Public Boating Course Options

 

Learning to boat the right way is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.

 

The Squadron Boating Course usually can be completed in six or seven two-hour classroom sessions. The course is meant to be of interest to the entire family; children are welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group. You will learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course. As an additional feature, this newly revised course includes a digital chart training CD and instructional material on modern navigation techniques as well.

 

For some, time is short and the introductory piloting and digital charting topics are less essential. USPS offers an alternative course, Boat Smart, which is useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a cruiser or sailboat. It covers the same safe boat handling and operation material in just 8 hours.

 

Many classes are offered in a single day and this course satisfies the state certification requirements as well. For those who have difficulty scheduling class time, USPS offers America's Boating Course. This course can be taken online or using your computer at home. The content of America’s Boating Course, which is comparable to Boat Smart, is presented in an interesting and engaging manner on your computer. You can complete the course with an on-line exam where states permit the use of such an internet exam; or, work one-on-one with your local squadron where states require a proctored examination.

 

Those completing these courses meet a basic qualification for membership in the U.S. Power Squadrons. Members enjoy a host of more advanced courses in Seamanship, Coastal and Inland Navigation, Offshore Navigation, Marine Electronics, Engine Maintenance, Sail, Cruise Planning, Weather, and others. See our member course page for details. Other public seminars include Chart Smart for those who take Boat Smart or America’s Boating Course and who would like to learn a little about piloting; and the GPS Seminar for those who want to learn how to use a GPS and perform basic navigation afloat.

 

For current course listing click on the link below: