The USPS currently offers 12 courses for its members. Most run 10 to 12 weeks, one evening per week -
a few are shorter, a few are longer. All are now being restructured into modules of about 6 weeks each
to give squadrons and members maximum scheduling flexibility. Only a few of the advanced topics have any
prerequisite courses. All of the rest will be available to you as soon as you join USPS and whenever your
local squadron or another one nearby offers them.
America's Boating Course
America's Boating Course is a course for all boaters (the personal watercraft operator; the hunter or fisherman
operating an outboard utility boat; the skipper of a family cruiser; 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. 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.
Young Boater's Course is our Squadron Basic Boating Course geared to youths from the ages of 11 through 15.
Member Courses
The next five courses described below comprise a series called "Advanced Grades." They should be taken in
the order listed. The next six are termed "Elective Courses" and may be taken in any order:
Seamanship covers basic knowledge every prudent skipper wants even before leaving port - practical
marlinespike, hull design and performance, boat care, skipper's responsibilities, boating under normal
and abnormal conditions, emergencies afloat, and more.
Piloting introduces you to the critical study of marine charts, aids to navigation, adjustment
and use of the mariner's compass, dead reckoning, planning and plotting courses, and taking bearings
to determine your on-the-water position.
Advanced Piloting builds on the knowledge gained in Piloting to teach you how to navigate in coastal waters,
predict tides and tidal currents, navigate safely with radar, loran C, and GPS, and optimize course planning.
Junior Navigation begins your study of offshore navigation. Learn to use integrated electronic positioning
systems, sight taking with a mariner's sextant on celestial bodies, and positioning & passage planning
with special open-ocean charts.
Navigation (Navigator) further develops your understanding of celestial navigation theory and your skills in sight taking
and reduction. Also learn to navigate with only minimal survival gear in the event of a disabling boat accident.
Cruise Planning helps you prepare for voyaging afloat - whether just week-ending or multi-month cruising.
Learn essentials about equipping and provisioning your boat, crew selection, financing your trip, entering and
clearing foreign ports, emergencies afloat, & boat security.
Engine Maintenance won't make you an expert mechanic, but it will enable you to trouble-shoot most
common engine problems and jury-rig many repairs. Covers outboard motors, inboard gas and diesel engines,
power trains, and related mechanical systems.
Instructor Development provides you with practical techniques and training in making effective
presentations - whether as a teacher, meeting chair, public speaker, or everyday conversationalist.
Marine Electronics offers you essential information about boat electrical and electronic systems in
terms understandable by non-engineers and non-technicians. Learn about proper wiring & power systems,
corrosion & electrolysis, and electronic navigation and safety systems.
Sailing guides you through the special terminology and dynamics of sailing, hulls and rigging, wind and
water forces and balance, points of sail, sail handling, and navigation rules unique to sailing.
Weather teaches you the basic structure and characteristics of our atmosphere, how to interpret
weather maps and reports, and how to make your own skilled observations -all keyed to helping you predict
and anticipate weather developments affecting your boating.
Operations teaches you all about the USPS organization and how to run an organization.
Leadership Development teaches workable tools for practical approach to leadership.
