Public Boating Courses - Erie Power Squadron

We are planning for our next Public Boating Course for March 1, 2009. A boating course typically lasts 8 weeks. Please contact Tony Kloszewski at (814-878-3636) or email erieps@gmail.com with any questions you may have regarding the next course. We can respond by email or call you back personally, whichever you prefer. Also, it is possible to request the test only, if you are an experienced boater.

(download a Spring 2009 Boating Course Flyer here)

Items included in this course are basic boating terminology, boat handling, water sports safety, PWC's, legally required equipment, boating regulations, right of way rules, and marine radios. In addition, the course also looks at basics of reading nautical charts, basics of plotting a course, and GPS's.

The Erie Power Squadron offers the America's Boating Course through the United States Power Squadron website. It is an online course with a proctored test. You study the class online and call us for a proctored test. If you are interested, check it out online or call Tony Kloszewski at (814-878-3636) or email erieps@gmail.com with any questions.

It is now law in Pennsylvania that all boaters who were born on or after January 1, 1982 and operate a motorboat greater than 25hp or any personal watercraft owner regardless of age, must take a boating course to be legal on the water. No one 11 years of age or younger is legal.

Residents of other states, born January 1, 1982 or later are legal for 60 days if certified in their home state.

We also have seminars that may be offered in the future. These seminars include:

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radios

Using GPS

How to Use a Chart

Onboard Weather Forcasting

Boat Handling under Power

Sail Trim and Rig Tuning

Paddle Smart

Anchoring

Hurricanes and Boats

Marine Radar

Knots, Bends, and Hitches

We do not have a date for any seminar at this time, but if you are interested in any of these. Please contact Brad Robertson at (814-878-3636) or email erieps@gmail.com and let us know which seminars interest you most. If you would like in depth information on the seminars click here.

After completing and passing the proctored exam for a safe boating course you have completed the prerequisite for becoming a member of the USPS. Normally one of the power squadron members will approach you about joining the squadron. If this does not happen then you approach one of the members and he/she will sit down and explain the benefits of being a member. After that there is a short form to fill out and you are on your way to an new exciting boating education treat!