The Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show returns Sept. 28-30 with new educational opportunities. From on-the-water boat training to scuba lessons and do-it-yourself maintenance seminars, the event offers attendees a variety of hands-on learning experiences.

Activities at the 2012 boat show include Take the Helm with Discover Boating. From novice boaters to seasoned sailors, attendees can take part in several powerboat and sailing clinics. The Recreational Powerboating Association will offer one- and three-hour powerboating clinics. The American Sailing Association will teach the basics in their “Introduction to Sailing” course, in addition to a “Coastal Cruising” clinic for more experienced sailors and “Docking Under Power & Close Quarters Boat Control” for sailors of all skill levels.

Try SCUBA diving at the Be a Diver Pool. The Dive Equipment & Marketing Association’s 15,000-gallon heated pool is open to attendees 10 years and older who want a free diving lesson. Wetsuits and equipment are provided and experienced divers are also welcome to test out the latest scuba gear.

Master maintenance at Fred’s Shed DIY Seminars & Interactive Learning Center. Keith ‘The Boating Guy’ Ammons and ‘Fred the Outboard Doctor,’ a certified marine service technician, will lead hands-on clinics and Q&A sessions about do-it-yourself boat maintenance. These free sessions include instruction on prepping a boat for performance and fuel economy, changing a water pump, maintaining an engine, detailing and more.

Additional clinics and activities will be offered throughout the three-day show, held at the Tampa Convention Center. In addition to learning new skills, attendees can find exclusive deals on hundreds of boats from the region’s top retailers and shop the marine industry’s newest accessories and electronics.

The Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry.

Source: Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show