Benefits of Completing our Public Courses

Persons who successfully complete the Squadron Boating Course or Boat Smart may qualify for membership in United States Power Squadrons.  As a member, you have access to courses and knowledge that can make you an expert.  You may also qualify for boat insurance discounts, company discount benefits, and some yacht club privileges.

Instruction

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as an unpaid civic service.  These people are able to enhance the course material by relating their own experiences and local knowledge.  There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, etc. 

Boat Smart

Boat Smart 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.

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. 

Squadron Boating Course

The Squadron Boating Course is a traditional civic service of the United States Power Squadrons organization. Since 1914 local squadrons have presented the course to anyone who wished to attend - to date more than 3 million people. Learning to boat safely is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.

The Squadron Boating Course contains sixteen sections and is more comprehensive than the Boat Smart Course.  There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.  As with Boat Smart the Squadron Boating 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.

The Squadron Boating Course covers additional topics such as an introduction to reading charts and plotting courses that are not in Boat Smart. 

Chart Smart

Chart Smart is a course for all USPS Boat Smart graduates who are interested in information on compasses, charts, and plotting courses.  It adds to the knowledge gained in Boat Smart by covering subjects in the Squadron Boating Course that are not covered in Boat Smart.

 GPS for Mariners

GPS is an indispensable navigation tool for recreational boaters. This class will tell you how to use a GPS to set and keep on course on the water. We'll show actual screens and commands for Garmin GPS units. Student materials include a text, class notes, and a sixteen-page waterproof Quick Guide to GPS to keep on your boat. If you have a hand-held GPS, you are encouraged to bring it to class!

Paddle Smart

Paddle Smart covers the unique safety challenges faced by those canoeing or kayaking, especially boating on larger lakes and coastal waters. 

Topics include:

• Basic safety equipment including Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets)
• Navigation Rules with emphasis on kayaks, canoes, etc.
• Charts and Maps
• Homeland Security
• Weather
• Electronics including GPS, cell phones, etc.

 Jet Smart

Jet Smart is an extension to Boat Smart especially intended to help boaters operate PWCs safely.

The Jet Smart manual and video cover:

·      PWC terminology, types, capacities

·      Jet drive propulsion basics

·      Environmental issues

·      Operator safety gear

·      Safety & maintenance checklists

·      Trailering & launching

·      Regulations for operators

·      Courtesy & common sense

·      Speed

·      Noise

·      Boarding & reboarding

·      Falling off

·      Hypothermia

·      The ride

·      Returning to shore

·      Docks, moorings and marinas

·      Security

·      Breakdown & repairs

·      Preventative maintenance