Get Mariner Grade CPR Certification
What will you do when rescue is miles away?
In a cardiac emergency, brain damage begins in just 4 minutes. On the water, EMS is rarely minutes away—it’s often miles. That means if someone collapses on your boat and you don’t act immediately, you will lose them, or they will never be the same again.
This is the moment where hesitation can cost a life. Our Dockside Certification brings Red Cross-certified CPR, AED, and First Aid training directly aboard your vessel, so you’ll know exactly what to do and have practiced it in your own space, with your own equipment. You will leave with more than just a card; you will leave with a personalized emergency action plan that could make the difference between life and death. Out on the water, you can’t wait for help—you have to be it.
What Happens If Someone Dies on Your Watch?
As a captain or vessel owner, you are not just responsible for the safety of your passengers—you’re liable. In the event of a medical emergency or fatality on board, investigators will ask: “Were you prepared?” “Was this preventable?” If basic CPR or AED intervention could have changed the outcome, failing to act—or not knowing how—can carry severe legal, civil, and ethical consequences. Wrongful death lawsuits, insurance disputes, and reputational damage are just the beginning. Even without legal action, the weight of what you didn’t do can stay with you forever. Our Dockside Certification helps protect more than just lives. It protects your license, your liability, and your legacy. Because in maritime emergencies, not knowing is not a defense.
dockside cpr training
Ideal for: Yacht owners, families, private crews, charter operators
Train where emergencies actually happen.
This onboard CPR/AED & First Aid certification class is delivered directly on your boat or marina by a licensed nurse and USCG captain. This immersive training ensures your entire crew is prepared when help is miles away.
What You’ll Learn:
- Emergency response in marine conditions
- How to perform CPR on a moving vessel
- Vessel-specific safety planning and rescue execution
What’s Included:
- Red Cross Adult & CPR/AED + First Aid Certification (valid 2 years)
- Licensed Nurse + 100-ton USCG Captain instruction
- Travel to your marina included
- Emergency drills tailored to your vessel
- Bleeding control techniques, AED use on water, drowning response, ditch bag walkthrough, life raft & immersion protocol
Blended Learning:
Start with a short, self-paced online module. Completion is required before your hands-on session.
Starting at $275
($159 each additional person)
Group Classes
Ideal for: Recreational boaters, marina crew, marine contractors
You don’t need to own a boat to save a life on one.
In the event of a fatality or injury on the water, legal and ethical responsibility can fall on you. This waterfront group class delivers Red Cross certification with marine-specific training in a scenic setting. Ideal for those who want expert instruction without hosting.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to respond when emergency services can’t reach you
- AED use around water and marine-specific emergencies
- Team communication and scene control in boating settings
What’s Included:
- Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED + First Aid Certification (valid 2 years)
- Premium waterfront training environment
- Licensed Nurse + 100-ton USCG Captain instruction
- Group drills based on real marine emergencies
- AED, bleeding control, choking, shock, drowning, and Coast Guard coordination
Blended Learning:
Start with a short, self-paced online module. Completion is required before your hands-on session.
$159 per person
CPR for Contractors
For Marine Contractors, Safety Is Part of the Job.If you’re a marine electrician, mechanic, or part of a yacht management crew, you already know the risks of working in and around vessels. But here’s what most professionals overlook: in the event of a medical emergency on board or on the dock, you could be the first, and only, responder. Having a CPR/AED certification for marine contractors isn’t just smart, it’s a critical part of protecting yourself, your clients, and your liability.
CPR for Yacht brokers
Yacht brokers are trusted to oversee high-value transactions and coordinate sea trials, showings, and charters, often in dynamic, unpredictable marine environments. In these moments, medical emergencies can occur without warning, and clients naturally look to the professionals in charge. Having a valid CPR and AED certification for yacht brokers not only enhances your credibility but also demonstrates preparedness, responsibility, and leadership. Support your clients dockside and your captain on seatrial.
As a new boat owner, I was honestly nervous about emergencies. This class made me feel prepared for the first time. Nykki broke it down in a way that really stuck with me.
Living aboard full-time, emergencies aren’t a matter of if—but when. This training made me feel like I could actually handle it. Clear, calm, and tailored to real conditions.
This isn’t just a checkbox class. It’s crew preparation done right. Every one of my charter staff walked away more confident and capable. We’ll be rebooking every two years.
Meet your instructor
Captain Nykki Durant is not your average CPR instructor; she’s a Licensed Vocational Nurse, 100-ton USCG Master Captain, and certified emergency responder with advanced training in both clinical and maritime environments. As valedictorian of her nursing class and an STCW-certified mariner, Nykki brings a rare dual perspective to safety education: she understands what can go wrong on the water and how to respond when it does.
From fast-paced hospital settings to unpredictable conditions offshore, Nykki has led emergency care both on land and at sea. She’s trained to recognize critical scenarios before they escalate and equips her clients with practical, hands-on skills tailored to their unique environments, whether that’s a yacht deck, charter vessel, marina office, or open water.
Each course is grounded in evidence-based practice, USCG and Red Cross compliance, and real-world application, not just check-the-box certification. When you train with Captain Nykki, you’re learning from a professional who has made a career of keeping people safe in the moments that matter most.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dockside CPR Certification?
Dockside CPR is a Red Cross-certified CPR, AED, and First Aid class approved by the USCG. This class is tailored to unique emergency challenges you may face on the water, like delayed response times, hypothermia, drowning, and trauma. We also cover maritime safety plans, including muster stations, ditch bags, equipment to have on board, and other best practices.
Why is CPR especially important on boats?
Because help is far away. Brain damage from cardiac arrest begins in just 4 minutes, but marine rescue can take 15+ minutes. If you don’t know what to do, it may already be too late. This class gives you the confidence and skills to act when seconds count.
Do I need to complete an online portion before the class?
Yes. This is a blended learning course, meaning a quick, self-paced online module must be completed before the hands-on session. This is designed to save time for your in person skills session. Your personalized Red Cross course link is sent after booking. Certification is not issued without completion.
Is this course and certification nationally recognized?
Certified by the American Red Cross—one of the most trusted safety organizations—this course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, charter and yacht operators, marinas, insurance providers, and employers that require proof of CPR certification.
Can I use this certification for my Merchant Mariner's Credential or Captain's License?
Yes, the U.S. Coast Guard accepts American Red Cross CPR and First Aid training for Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) applications and officer endorsements, as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations under 46 CFR 11.201(i)(2)(i) and 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1)(i). If you’re applying for or renewing an MMC, your Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification is fully compliant—whether you’re working onboard, operating a charter, or serving on a tug.
How long does the certification last?
CPR certification through this course is valid for 2 years from the date of completion.
other pages of interest
Boating resources
In an emergency on the water, every second counts and help may not be immediately accessible. That’s why we include guidance on local marina emergency protocols, Coast Guard contact procedures… see emergency numbers page.
COastGuard guidelines
Under 46 CFR § 11.201(i) and § 11.302(a), the U.S. Coast Guard accepts CPR and First Aid training the Red Cross to meet requirements for certain merchant mariner credentials… Read more about requirements for MMC applications.
dockside safety club
Studies show that without regular practice, CPR and First Aid skills begin to fade in as little as 6 months. The Dockside Safety Club was created to keep you confident and prepared year-round … visit Dockside Safety Club page.
protecting children?
Emergencies involving infants and children require different skills than adult response. If you’re boating with little ones, we strongly recommend adding Pediatric CPR & First Aid to your training. It’s a quick add-on—but it could save a child’s life.
Be Ready When It Counts.
Book your Red Cross-certified CPR, AED & First Aid training with a Licensed Nurse & USCG Captain.
Schedule My ClassMobile & Onboard Training | MMC & Workplace Compliant | Family & Group Options