Learn about our mission, meet our founder, and get in touch with the crew.
The mission of First Mate Academy is to inspire a new generation of responsible boaters, anglers, and future mariners through education, hands-on skills training, and mentorship. Our goal is to prepare students for a lifetime of success on the water as “Today's Mates and Tomorrow's Captains.”
As a husband, father of three, and USCG Captain, founder Captain Andy Benedict is relentlessly passionate about achieving safe, productive, and fun outings on the water. Years of beach-going, boating, fishing, and sharing knowledge with others greatly shaped the lifestyle of his family. These experiences created the foundation of First Mate Academy — a progressive learning program steeped in family values where youth development and education are of utmost importance.
First Mate Academy is Florida's only youth marine education program offering in-person, hands-on, practical training from USCG certified Charter Captains. With a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, we are also America's sole provider of practical First Mate training for developing anglers and boaters.
First Mate Academy