USPS®'s The Squadron Boating Course
The
Squadron 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 Boat Smart, both 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 sixteen sections. Boat Smart contains three sections. There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.
The Squadron Boating Course covers additional topics such as an introduction to reading charts and plotting courses that are not in Boat Smart. The major revision within The Squadron Boating Course 2004 edition is the introduction of Using Digital Charts. The student manual comes with a CD-ROM, which includes the Maptech Chart Navigator software, a sampling of digital charts and maps across the country and digital versions of the fictitious Bowditch Bay and 1210Tr practice charts. This new material is optional and may be taught at the squadron’s discretion. However, Chart Smart is available for those who take Boat Smart and who would like to learn a little about piloting.
There are also two courses available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. If you prefer video learning, you can obtain the USPS Video Boating Course by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS or (919) 821-0281.
Additional USPS Educational Materials
are available to the public. There are also advanced courses for our
members. Click here
to view or print an Adobe PDF copy of our member courses.
Learn About:
Boat Handling & Seamanship
Needed Equipment
Rules of the Road
Lines & Knots
Charts & Aids to Navigation
Engine Troubleshooting
Boat Trailering
and much, much more !
Exceeds all New Jersey Educational Requirements for NJ Certification.
This course is also accepted by all other states.
Take the first step.
Sign up today for the USPS Boating Course.
Print an application form and mail it to:
|
Lake Hopatcong Sail & Power Squadron |
Also check out
and
and
USPS®'s National Safe Boating Test
