Course Covers:

• What to know before you go
• Hull and Propulsion System Charecteristics
• Slow Speed Maneuvering
• Boat Handling at Sea
• Rules of the Road
• Anchoring / Mooring / Rafting
• Emergencies on the Water
• Marilinspike / Line Handling

Includes 16 - 18 class hours of instruction plus course materials

Course Covers:

• Charts & Their Interpretation
• Navigational Aids
• Plotting Courses
• The Compass
• Using GPS
• Preplanning Safe Courses

Incl. 20 class-hours of instruction ,USPS Piloting Course Student Guide, “Weekend Navigator”

Prerequisite: SEAMANSHIP
 

Course Covers:

• Precise time determination
• Use of the Nautical Almanac
• Taking sextant sights of the sun
• Reducing sights to establish lines of position
• Use of charts and plotting sheets for offshore navigation
• Offshore navigational routines for recreational craft

Includes approximately 29 class-hours of instruction and student manual  

Prerequisite: ADVANCED PILOTING

Operations Training is a NO COST class focusing on the USPS History and structure, Squadron Committee Work, Squadron Bridge Officer Role and navigating the National USPS website. This is the course to take if you are interested in our many volunteering opportunities, including serving as a Member at Large or on the Command Bridge.

Training will take place at Headquarters on Monday, November 2nd from 6:30-9pm. A great class to take to learn the workings of the District 4 squadrons!

Register online today!

Course Covers:

• Criuse Preperation and Planning
• Boat & Needed Equipment
• Chartering
• Outside the United States
• Crew Selection; Provisions
• Voyage Managment; Navigation
• Weather; Emergencies

Includes 18-20 class-hours of instruction, USPS Cruise Planning Course Student Guide

Course Covers:

• Basic Engine Principles
• Spark Ignition & Diesel Engine Components & Routine Maintenance
• Inboard Engine Drive Systems
• Outboard Engines and Stern Drives
• Contols, Instruments, Alarms
• Emergency Repairs Afloat

Incl. 20 Class-hours of Instruction plus USPS Engine Maintenance Course Student Manual plus Handouts.

Course Covers:

• Radio History and Frequency Spectrum
• Definitions of Radio Circuits
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS)
• FCC Rules and Regulations
• High Seas Radio (MF / HF and Satellite Communications)
• Troubleshooting of Radio Systems

Incl. 20-22 Class-hours of Instruction plus USPS Marine Electronics Course Student Guide plus Handouts.

Course Covers:

• Boat Power (AC & DC)
• Galvanic Corrosion
• Lightning Protection
• Radio Waves and Equipment
• FCC Frequency Plan
• Radiotelephone Usage
• Radar, Loran, Sounders
• GPS and Electronic Charts

Incl. 20-22 Class-hours of Instruction plus USPS Marine Electronics Course Student Guide plus Handouts.

Course Covers:

• Effects of Heat and Cold
• Wind and Pressure
• Storms & Fronts
• Rain, Humidity, Fog
• Hydrological Cycles
• Thunderstorms and Tornados
• Tropical Weather
• Weather Data Analysis
• Forecasting
• Climatic Variables and Data

Incl. 20-22 Class-hours of Instruction, USPS Weather Course Student Manual, Cloud Chart, Weather Maps

Course Covers:

• Sailboat Rigs & Sail Plans
• Boat Design & Hull Types
• Standing / Running Rigging
• Sail Applications
• Sailboat Helmsmanship
• Stability, Balance, Tuning
• Sailing Saftey, Man Overboard
• Marlinespike / Line Handling
• Navigation Rules
• Introduction to Heavy Weather Sailing

Incl. 18-20 Class-hours of Instruction and both USPS Basic Sail & Advanced Sail Student Guides.

-- Recertification class for current instructors --

Don't let the title scare you.  This course is not only meant to prepare our members for classroom and meeting presentations, but will also help you in your professional career.

Our educational program is highly regarded in the recreational boating community.  

In cooperation with the State Boating Law Administrators, USPS has developed this course to prepare our members to be certified instructors in safe boating education.

It's emphasis is on enhancing your presentational skills and is designed to demonstrate interactive teaching methods focused in adult learning.

Course Covers:

• Electronic Navigational; GPS
• Digital Charts; Plotters
• Collision Avoidence; Radar
• Positioning; Bearings
• When Electronics Fail
• Piloting with Tides, Winds & Currents

Incl. 20 class-hours of instruction, USPS Advanced Piloting Course Student Guide, “Weekend Navigator” 

Prerequisite: PILOTING

 America's Boating Course (ABC)

Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation plus basic piloting in this comprehensive classroom course. This newly revised course will give you the basics of line throwing, knot tying, boat handling, anchoring, navigation rules and aids, emergencies on the water and more. Instructors have many years of boating experience.  

This course is recommended because of its detailed course study. With successful completion of our ABC course you receive a certificate of safe boating from the State. 

   Topics include:

• Required Safety Equipment
• Navigation Rules & Aids
• Finding Your Way
• Marlinspike (knots!)
• State Vessel Registration & Regulations
• Trailering
• Anchoring
• Communications Afloat
• Lights and Sound signals
  
  

Course Covers:

• Navigating by establishing waypoints and routes
• Running the planned courses
• Electronic charting software for the desktop computer
• Tablet and smartphone apps that provide the electronic navigation function at the helm
• Hands-on exercises on a PC that simulates GPS functions
• Using charting software and a chart plotter emulator
• Overview of the Automatic Identification System (AIS)

Incl. 16-18 Class-hours of Instruction plus USPS Electronics Navigation Course Student Guide.