Learning the Water, Protecting the Ocean
For young people eager to spend time on the water, knowledge can be just as important as experience. A new collaboration between Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation is turning that idea into action with the launch of the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety & Ocean Stewardship Course, a free educational program designed for teens and young adults.
The two-day course will be offered throughout the year at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and the Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, with the inaugural class scheduled for March 2026. Together, the organizations aim to equip the next generation with critical boating skills while fostering a deep respect for the marine ecosystems that surround us.
Honoring a Legacy Through Education
The program carries special meaning. It is named in honor of Perry J. Cohen, whose love of the ocean continues to inspire positive change.
“Collaborating with Loggerhead Marinelife Center allows us to continue honoring Perry’s legacy in a meaningful and lasting way,” said Pamela Cohen, founder of the Perry J. Cohen Foundation and Perry’s mother. “By educating young people on boating safety and ocean stewardship, we are honoring Perry’s memory while helping protect lives and the waters he loved.”
Participants will begin with classroom instruction covering boating fundamentals, maritime laws, safety equipment, vessel operations and navigation. From there, learning moves onto the water at the Chapman School of Seamanship, where students will apply their skills in real-world conditions.
Upon completion, participants will meet the requirements to obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which is required to operate all powerboats in the state.
Perry J. Cohen
Access Without Barriers
What sets this course apart is its dual focus on safety and conservation. Loggerhead Marinelife Center specialists will teach participants about marine life behavior and how to avoid harmful interactions while boating. Students will also learn how to respond to common on-water emergencies, including spotting injured wildlife, and will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside LMC’s renowned Sea Turtle Hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful and thrilled for this partnership with the Perry J. Cohen Foundation,” said Hannah Campbell, Vice President of Education at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “This course will transform the next generation of boaters into confident, capable navigators and fierce, informed protectors of sea turtles.”
The result is an experience that goes far beyond a boating lesson—instilling responsibility, awareness and respect for the ocean environment.
Thanks to the support of the Perry J. Cohen Foundation and the partnership with Chapman School of Seamanship, the course is offered completely free of charge. The program is open to participants ages 14 and up, ensuring broad access for young people across the region.
For families, the course offers peace of mind and practical skills. For the community, it represents an investment in safer waterways and healthier oceans.
To learn more about the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety & Ocean Stewardship Course and to register, visit https://www.pjcf.org/
Stay updated with the Altima Collective’s luxury lifestyle newsletter.
The newsletter you know and trust now with new voices, fresh perspectives, and always served with a side of caviar!
