The Squadron Boating Course

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.

This course meets state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification. And completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies. Since 1914, individual squadrons of USPS have provided courses as a service to the boating public to over 3 million boaters.

You will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat. This newly revised comprehensive course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting. The course includes an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix, and an overview of electronic navigation. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology.

Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this course as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage.

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.

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.

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 information on the USPS public boating course closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or in Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.

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Boat Smart

Boat Smart is a course for all boaters including personal watercraft operators, hunters or fishermen operating an outboard utility boat, canoe and kayak paddlers, skippers of a family cruiser, and sailing enthusiasts. All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. The course includes three main sections:

Getting Started: boat terms and types, boat handling, anchoring, water sport safety, personal watercraft
What's Needed: equipment, regulations, law enforcement
Rules To Live By: aids to navigation, navigation rules, adverse conditions, marine radio

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 (NASBLA) 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.

USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Boat Smart is the beginning of a boating education. Chart Smart is available for those who would like to learn a little about piloting. USPS encourages students to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

For information on the USPS public boating course closest to you, including The Squadron Boating Course, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or check out the USPS Online Schedule. In Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.

There is also a course available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course (ABC), a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements.

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Chart Smart

Chart Smart is specifically designed with the recreational boater in mind. It is a seminar for all USPS Boat Smart course or America's Boating Course (ABC) graduates who are interested in information on compasses, charts, and plotting courses. Chart Smart builds upon the knowledge gained in Boat Smart or America's Boating Course by covering advanced subjects typically introduced in the The Squadron Boating Course:

Mariner's Compass
Conventional Nautical Charts
Plotting a Course
Distance, Speed, Time
Determining Position
Digital Charts and GPS Waypoint Navigation

The purpose of Chart Smart is to teach the techniques to determine position-on-the-water when you are within the sight of, or the near proximity of, land. Thus, recreational boaters who spend time on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs will benefit from knowing these essential techniques. This seminar is designed to give the student an introduction to the subject known as “Piloting”. Hands-on experience will be achieved in reading nautical charts and plotting courses, both central to determining position-on-the-water and navigating safely. Calculating a dead reckoning position depends upon straight forward distance vs speed-&-time calculations and being able to convert true courses to compass courses, and vice versus.

Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this seminar as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage. And, the student manual is accompanied by an addendum and a CD that introduces digital charts, GPS waypoint navigation and route planning. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology.

While the content of this student manual serves as the basis for this program, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the class work is completed. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS to follow this brief and basic introductory program with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

For information on The Squadron Boating Course and the Boat Smart class closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or check out the USPS Online Schedule. In Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.

There also is a course available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements.

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America's Boating Course^SM

America's Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. This course is predominantly a home study course for individuals who cannot attend USPS' traditional class room courses, The Squadron Boating Course or the Boat Smart course, or a USCG-A course. ABC includes an interactive computer CD-ROM which serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. The CD runs on PCs using MS Windows 95 or greater. The CD may also run on Macintosh versions prior to OS X if a manual installation is used, but the CD is unsupported under OS X. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. The course material covers seven chapters, which touch on:

General information about boats and maintenance
Information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable
Tips on being a more courteous boat operator
Laws and regulations to which you must adhere

The purpose of America's Boating Course is to teach introductory safe boating techniques. As an introductory course, ABC does not cover such topics as the use of a nautical compass or the techniques of plotting courses. These subjects, and more, are covered in the USPS seminar Chart Smart; it builds upon the knowledge gained in ABC by covering the additional subjects of: the Mariner's Compass; Charts; Aids to Navigation; Plotting a Course; Distance, Speed and Time; and Determining Position.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS and/or USCG-A instructors will provide ABC student support as a civic service. They will provide state specific information that the student is expected to know. Once the ABC student has mastered the course material and the state rules and regulations, the USPS or USCG-A instructor will make arrangements for the student to take a proctored exam, thus completing the course. Some states permit students to take an online, internet examination. Click here, and then select "Testing For Your State", to determine if your state permits the use of online practice and certification examinations. America's Boating Course may be purchased from USPS squadrons, USCG-A flotillas or by calling toll free 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222).

While the content of the ABC 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. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS for additional boating courses such as those offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

	The Squadron Boating Course 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. This course meets state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification. And completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies. Since 1914, individual squadrons of USPS have provided courses as a service to the boating public to over 3 million boaters. You will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat. This newly revised comprehensive course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting. The course includes an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix, and an overview of electronic navigation. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology. Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this course as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage. 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. 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. 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 information on the USPS public boating course closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or in Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.
Back to Top of Page	*Boat Smart* Boat Smart is a course for all boaters including personal watercraft operators, hunters or fishermen operating an outboard utility boat, canoe and kayak paddlers, skippers of a family cruiser, and sailing enthusiasts. All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. The course includes three main sections: Getting Started: boat terms and types, boat handling, anchoring, water sport safety, personal watercraft What's Needed: equipment, regulations, law enforcement Rules To Live By: aids to navigation, navigation rules, adverse conditions, marine radio 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 (NASBLA) 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. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Boat Smart is the beginning of a boating education. Chart Smart is available for those who would like to learn a little about piloting. USPS encourages students to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses. For information on the USPS public boating course closest to you, including The Squadron Boating Course, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or check out the USPS Online Schedule. In Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT. There is also a course available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course (ABC), a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements.
Back to Top of Page	*Chart Smart* Chart Smart is specifically designed with the recreational boater in mind. It is a seminar for all USPS Boat Smart course or America's Boating Course (ABC) graduates who are interested in information on compasses, charts, and plotting courses. Chart Smart builds upon the knowledge gained in Boat Smart or America's Boating Course by covering advanced subjects typically introduced in the The Squadron Boating Course: Mariner's Compass Conventional Nautical Charts Plotting a Course Distance, Speed, Time Determining Position Digital Charts and GPS Waypoint Navigation The purpose of Chart Smart is to teach the techniques to determine position-on-the-water when you are within the sight of, or the near proximity of, land. Thus, recreational boaters who spend time on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs will benefit from knowing these essential techniques. This seminar is designed to give the student an introduction to the subject known as “Piloting”. Hands-on experience will be achieved in reading nautical charts and plotting courses, both central to determining position-on-the-water and navigating safely. Calculating a dead reckoning position depends upon straight forward distance vs speed-&-time calculations and being able to convert true courses to compass courses, and vice versus. Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this seminar as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage. And, the student manual is accompanied by an addendum and a CD that introduces digital charts, GPS waypoint navigation and route planning. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology. 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 program, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the class work is completed. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS to follow this brief and basic introductory program with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses. For information on The Squadron Boating Course and the Boat Smart class closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or check out the USPS Online Schedule. In Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT. There also is a course available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements.
Back to Top of Page	America's Boating Course^SM America's Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. This course is predominantly a home study course for individuals who cannot attend USPS' traditional class room courses, The Squadron Boating Course or the Boat Smart course, or a USCG-A course. ABC includes an interactive computer CD-ROM which serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. The CD runs on PCs using MS Windows 95 or greater. The CD may also run on Macintosh versions prior to OS X if a manual installation is used, but the CD is unsupported under OS X. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. The course material covers seven chapters, which touch on: General information about boats and maintenance Information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable Tips on being a more courteous boat operator Laws and regulations to which you must adhere The purpose of America's Boating Course is to teach introductory safe boating techniques. As an introductory course, ABC does not cover such topics as the use of a nautical compass or the techniques of plotting courses. These subjects, and more, are covered in the USPS seminar Chart Smart; it builds upon the knowledge gained in ABC by covering the additional subjects of: the Mariner's Compass; Charts; Aids to Navigation; Plotting a Course; Distance, Speed and Time; and Determining Position. Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS and/or USCG-A instructors will provide ABC student support as a civic service. They will provide state specific information that the student is expected to know. Once the ABC student has mastered the course material and the state rules and regulations, the USPS or USCG-A instructor will make arrangements for the student to take a proctored exam, thus completing the course. Some states permit students to take an online, internet examination. Click here, and then select "Testing For Your State", to determine if your state permits the use of online practice and certification examinations. America's Boating Course may be purchased from USPS squadrons, USCG-A flotillas or by calling toll free 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222). While the content of the ABC 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. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS for additional boating courses such as those offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

			Ocean City Power Squadron

The Squadron Boating Course

America's Boating CourseSM

America's Boating Course^SM