USPS Elective Courses
Elective courses are available to members.
They may be taken without prerequisite, although it is suggested that
the Seamanship course be taken before taking any of the electives.

SAIL
This course provides a thorough study of the terminology and dynamics of sailing. It includes--

• Types of hulls and rigs
• Types of running and standing rigging and their adjustment
• Hull and water forces caused by wind and waves
• Forces vs. balance
• The theory of sailing
• Points of sailing
• Sail handling
• Sailing under various wind conditions
• Navigation rules unique to sailing vessels
  

MARINE ELECTRONICS
This course teaches essential knowledge about a boat's electrical and electronic systems, including--

• Proper wiring
• Grounding
• Corrosion and electrolysis control
• Batteries and their maintenance
• Depth finders
• Marine radiotelephones
• Radar
• Loran, GPS, other electronic positioning systems
  

ENGINE MAINTENANCE
This course attempts to make students more self-reliant afloat, with trouble-diagnosis and temporary remedies given special emphasis. It covers both marine gasoline and diesel engines, including concepts of operation, maintenance and repair of their--

• Cooling systems
• Electrical systems
• Fuel systems
• Lubricating systems
• Power train components
• Ancillary propulsion components
  

WEATHER
The Weather course is designed to teach a student how to make weather observations and predictions for more enjoyable boating. Topics Include--

• Awareness of weather phenomena
• How to read a weather map and the sky
• How to understand and anticipate weather developments
• Structure and characteristics of the atmosphere
• Factors considered in weather forecasting
• Sources and use of weather reports and forecasts
• Instrument and visual observations the skipper can make
  

CRUISE PLANNING
This course is designed for members who plan to cruise for a year or just a weekend - in either a sail or powerboat. It covers such topics as --

• Planning a voyage
• Financing a voyage
• Managing commitments back home
• How to equip a cruising boat
• Crew selection
• Provisioning
• Voyage management
• Entering and clearing foreign ports
• Emergencies afloat
• Security measures
  

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATION
Unlike other USPS courses, this one is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, it deals with effective communications for the speaker and teacher, a quality that benefits the individual in all walks of life. It offers practical instruction in--

• Preparing for teaching assignments
• Preparing for meeting presentations
• Effective teaching techniques
• Conducting efficient meetings
• Selection and use of audio-visual aids

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