New Castle Power Squadron Public Courses

New Castle Power Squadron instructors are certified by the United States Power Squadrons. The United States Power Squadron national organization is highly regarded for their boating courses. We offer some options for a public course. We have a modified course that covers basic boating terminology, boat handling, water sports safety, Personal Water Craft, legally required equipment, boating regulations, right of way rules, and marine radios. In addition, the course also looks at basics of reading nautical charts, basics of plotting a course. This is offered in modules that can meet your needs. We can respond by email or call you back personally, whichever you prefer. Also, it is possible to request the test only, if you are an experienced boater.

The New Castle Power Squadron offers the America's Boating Course through the United States Power Squadron website. It is an online course with a proctored test. You study the class online and call us for a proctored test. We will also teach this class, it may be easier for you to follow with experienced instructors. If you are interested, check it out online or call Al Martin 412-671-6314 or e-mail cyclops_al@hotmail.com with any questions.

It is now law in Pennsylvania that all boaters who were born on or after January 1, 1982 and operate a motorboat greater than 25hp or any personal watercraft operator regardless of age, must take a boating course to be legal on the water. No one 11 years of age or younger is legal.

Residents of other states, born January 1, 1982 or later are legal for 60 days if certified in their home state.

We also have seminars that may be offered in the future. These seminars include:

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radios

Using GPS

How to Use a Chart

Onboard Weather Forecasting

Boat Handling under Power

Sail Trim and Rig Tuning

Paddle Smart

Anchoring

Hurricanes and Boats

Marine Radar

Knots, Bends, and Hitches

We do not have a date for any seminar at this time, but if you are interested in any of these. Please contact Al Martin 412-671-6314 or e-mail cyclops_al@hotmail.com with any questions. and let us know which seminars interest you most.

If you would like in depth information on the seminars click here.

After completing and passing the proctored exam for a safe boating course you have completed the prerequisite for becoming a member of the USPS. Normally one of the power squadron members will approach you about joining the squadron. If this does not happen then you approach one of the members and he/she will sit down and explain the benefits of being a member. After that there is a short form to fill out and you are on your way to an new exciting boating education experience.

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