni, donors, and community partners.

Whether someone is looking to start a career in the marine industry, strengthen boating knowledge, support youth education, or help expand access to maritime training, there is a place for them in Chapman’s mission.

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

Stay Connected With Chapman!