Current Course Offerings

America's Boating Course (ABC)

Bristol Public Library (one day course).
5 High St. Bristol, CT 06010 Directions.
 
Saturday, 3/9/24
or
 Saturday, 5/4/24

Starting at 8:30 am.

The cost is $60 which includes the full student manual, morning coffee, and lunch.

** Ask us about the cost of Membership **

Please call Cliff McKibbin at 860-655-4623 or e-mail him at Cliff99.mckibbin@comcast.net for further information and to reserve your spot.

 

ABC is the latest public boating course offered by USPS to the general boating community. You may be familiar with our prior courses such as The Squadron Boating Course, Boat Smart, the original America's Boating Course, or Chart Smart.

ABC is all new with a completely updated manual, outstanding graphics, and two bonus computer disks. The course manual is divided into five chapters. The first four cover the required topics that all recreational boaters must know. In addition to the rules of the road, the four chapters cover the various types of boats, required safety equipment, navigation aids, lights and sounds, anchoring, communications afloat, adverse conditions, water sports safety, trailering, personal water craft safety, and knots and lines. The fifth chapter provides an introduction to digital charts and GPS waypoint navigation, a key skill for boating on larger lakes and rivers and coastal waters. This optional fifth chapter provides the background for more advanced piloting courses.
 

Meets and Exceeds Connecticut DEEP Requirements

ABC presented by the Hartford Power Squadron, meets all of the requirements of the Connecticut DEEP for its Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operations.

The final exam will be given at the end of the day and after passing the exam the student will receive the Hartford Power Squadron’s Certificate attesting to the passing of the NASBLA test which can be used in any State to apply for a License or Certificate to operate a power boat.
The Connecticut student will then be able to apply on-line for the State of Connecticut DEEP
Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operations.

In addition, the course entitles the holder of the certificate to the new Connecticut Coastal Endorsement sticker.  This sticker is only given following successful completion of the US Power Squadron course or the Basic Boating course given by the US Coast Guard. 

 

Upon completing the ABC Course successfully, students are
offered membership in the United States Power Squadron.

This membership will give you the opportunity to take our advanced courses that will prepare you for the unexpected and give you more confidence and skill. The DEEP encourages boaters desiring to use coastal waters to seek these advanced courses in navigation. Please see the list of courses under the menu item for "Advanced Courses".

You will also be able to take part in all the Squadron's activities. Monthly meetings, cruises, and social gatherings are all part of USPS and the Hartford Power Squadron. Please see a list of our upcoming meetings under Members Meetings.