A Waterman is a person that has a complete understanding and respect for the ocean. One who has mastered a variety of traditional aquatic skills and gained the knowledge to live, work and prosper on or near the sea. One who protects the ocean and helps others understand and respect it as well.

The Waterman Academy program is serious and intense at times but the young men have a tremendous amount of fun in the process. Many of them are able to accomplish skills and tasks they never thought possible. The sense of achievement is something that they will remember for the rest of their lives and be influenced by what they conquered at sea. We truly believe that the academy serves as a rite of passage for teenage boys to become men upon their return from their incredible journey.



Waterman Academy is a 21 day ocean based juvenile boot camp for young men 13-19. We offer an opportunity for cadet's to participate in both summer sessions, the second 21 day's he would excel to a level 2 squad leader status. The attitude changes made during the Waterman Academy are phenomenal. Motivating instead of demeaning, challenging instead of belittling by strong male leaders contributes to the cadets' success.

Our cadets are not only taught the disciplines and makings of an honorable young man, he is offered the opportunity to become certified in numerous maritime courses. Accomplishing so many courses in such little time requires discipline, accountability, team work and participation. Every day is started with morning physical training, the days are filled with intense maritime training and activities, the evenings are for debriefing the day and challenging nocturnal evolutions.

Life at sea is demanding. Becoming a mariner is not an easy task. The crew is made up of honorable men with a passion to give young men an experience of a life time. The self discipline the crew lives daily and the maritime life of structure, honor, respect and accountability will be part of the cadets’ daily routine on Rapture.

Under achievers will be motivated and inspired, over achievers will be challenged and learn modest self pride in his accomplishments. Every young man will have his personal story to tell upon completion of Waterman Academy.