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In 2007, Lake Norman Sail and
Power Squadron initiated a new series of boating seminars during
Safe Boating Week which runs from May 19th to the 25th. These short
seminars are targeted to specific boating topics and needs with a
two-hour format, and valuable take-away guides. We hope to repeat these
seminars each year. Please check back for dates.
Commander Richard Todd points out that the new Seminar Program may be
the answer for experienced boaters who want short courses with
up-to-date information on specific subjects or people with busy
schedules who cannot commit to the squadron’s longer courses. The
sessions cover only one relevant subject with information that is
focused, concise and condensed. He sites as an example the new DSC
(Digital Selective Calling) featured on newer marine radios which allows
mariners to instantly send automated distress signals.
Six seminars are
scheduled :
● Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio –
See above for date and time.
VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication and essential for
emergency communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly
becoming a reality as more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go
live. Currently, the mid Atlantic coast is operational with DSC. The
Gulf region will be operational early next year and all Cutters will be
DSC equipped by next year.
DSC vastly simplifies and improves rescue and routine call signaling –
making it easier to make a call while the system frees up Channel 16 for
essential communications. However, you need to know how to use it. This
seminar answers those needs and explains basic VHF operation. A CD is
included with a DSC Simulator that allows you to practice on your
computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide
Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have
aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew how to use the radio.
(Back to Top)
● Using GPS – See above for date
and time.
GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the
water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car.
This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you
will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which
provide essential information about what is around you.
The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS – what the buttons
do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need. A
handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers
function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will
be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation,
and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your
choosing. You’ll also get some tips for choosing a GPS if you don’t
currently own one. You will get a waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick
Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show
another of your crew how to use your GPS.
(Back to Top)
● On Board Weather Forecasting –
See above for date and time.
Changing weather conditions can convert what was a delightful day on the
water into a real challenge. Forecasting what weather you will encounter
is one of the top priorities for safe boating. Should we go out? When
should we come in? These are important questions, but some fundamental
understanding of the weather can help you make these decisions. That’s
what this seminar is all about.
While not a course in weather, this seminar explains how just using your
own senses can help you determine what conditions you will encounter
where you are. By all means, a forecast is important. It will tell you
what weather systems are headed your way, but they are challenged to
tell exactly where and when conditions will change. Add your own
observations and you have an extra edge. Add a couple of instruments and
you can verify your observations. The seminar explains weather systems,
how to understand clouds and their changes, using changing wind
direction, temperature, and pressure to hone in on emerging weather
fronts. The seminar includes an excellent book Fundamentals of Weather
written by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, and the McGraw-Hill On
Board Weather Forecasting waterproof Captain’s Quick Guide to take
aboard your boat. (Back to Top)
● Boat Handling under Power
-
See above for date and time.
Bringing a boat up to a dock is quite
different from parking a car next to a curb! The skipper must consider
all forces acting upon his boat in this process, including currents and
wind and the angle of approach along with the space available for
docking. Avoid the embarrassing, unsafe and often expensive consequences
of improper boat handling when docking. Also learn about underway trim
for comfort, safety and cruising efficiency. This seminar shows boaters
how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions as well as all
about trimming the boat underway. The seminar materials include a
waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide and Student Notes.
(Back to Top)
●
Sail Trim and Rig Tuning
-
See above for date and time.
Yes, sailing seems to be a
simple matter of just letting the wind power the boat. However, varied
weather conditions and the many points of sail create complex situations
for the skipper to consider when attempting to achieve efficiency from
his sails. This seminar shows in clear and simple terms how to use and
adjust sails for optimum performance under a wide range of conditions.
The seminar comes with a waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide written
by North Sails and Student Notes.
(Back to Top)
● How to Use a Nautical Chart (with emphases on Lake Norman) –
See above for date and time.
Charts provide information essential to your safety afloat. Even with
GPS and electronic navigation, the chart is needed to tell you what is
around you and between you and your intended destination. A system of
symbols is used by cartographers to tell you what lies below the surface
of the water and the depths of water. There is key information about
visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you navigate your course.
The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid scale, compass
rose, and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude and
longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers.
The NOAA Chart No. 1 is the quintessential reference to chart details,
but is very difficult to understand. This seminar walks you through what
you really need to know in an entertaining and interesting fashion, and
provides you with a Maptech Waterproof flip-fold waterproof Chart
Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take along on the boat with you. In
addition to showing you all about your chart, this seminar walks you
through the essentials of laying out a safe course, steps to measure a
course with the USPS plotter, and even a quick guide to the rules of the
road. (Back to Top)
Seminars begin at 8 AM and 10 AM at
the location specified at the top of this page. The cost of
each session is $35.00 which includes a copy of students’ notes,
waterproof guides and other related material specific to the subject.
Class size is limited and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure your
place.
Contact John Van Order at (704) 892-3080 or Clyde Starr at (704)
947-2929 for additional information or to register.
Click
for Seminar Registration Form you can print and mail in !
Additional seminars are being developed and will be announced soon.
For more information
from the USPS National website, go to:
http://www.usps.org:80/e_stuff/seminars.htm |
