Public
Boating Course
Squadron Boating Course
is a course for all boaters (the personal watercraft
operator; the hunter or fisherman operating an outboard
utility boat; the skipper of a family cruiser; the sailing
enthusiast). All boaters must follow the same nautical
rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. All are
subject to the same forces of nature while boating.
As boating is often a family activity, the course is
of value to all members of a boating family. USPS encourages
families to attend as groups. Qualified, enthusiastic,
and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction
as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction;
the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead
costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling,
sales tax, etc. While the content of this student manual
serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve
as a reference book in basic boating long after the
course work is completed. The course meets the educational
standards of the National Association of State Boating
Law Administrators and features a proctored examination
as required by many states and insurance companies.
The course will provide instruction and examination
for laws and regulations of state and local authorities
in the area where the course is taught.
Member Courses
The next five courses described below comprise a series
called "Advanced Grades." They should be
taken in the order listed. The next six are termed
"Elective Courses" and may be taken in any
order:
Seamanship covers basic knowledge every prudent
skipper wants even before leaving port - practical
marlinspike, hull design and performance, boat care,
skipper's responsibilities, boating under normal and
abnormal conditions, emergencies afloat, and more.
Piloting introduces you to the critical study
of marine charts, aids to navigation, adjustment and
use of the mariner's compass, dead reckoning, planning
and plotting courses, and taking bearings to determine
your on-the-water position.
Advanced Piloting builds on the knowledge
gained in Piloting to teach you how to navigate in
coastal waters, predict tides and tidal currents,
navigate safely with radar, loran C, and GPS, and
optimize course planning.
Junior Navigation begins your study of offshore
navigation. Learn to use integrated electronic positioning
systems, sight taking with a mariner's sextant on
celestial bodies, and positioning & passage planning
with special open-ocean charts.
Navigation (Navigator) further develops your
understanding of celestial navigation theory and your
skills in sight taking and reduction. Also learn to
navigate with only minimal survival gear in the event
of a disabling boat accident.
Cruise Planning helps you prepare for voyaging
afloat - whether just week-ending or multi-month cruising.
Learn essentials about equipping and provisioning
your boat, crew selection, financing your trip, entering
and clearing foreign ports, emergencies afloat, &
boat security.
Engine Maintenance won't make you an expert
mechanic, but it will enable you to troubleshoot most
common engine problems and jury-rig many repairs.
Covers outboard motors, inboard gas and diesel engines,
power trains, and related mechanical systems.
Instructor Development provides you with practical
techniques and training in making effective presentations
- whether as a teacher, meeting chair, public speaker,
or everyday conversationalist.
Marine Electronics offers you essential information
about boat electrical and electronic systems in terms
understandable by non-engineers and non-technicians.
Learn about proper wiring & power systems, corrosion
& electrolysis, and electronic navigation and
safety systems.
Sailing guides you through the special terminology
and dynamics of sailing, hulls and rigging, wind and
water forces and balance, points of sail, sail handling,
and navigation rules unique to sailing.
Weather teaches you the basic structure and
characteristics of our atmosphere, how to interpret
weather maps and reports, and how to make your own
skilled observations -all keyed to helping you predict
and anticipate weather developments affecting your
boating.
Operations teaches you all about the USPS
organization and how to run an organization.
USPS Learning Guides are self-study handbooks
on specialized boating-related subjects of interest
to amateur skippers and navigators. Topics range
from GPS to Knots, Bends, & Hitches, from
Amateur Radio to Oceanography, from Boat Design
& Construction to Predicted Log Contests.
USPS currently has over 20 different Learning
Guides. Ask your local Squadron for the latest
list. |
