News and Announcements
ABC3 On The Water Guide Now Available.
The ABC3 On-The-Water Teaching Aid Guide is now available for downloading and use from the Downloads section of the ABC3 page. The Guide takes the classroom knowledge to actual on-water experience, covering the material in the ABC3 2012 reprinting, 8 and 12 hour course versions. Concomitant to building confidence in new boaters, these skills will establish a foundation for on-the-water training in advanced courses and seminars, and foster interest in the BOC program. (15 May 12)
Sea Tow ARC Stickers
Sea Tow has created a network of radio stations to allow boaters to do “radio checks” without using VHF Ch 16. USPS has received a FREE stock of Sea Tow stickers and they are ready for SEOs and DEOs to order using either the SOF or the Free Brochures Form, using inventory number 09-92-001 “Sea Tow ARC Sticker”. The SOF or Free Brochures Form can be emailed as a PDF to Cindy Hodges at hodgesc@hq.usps.org. In order to be sure the initial orders are spread across all areas of use, there is a limit of 100 per squadron. If you have a major event planned, additional stickers may be released by request to the ANEO. One sticker will be included with each course or seminar manual so every student will receive one. More information is in this PDF document. (10 May 12)
Short Web Addresses
To make it easier for you to cite and use the Educational Department web pages, we've shortened three of our most used web addresses.
To get to this page—the Educational Department home page—you can enter into your browser either usps.org/education, www.usps.org/education, www.usps.org/eddept or just usps.org/eddept. Any of these addresses will bring you to this page. And once you get here, don't forget to bookmark or make this page one of your favorites so that it's easier to get here next time.
To find a public boating course, you can use either www.usps.org/findacourse or usps.org/findacourse. Either one will take a user to the search page where a user can find a USPS public boating course close to home. You can also copy this QR Code image and add it to flyers so that smartphone users can just scan it and be taken directly to the Find a Course web page.
To find a seminar, you can use either www.usps.org/findaseminar or usps.org/findaseminar. Either one will take a user to the search page where a user can find a USPS seminar close to home. You can also copy this QR Code image and add it to flyers so that smartphone users can just scan it and be taken directly to the Find a Seminar web page. (Reposted 16 Apr 12)
Leadership Training for Educational Department
The Leadership of the Educational Department feels strongly that our educational leaders should avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in the series of courses titled DAO/SAO, DXO/SXO, DC/SC offered by the Leadership Development Committee. This series offers insight into issues that relate to any leadership position whether within USPS or not. A number of these Leadership Development courses are currently scheduled around the country, including Raleigh NC, to make them close to the audiences, and are open to all Educational Department leaders. There are also courses planned for the Detroit Governing Board meeting. We would like to encourage as many of the DEOs and R/Cs as possible to participate in these meetings; SEOs are also welcome to attend. Space is limited however. Full details are listed in this PDF document (69KB). (27 Mar 12)
Spanish Translations of ABC3 Exams
The ABC3 Exam #1 and Exam #2 assessment examinations currently listed in the Educational Department catalog were translated from English to Spanish for use with the 2010 reprinting of ABC3. Instructor materials to support education using the 2012 ABC3 reprinting include revised assessment examinations. The 2012 examinations are being translated and when completed will replace those listed in the Catalog. In the interim, use of the current examinations will suffice. (29 Feb 12)
HQ-800 User Self-Help / Education
Each district and squadron change-of-watch brings new leadership into our Education Department. Registering and reporting course and seminar completions is a vital element of our educational system, accomplished through either of two software programs, and the subject of much correspondence with members. Several entries on this site in recent years have provided guidance for the new leaders and sometimes the seasoned educators, on use of one program, HQ-800 software. We are starting off 2012 with distilled information with focus on individual self-teaching and group learning presentations. The significant element to these initiatives is that a fictitious squadron (NoneSuch # 5999) has been created to allow learners to enter data as thought real for purposes of training. The down-loadable presentations are:
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HQ-800 Consolidated Presentation (5575KB, PPTX)
The first two items, using squadron NoneSuch #5999, allow members who are unfamiliar with HQ-800 software to try out the procedures to register a course or seminar in the program, administer student registration, enter student information for uploading to the National data base and note the “proof of receipt” in an ED-27 report, all without actually entering false data on the National data base. These two aids are excellent learning tools for new DEOs and SEOs.
The PowerPoint presentation, item 3 above, is a comprehensive tutorial that operates live; there are no practice scenarios. Part “A” in the tutorial is essentially the “live” portion of the first two listed “NoneSuch” squadron presentations. Parts “B” and ”C” take the viewer through printing certificates, printing wallet cards, and listing enrollees. This is an excellent teaching aid for district council meetings and conferences. Questions or comments should be directed to the Basic Public Education Committee. (29 Feb 12)
Weems and Plath Discount
Weems and Plath is offering USPS members a 25% discount on anything ordered via their web site. Check out the details at the Weems and Plath store. The discount program has been extended again. (29 Feb 12)
Additional Slides for the Tides and Currents Seminar
Additional slides showing tide and current information for east coast locations are available on the Seminars web page under Downloadable Material section. (15 Jan 12)
Model Anchor Sets Available for Loan
These model anchors come as 11 per set. They are an excellent tool for squadrons and districts to use when teaching anchoring techniques in classes and seminars. They may be borrowed by submitting a completed Standard Order Form to USPS Customer Service. The item number is 11-63-001, and the description is Stainless Steel Anchor Set. More details including the reservation schedule and a picture of a model anchor set are on the model anchors web page. (20 Dec 11)
New Apps for Boaters Web Page
A new web page listing potentially useful apps for boaters using mobile devices is now available from any Educational Department web page on the left side navigation menu under Miscellany. The page includes both iTunes Store and Android Market apps. A form is also available on the page for you to submit other boating-related apps you've found useful. (18 Dec 11)
Emphasis on Classroom Education
Concerns and misconceptions have been raised regarding the priorities and direction of the Educational Department regarding classroom education, especially with regard to the alternatives of on-line and home study. Read about the Educational Department's direction in this PDF (283KB) document. (28 Nov 11)
USPS Boat Insurance Educational Discounts
The premise behind the USPS Boat Insurance Program is to reward members for their dedication and passion for on-the-water safety by providing reduced insurance premiums. On top of low base rates, USPS Boat Insurance customers can reduce their premium even further, up to 23%, through completion of various USPS advanced courses. And completing boat operator certification can add to these discounts as much as an additional 15%, for a total discount of 38%! See the USPS Boat Insurance web page for details. (31 Oct 11, updated 01 Mar 12)
Revised Procedure for Enrolling Non-Member Students in USPS University and Ordering Exams
Exams can be ordered for non-members, but they first must be enrolled in USPS University. Please follow the attached procedure 143KB, PDF) for enrolling the non-member students in USPS University and ordering exams. The non-member will get a certificate number that may be used for all future courses and seminars and will become their membership number on joining USPS. The enrollment only needs to take place once for each student. (15 Aug 11)
Laser Fire Extinguisher Training System Available
Originally funded by the Educational Fund, we now have three $12,000 laser fire extinguishing training systems. These systems help in training and practice with various types of fires using a simulated fire and a laser pattern projected from the extinguisher nozzle. Results are scored for time to extinguish the fire. This system is ideal for Boat Operator Certification and boating events. We recommend districts coordinate events. To see some pictures click here. To see the current schedule for the system, click here. More details are available on the Fire Extinguisher Training web page. (17 Apr 11)
USPS Local Telephone Number in Course Manuals
Some course manuals (student and instructor versions) have an incorrect local telephone number for USPS Headquarters on the Acknowledgements Page. The correct local telephone number is 919-821-0281. The toll-free number is still 1-888-367-8777 (1-888-FOR-USPS). (27 Oct 10)
Inflatable Life Vests on Planes
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a flyer that clarifies what constitutes prohibited items on aircraft. Because of the compressed gas cartridges that are a part of inflatable life vests, they fit this description, but there is an exception. See the TSA flyer (894KB, PDF) under "Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items" for details. You are also advised to bring this flyer with you just in case your local TSA authority questions carrying your inflatable life vests and spare cartridges aboard. (22 Jun 10)
PowerPoint/Flash Problems
If you have been trying to use PowerPoint for one of our courses or seminars and receive the error message "Some controls on this presentation can't be activated. They may not be registered on your computer.", try the following few steps from Microsoft Tech Services that should help resolve the problem:
The error message you are seeing is usually related to a flash OCX file not being properly registered on your computer. You could try the following to resolve your issue:
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Quit PowerPoint.
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Run the following command (using Start -> in the start search box, type in the following command):
regsvr32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\Flash.ocx"
Note that the exact path may vary and the command should be applied to any of the following files that exist in the noted directory:
- flash.ocx
- flash8.ocx
- flash9.ocx
This information was contributed by R/C Wil Hugli. (17 Apr 10)
Educational Department Notice Regarding On The Water Policy
Now that USPS has moved aggressively into on the water training, it is essential that we maintain the highest standards to assure safety of all involved and minimize any liability or property loss. From this point forward, any on the water activity must use a program approved by the Boat Operator Certification and On The Training Committee and be pre-scheduled by the involved squadron or district. Please see EDN-90 for details. (20 Feb 10)
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary Course Credits
Did you know that members who have certain Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary certificates can get credit as having passed USPS courses? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page for details. (11 Nov 09)
Check Status of On-Line Orders
Thanks to the efforts of P/C Dan Bartell, a new capability to check the status of on-line Educational Department material and exam orders is in place. Using a web browser, authorized members who can order educational materials can now check the status of their material and exam orders that were submitted on-line. Just use the new pull-down menu selection "Check On-Line Order Status" under "Order Course Materials" on any EdDept web page. Note that this capability does NOT allow checking of orders placed by hard copy means (postal mail or faxes). (14 Sep 09)
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Registrations
United States Power Squadrons is now offering MMSI registrations to most recreational boaters. Get more detailed information from the Marine Electronics web page or the USPS MMSI web page. (17 Jun 08)
Boat U.S. Hurricane Resource Center
Be prepared for hurricane season with tips from the Boat
U.S. Hurricane Resource Center.
Read more...
Archived Files
Various presentations, information, and files that have been listed on the Educational Department home page in the past but which may now be outdated are available on the Archived Pages web page. (29 Feb 12)
