The USPS Boating Course is a traditional civic service of the United States Power Squadrons organization. Since 1914 local squadrons have presented the course to anyone who wished to attend - to date more than 3 million people. Learning to boat safely is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.

There are now two courses, The Squadron Boating Course and The Boat Smart Course, designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat. All boaters are subject to nautical rules and regulations. Skippers should learn and respect traditional boating courtesies. The courses are meant to be of interest to the entire family; older children are welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group.

The Squadron Boating Course contains six chapters. The Boat Smart Course contains three chapters. There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.

The Squadron Boating Course covers subjects in greater depth than the Boat Smart Course and cover additional topics such as an introduction to reading charts and plotting courses.

Subjects include:

• Boat handling under normal conditions
• Adverse conditions and emergencies
• Types of boats and boating terminology
• Required and recommended equipment
• Boating regulations and navigation rules
• Lines and knots
• Charts and aids to navigation
• Piloting techniques (in Boating only)
• Marine radiotelephone usage
• Trailer boating

Interested in learning more?

Write to us at:

OR

Click here to E-MAIL Rene Chabannes or call at (937) 429-0580

United States Power Squadrons®
P.O.Box 30423, Raleigh, NC 27622
Call Toll Free 1-888-FOR-USPS
® United States Power Squadrons, USPS, the USPS Ensign, and the Trident Design
are Registered Trademarks of United States Power Squadrons, Inc.