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USPS® Education Seminars- Open To Members
and General Public

USPS® University

Seminars
All Seminars Contact Education
Officer ... 1-207-748-3122
USPS University is here with new
programs targeted to a range of boaters and types of boating. The
hallmark of this concept is the Seminar Series. These short
seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour
format, and valuable take-away guides. Each seminar provides credits
toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification
program, and credit toward elective courses.
NOTE: Seminars are
being reviewed by our Education Department
Instructors and lesson plans
being
completed, we will be advertising them for Members and the General
Public soon. We anticipate full implementation of the USPS®
Seminar Series by late Summer 2008 so check frequently.
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. Prerequisites:
None
Using GPS

Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
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.
Prerequisites: None
On Board Weather Forecasting

Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
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.
Prerequisites: None
How to Use a Chart

Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
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. Prerequisites:
None
Boat Handling Under Power

Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
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.
Sail Trim and Rig Tuning
Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
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 Captains Quick Guide written by North Sails and Student Notes.
Paddle Smart
Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
Welcome to the world of paddle sports. You have joined (or
soon will) the fastest growing part of boating.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks and
canoes accounted for some
54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000 crafts.
This series is dedicated to paddle boaters and describes situations and
tips that are unique to those who boat by canoe or kayak.
Click here for a Quick view
Anchoring

Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
The Knots, Bends, and Hitches
seminar is a hands-on "learn how to tie knots" program geared to a wide
range of audiences. The kit comes with a copy of the USPS Guide Knots,
Bends and Hitches for Mariners, a copy of the slide notes and a kit
including a die-cut knot board and two lengths of line. Participants
learn about knots, learn to tie a set of the most useful knots, and then
get to take the whole package home with them to practice these and a
whole host of other knots described in the book.
Hurricanes and Boats
Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
This is a mini-seminar. It covers how to
select a location and prepare your boat for a hurricane. The kit
includes Student Notes with copies of the slides.
Marine Radar
Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
This seminar covers how radar
functions, radar selection, operation of the radar under various
conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation, basic
navigation, and collision avoidance using radar. The kit includes The
Radar Book written by Kevin Monahan ($25 retail) and Student Notes with
copies of slides.
Knots, Bends and Hitches
Registrations Opening
Winter/Spring 2009
The Knots, Bends, and Hitches
seminar is a hands-on "learn how to tie knots" program geared to a wide
range of audiences. The kit comes with a copy of the USPS Guide Knots,
Bends and Hitches for Mariners, a copy of the slide notes and a kit
including a die-cut knot board and two lengths of line. Participants
learn about knots, learn to tie a set of the most useful knots, and then
get to take the whole package home with them to practice these and a
whole host of other knots described in the book.
Several more seminars are nearing completion and will be
available soon: Knots for Mariners, Onboard Emergencies, Using Digital
Charts, and Heavy Weather Sailing.
For information on the USPS public boating course closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS.
In Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.
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