Boat Smart

This Course is open to the general public.

Boat Smart is a course for all boaters (the personal watercraft operator, the hunter or fisherman operating an outboard utility boat, canoe and kayak paddlers, the skipper of a family cruiser, and the sailing enthusiast). All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. All are subject to the same forces of nature while boating. As boating is often a family activity, the course is of value to all members of a boating family. USPS encourages families to attend as groups.

As boating is often a family activity, the course is of value to all members of a boating family. Families are encouraged to attend as a group.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.

While the content of this student manual serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the course work is completed. The course meets the educational standards of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and features a proctored examination as required by many states and insurance companies. The course will provide instruction and examination for laws and regulations of state and local authorities in the area where the course is taught.

USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Boat Smart is the beginning of a boating education. Chart Smart is available for those who would like to learn a little about piloting. USPS encourages students to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. GETTING STARTED
   
   • Boat Terms & Types
   • Types of Hulls
   • Propulsion Systems
   • Selecting the Right Boat
   • Finding Your Way
   • Boat Handling
       Fueling
       Preparing to cast off
       Getting under way
       While underway
       Docking
       Tying up
       Anchoring
   
   • WaterSport Safety
   • Personal watercraft
   • Boating Courtesy
   • Trailering
     
2. WHAT IS NEEDED
• Required Equipment
• Life Preserver requirements and type
• Boat Length
• Navigation Lights
    Powerboat requirements
    Sailboat requirements

• Fire Extinguishers
    Requirements and use

• Engine Flame Arrestors
• Sound Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals
• Additional (nice to have) equipment
• Boat Registration
• USCG Safety Standards
• Law Enforcement
• Rendering Assistance
• Responsibilities
• State & Local Regulations
  
3. RULES TO LIVE BY
• Aids to Navigation
    Marks & types

• Lateral System
• Non-Lateral Marks
• Sound Signals
• Uniform State Waterway Marking System
• Navigation Rules
• Steering and Sailing Rules
• Adverse Conditions and Emergencies
    No  fuel
    Grounding
    Towing or being towed
    Man overboard
    Restricted visibility
    Swamping or Capsizing
    Collision
    Fire
    Medical

• Marine Radio Telephone
• Review

This three week program will also qualify young boaters, twelve to sixteen years old, to take the State Examination, offered at the end of the third week.  Passing this exam and receiving the state certificate will allow persons twelve years or older to operate motor boats, but not Personal Water Craft which require an additional Safety Course.