The Enlightened Pilot – Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Enlightened Pilot?

The Enlightened Pilot is a nine-step coaching program and training system designed to help new and developing boaters become confident, competent, and calm captains. It blends professional seamanship, on-water awareness, and the psychology of mastery into a structured path from fear to grace.

Who is it for?

The program serves:

• New boat owners and prospects who want to handle their vessels safely and confidently.

• Boat dealerships and marinas seeking value-added training for customers.

• Boating clubs and organizations that want to enrich member education and reduce risk on the water.

How is the course delivered?

Training is offered live via Zoom, limited to eight participants per group for individualized coaching. Each session blends instruction, demonstration, discussion, and guided reflection. Optional in-person or on-site instruction for clubs and dealerships is also available.

How long does it take to complete?

The standard live course runs six hours total, typically over three two-hour sessions on a single intensive day. Students may continue with advanced coaching or on-water practice.

What’s included?

Participants receive:

• The Enlightened Pilot workbook (digital PDF)

• Access to the Nine Steps to Confident Mastery course materials

• Practice logs and reflection guides

• Lifetime access to all course materials.

• Certificate of Completion

• Ongoing email support and partner resources

What makes The Enlightened Pilot teaching strategy different?

Traditional boating courses teach what to do. The Enlightened Pilot shows you how to see, think, plan maneuvers, and handle your vessel like a true captain. This nine-step coaching system gives skippers a simple, clear framework for understanding their experiences and acquiring skills—turning their uncertainty into confidence, their ideas into reality.

More than “Rules of the Road” or safety checklists, The Enlightened Pilot builds calm confidence, clear judgment, and real-world decision-making skills you’ll keep forever, on the water and off.

Is certification included?

The Enlightened Pilot emphasizes mastery over compliance. Participants receive a certificate of completion that complements other NASBLA or state-recognized boating safety credentials.

What does Nine Steps to Mastery cost?

• Individual enrollment: $200 per participant (six-hour course).

• Dealerships & Clubs: No-cost partnership model with free staff training and referral consideration.

• Private coaching: Custom pricing for on-site instruction or specialized mentoring.

What if I’ve never operated a boat before?

Perfect. This program was designed for you. The material assumes little prior experience and builds understanding step by step, blending practical knowledge with real-time application.

How do dealerships and clubs benefit?

Partners add value without cost:

• Enhanced customer retention and satisfaction

• Differentiation through safety and support

• Reduced post-sale incidents

• Optional profit-sharing on enrollments

• Exclusive access to partnership resources

Who teaches the program?

All sessions are led by Capt. Jay Williams, a third-generation riverboat pilot with experience in commercial, government and recreational navigation. His family’s legacy of seamanship and teaching the science and art of boat handling continues through this program.

How do I enroll or become a partner?

Visit www.enlightenedpilot.com or email capt.jay@enlightenedpilot.com.
From there, you can book a consultation, register for the next course, or request partnership information for your organization.