11AM | From Dock to Destination: What Every Boater Needs to Know to Stay Safe

📍Convention Center

Join us for an engaging and practical seminar on boating safety at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Drawing on over 40 years of boating experience, Capt. Chris Juall will cover the essential skills and knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and confidently on the water. This session will highlight recent updates to Florida boating laws, real-world examples of common mistakes and preventable mishaps, and offering valuable takeaways that can help save lives and protect property. Whether you’re a new boater or a seasoned operator, this seminar will help you stay safe, minimize mishaps, and enjoy more time on the water.

Speaker: Captain Chris Juall, The Qualified Captain

12PM | Know Your Vessel

📍Convention Center

To know your vessel is one of the most important skills a boater can have. Discover how to properly prepare your boat before departure, conduct routine safety and equipment checks, and complete essential post-trip maintenance to extend the life of your vessel and ensure it's always ready for the water.

Speaker: Captain Robert Franks, Sea School

1PM | Boating to The Bahamas

📍Convention Center

Thinking about making the crossing to The Bahamas for the first time? Join our boating experts as we walk you through everything you need to know—from entry requirements and procedures to tips that make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Don’t miss this session as we exclusively reveal the official Summer 2026 Bahamas Boating Fling dates. Be the first to hear when and where these exciting group trips will take place, and learn how you can join a fun, organized rendezvous to explore The Bahamas with fellow boaters.

Speaker: Richard Munroe & Robert Brousseau, Bahamas Boating Ambassadors, The Islands of The Bahamas

2PM | How to Get Your Captain's License

📍Convention Center

Thinking about becoming a licensed captain? Learn the differences between recreational and commercial boating, explore the various U.S. Coast Guard captain's licenses, and discover the steps, requirements, and training needed to earn your captain's license and begin your maritime journey.

Speaker: Aimee Carmenate, Sea School

3PM | Women on the Water Panel Discussion

📍Convention Center

Moderated by Captain Debbie Hanson, four women who've built careers in fishing and boating share real talk, hard-won advice, and inspiration for anyone ready to feel more confident on the water.

Speaker: Captain Deborah Hanson, Freedom Waters Foundation

5PM | Launch Your Future: Discover Massachusetts Maritime Academy 

📍Convention Center

Get ready to take the helm of your future! Join us for an engaging presentation about Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where university academics meet hands-on, real-world leadership training. Located on the picturesque Cape Cod Canal, the Academy offers high-impact degree programs in marine transportation, engineering, emergency management, international maritime business, and environmental protection. Discover how our unique learning environment meets transformation by preparing students for global leadership in high-paying, high-demand industries on land or at sea through our “Learn–Do–Lead” approach.  

What You’ll Learn:

• Academic Excellence: Explore our specialized STEM majors designed for career-readiness from day one.
• The Cadet Experience: Learn what it’s like to balance regimented-style leadership with campus life and athletics. Discover how Sea-Term cruises aboard the TS Patriot State II, experiential learning, and co-ops inspire confidence in your practical skills and give grads a competitive edge.
• Career Success: See why our graduates boast top-tier job placement rates and high starting salaries across energy, maritime, and corporate sectors.
• Next Steps: Get a step-by-step breakdown of the admissions process, financial aid options, and upcoming campus tour dates. 

Speakers: Michael Ortiz, Dean of Enrollment Management & Global Citizenship & Maryann Richards, Director of Career & Professional Services

11AM | Dock to Destination: Important Safety Gear & Information to Keep You Safe

📍Convention Center

Join us for an engaging and practical seminar on boating safety at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Drawing on over 40 years of boating experience, Capt. Chris Juall will cover the essential skills and knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and confidently on the water. This session will highlight recent updates to Florida boating laws, real-world examples of common mistakes and preventable mishaps, and offering valuable takeaways that can help save lives and protect property. Whether you’re a new boater or a seasoned operator, this seminar will help you stay safe, minimize mishaps, and enjoy more time on the water.

Speaker: Captain Chris Juall, The Qualified Captain

12PM | Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

📍Convention Center

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Speaker: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

2PM | Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

📍Convention Center

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Speaker: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

3:30PM | Boating to The Bahamas

📍Convention Center

Thinking about making the crossing to The Bahamas for the first time? Join our boating experts as we walk you through everything you need to know—from entry requirements and procedures to tips that make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Don’t miss this session as we exclusively reveal the official Summer 2026 Bahamas Boating Fling dates. Be the first to hear when and where these exciting group trips will take place, and learn how you can join a fun, organized rendezvous to explore The Bahamas with fellow boaters.

Speaker: Richard Munroe, Bahamas Boating Ambassador, The Islands of The Bahamas

11AM | Beyond the Life Jacket: What Every Boating Family Needs to Know

📍Convention Center

Boating is more fun when everyone feels confident around the water. This session explores how swimming ability, life jackets, and knowing your limits all work together to help you and your family enjoy boating more safely. Parents and kids will learn how to think about their own swimming ability, what children should know before getting on a boat, and simple steps every family can take to be safer on and around the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just getting started, you’ll leave with practical tips you can use right away.

Speaker: Kyle Kamman, VP of Aquatics, YMCA South Florida

12PM | Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

📍Convention Center

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Speaker: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

2PM | Hook the Future Kids Fishing Clinic

📍Convention Center

Captain Don Dingman will demonstrate various fishing techniques while showcasing a wide variety of fish species. Each kid will receive a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. You won't want to miss this hands-on, interactive fishing clinic.

Speaker: Captain Don Dingman, Hook the Future

11AM | Robert Allen Law Tax Alleviation

📍Superyacht Village

Speaker: TBD

12PM | Navigating Charter

📍Superyacht Village

Speaker: Heather Hatcher

1PM | YachtAID Global

📍Superyacht Village

Speaker: Steve Jackman, YachtingBC

3PM | Proposal for a U.S. Yacht Code: Why Now?

📍Superyacht Village

The proposed United States Yacht Code establishes a modern statutory framework for the documentation and regulation of recreational yachts under the United States flag. It is not a relaxation of safety standards. Rather, it adopts the internationally recognized regulatory model for a fundamentally different type of vessel.

Speaker: Duncan Smith, Smith Advocacy Group LLC

4PM | Discover the Eastern Caribbean: A Premier Yachting Destination

📍Superyacht Village

Join the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Tourism Authorities of Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for "Discover the Eastern Caribbean: A Premier Yachting Destination." Experience breathtaking island-hopping across sheltered coves and pristine bays, complemented by world-class marinas, yacht services, and the vibrant culture of each island. Attend to learn more about the Eastern Caribbean and its signature yachting events. One yachting destination—three experiences.

Speakers: Natasha Deterville-Moise & Maria Fowell, OECS Commission, Shanai St. Bernard, Grenada Tourism Authority, Denise Mauricette, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, & Kathique Haynes, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority

11AM | The Insurance Handbook

📍Superyacht Village

• What Really Matters
• What Will Save You Time
• What Causes Claims
• Tricks of the Trade

Speakers: Laura Sherrod & Panel, Newcoast Insurance Services

12PM | Beyond the Wake: How Superyachts Can Advance Ocean Science & Restoration

📍Superyacht Village

In this presentation, marine scientist Dr. Shelby Thomas will explore practical ways that superyacht owners, captains, crew, managers, marinas, and other industry professionals can contribute to ocean stewardship. Drawing from real-world examples involving coral restoration, artificial reefs, marine monitoring, citizen science, and community engagement, the session will explain how yachts can support research and conservation without creating unnecessary operational burdens.

Speaker: Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ocean Rescue Alliance International

1PM | Integrated Remote Healthcare in the 21st Century

📍Superyacht Village

Medical technology. The capability for ‘point-of-care’ testing has fundamentally changed how medicine is practiced, from the bedside in the most technical Intensive Care Unit, to the remotest place on Earth. Vital signs can be measured with remarkable accuracy, and tests and examinations performed on a patient to a level previously not possible. All this objective clinical information better guides the process of making diagnoses, and thus formulating more effective treatments that fundamentally preserves and improves lives.

Treatment algorithms. The advent of Advanced Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support emergency treatment algorithms in the 1980s-90s introduced a structured way of delivering care in emergency clinical situations. The concept of treatment algorithms has been extended to many other areas of emergency medical and trauma conditions, and also other more routine medical conditions. Such an approach gives the non-medical professional clear guidance on recognizing serious clinical situations (using ‘red-flags’), required immediate actions, and also when to call for advice.

A revolution in global communications. Telemedical advice is available almost instantaneously, from anywhere in the world. Also, images and medical test results can be sent to shore-based medical advisors in almost real time, to improve the veracity the advice given back to the vessel. The synergism between these quite disparate areas of development has facilitated a significant improvement in delivering very good quality healthcare to workers at sea and other remote locations.

Speaker: Dr. Spike Briggs, Medical Support Offshore

3PM | Mastering Caviar: A Guided Tasting for Chefs, Stews & The Caviar Curious

📍Superyacht Village

Whether you're preparing service onboard or simply curious about the world's most celebrated delicacy, this interactive tasting explores everything you need to know about caviar. Learn proper presentation, tasting etiquette, ideal serving temperatures, unexpected pairings, and how to confidently guide guests through an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy a curated tasting featuring selections from Yacht Life Caviar.

Speaker: Patrick Knowles, Yacht Life Caviar

4PM | Destination: Pacific Northwest

📍Superyacht Village

Speaker: Steve Jackman, YachtingBC

11AM | Real Chats About Mental Health at Sea

📍Superyacht Village

Join Captain Kelly Gordon, founder of Yachtie Minds Matter, and a panel of current and former yacht crew for an open, judgment-free conversation about the realities of working at sea. Through personal stories, practical advice, and audience discussion, the panel will explore resilience, leadership, communication, burnout, conflict, career growth, and the everyday challenges that rarely get discussed, but impact every vessel.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit anonymous questions before and during the session, creating a safe space to ask the questions many crew members think, but are often hesitant to say out loud. No topic is off limits.

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned captain, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, practical tools, valuable resources, and the reminder that the strongest crews are built through honest conversations and mutual support.

Speaker: Captain Kelly Gordon, Yachtie Minds Matter

1PM | Bareboat Business: Compliance, Contracts & Profitability

📍Superyacht Village

Capt. Kenny Hilderbrandt, CEO of RentaBoat.com, breaks down the legal framework behind bareboat/demise charters, explaining how U.S. Coast Guard and maritime law define compliance. Learn the history, rules, and strategies that owners and operators need to navigate contracts, reduce risk, and maximize profitability.

Speaker: Captain Kenny Hilderbrandt, RentaBoat.com

2PM | The Great Lakes & the Great Loop

📍Superyacht Village

Discovering America's secret cruising grounds - from superyachts to jet skis.

Speaker: Debora Radtke, American Yacht Agents