Squadron BoatingCourse

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. 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 can be completed in three two-and-a-half 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.

Those completing this 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.

Why Take This Course?

Between 1991 and 2005, recreational boater fatalities have dropped from 8.3 to 5.4 per 100,000 registered boats.