Founded in 1923 Crawford Nautical School is the oldest privately-owned maritime training school in the United States.  We have been training mariners from all areas of sea-going life -- deep sea, coastal and inland waters; Masters, Mates, Pilots and Engineers for over 90 years.


Our primary deck instructors, Captains John, Andrew, Thomas and their father William P. Crawford, are all ship's masters. William P. Crawford, first licensed as Unlimited Master over 60 years ago, directed Crawford Nautical School's California locations for 20 years and is the author of the Mariner series of highly regarded texts on terrestrial navigation, celestial navigation, weather and Rules of the Road. Cumulatively grandfather, father, sons, granddaughter and now cousin have amassed about 150 years on oceans -- enough time to have learned that there is always more to learn about going to sea.

Bruce Sherman has just recently joined us as Engineering Instructor. Bruce has an extensive background in the practice as well as the teaching of Engineering.

Finally, Patsy, relatively land-bound sister of John, Andrew and Thomas, shamelessly lifts all of their sea stories and those of her students to use in her capacity as instructor in all areas.

Crawford Nautical Training

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