See registration below (required)

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.

These classes qualify for the Washington Boater Education Card, as well as insurance premium discounts with many insurers.  The State card requirement is being phased in depending on your age.

There are now two courses, The Squadron Boating Course and Boat Smart both designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat. All boaters are subject to nautical rules and regulations. Skippers should learn and respect traditional boating courtesies. The courses are meant to be of interest to the entire family; older children are welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group.

The Squadron Boating Course contains sixteen sections. Boat Smart contains three sections. There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.

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

USPS®BoatSmart Course is 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.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.

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.

USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Boat Smart is the beginning of a boating education. USPS encourages students to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

Home Study Options

There are also two courses available for home study.  The on-line America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips.  Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements.  Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public.
 

Register for the Class

The next one-day ABC class is Saturday 9 August 9 am to 5 pm

Everyone is welcome, especially families, however pre-registration is required.  To make your classroom day most effective books will be available a week or two ahead of time, locations to be determined.

To pre-register for the one-day class and arrange early book pickup contact Janet Ray at 206-300-8559 or janetluray@gmail.com

Fall 6-week evening class will be Tuesdays 16 September through 28 November

Everyone is welcome, including families, however pre-registration is required so we can be sure to have room and to have your course materials ready!  You can choose to have your own book for $45 or a couple can share a book for $55.

Instructions to class location available from registrar.

Three ways to pre-register for the 6-week class (required):

• Call Suzanne Schoonover at 425-775-3928

• Email s_schoonover@comcast.net

• Use Paypal below

Click one of the "Buy Now" buttons to pay online for your Public Boating course materials. This uses the Paypal service and will enable you to prepay the class fee (plus a $2 handling charge) and guarantees you a space!

For one 6-week class signup and book = $47 including handling

For two 6-week class signups sharing one book = $57 including handling