Service Biologist Jim McFee navigates the Detroit River on the R/V Sentinel with volunteer Aime Bourdon (left) and USGS Biologist Bruce Manny (right). - FWS photo by James Boase

Service biologist Jim McFee recently attended the Motorboat Operation Certification Course.  The course was offered at the sea lamprey control office, in Marquette, Michigan. 

This training included boat operation and skills both on the water and in the water.  Classroom topics included rules of the road, aids to navigation, emergency procedures, fire suppression and techniques for overall handling. 

On the water training consisted of backing in and unloading a trailer, docking in a slip, learning the avoidance move, and completing the star maneuverability course.  The in-water training gave trainees the chance to swim with a lifejacket on, practice overboard retrieval techniques, and learn how to throw a life ring and line. 

McFee passed all portions of the course and has had a chance to use his recently learned skills on the Detroit River (figure 1).