One of the main goals of USPS is “boating safety through education” – we believe that an educated boater is a safer boater. USPS instructors who teach public courses are certified regarding their ability to teach and use modern instructional methods. USPS provides many educational opportunities to the general public through a variety of courses, seminars, and marine-related guides.

Public Courses

The Squadron Boating Course

The Squadron Boating Course is a course for all boaters including skippers of a family cruiser, sailing enthusiasts, personal watercraft (PWC) operators, hunters or fishermen operating an outboard utility boat, and canoe and kayak paddlers,. It covers the basics you need to know to safely and legally operate your boat, such as basic boating terminology, boat handling, water sports safety, PWCs, legally required equipment and other boating laws and regulations, right-of-way rules between boats, and marine radio operation. The course is meant to be of interest to the whole family, and we encourage your family to attend as a group. Beyond the basic safety material, additional material covers the fundamentals of reading nautical charts, of using a chart to plot and follow a safe course, and the basics of using a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation.  In addition to practice charts and plotting tools, the materials supplied with the course also include a CD-ROM containing Maptech’s Chart Navigator computer program, allowing the student to learn about this exciting new electronic technology.  The Squadron Boating Course can be taught in either of two formats at your local squadron's discretion – an eight (8) hour course covering basic safety topics, or a twelve (12) hour course covering safety plus charting and navigation topics. Either format with its proctored examination meets the requirements of National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) so that you can get your safety certificate in those states that require one to operate a power driven vessel. Get more information on The Squadron Boating Course.

America's Boating Course

America’s Boating Course is an interactive, PC-based home study course for people whose schedule and obligations would make it difficult for them to attend a classroom course.   This course utilizes guided instruction and numerous video and audio clips to provide basic boating safety information.  In addition to the CD-ROM, an 80-page full-color textbook is included with the course.  After you sign up for America’s Boating Course, you will be contacted by a USPS member to offer assistance and to schedule a proctored final exam.  Get more information on America’s Boating Course.

Public Seminars

USPS has a series of short seminars covering specific topics of interest to boaters.  Some of the topics that are available now cover GPS, chart reading, VHF radio usage (including the Digital Selective Calling feature found on all new radios), and on-board weather forecasting.  These seminars are usually taught in a single two-hour class.   A student note book is included, along with a take-away guide or other items that are useful on your boat. Seminars on other topics are now being completed, and will be released in the near future.  Get more information on USPS’s public seminars.

USPS Guides

A series of booklets on a wide variety of subjects of interest to boaters, known as USPS Guides, are also available from USPS.  Some Guides are also sold at marine supply stores and book stores. These guides are a great fill-in to complete your boating and marine-related education, whether you are out on the water or relaxing around the house.

Beyond Our Public Courses

Beyond these courses, seminars, and learning guides offered to the public, USPS also teaches a large number of members-only courses, ranging from basic deck seamanship to advanced navigation and engine maintenance.   Many USPS members feel these member-only courses are the top reason for joining USPS.