Stark County Power Squadron

A unit of United States Power Squadrons®

Sail and Power Boating

Member Classes

We offer advanced boating classes to members on many subjects of interest to boaters.
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Tentative Schedule to Education Officer for specific dates
Member Advanced Grades
Seamanship	Practical marlinspike, navigation rules, hull design and performance, responsibilities of the skipper, boat care, operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, and more	Began October 9, 2012
Piloting	Piloting a boat in coastal and inland conditions	Winter 2013
Advanced Piloting	Build on the base developed in Piloting; and practical use of additional electronic navigation systems and other advanced techniques for finding position	To be determined
Junior Navigation	Offshore navigation: basic concepts of celestial navigation; practical how-to course using GPS for offshore navigation with sun site taking as a backup technique	To be determined
Navigation	Advanced offshore navigation: additional sight reduction techniques for bodies other than the sun	In Progress 2011 -2012
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Member Elective Courses
Sail	Basic sail: sailboat rigs, sail plans, boat design, hull types, standing and running rigging,wind, preparing to sail, and more	To be determined
Engine Maintenance	Diagnosis of modern systems, basics of engine layout and operation	To be determined
Weather	Basic weather knowledge for safe and more enjoyable boating; weather predicting based on observation, barometer and wind information; more	Began December 2012
Marine Electronics	Boat electrical systems; marine radio communication; marine electronics for navigation	Contact Education Officer if interested. Contact information above and below.
Cruise Planning	Planning for a day or a year	To be determined (Currently home study)
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USPS University - Seminars Series
You don't need to be a member to take a Seminar. to Education Officer if you are interested in one of these two hour seminars. (You can't get an Ohio Safe Boating Certificate for taking a seminar.) 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.
Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio	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.	Contact Education Officer if interested in any seminar. Contact information above and below.
Using GPS	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.
Marine Radar	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.
Mariner's Compass	This seminar explains how to select, install, calibrate and use your compass on board your boat. You will learn which features are most important and what will work best for you, how to deal with variation between true and magnetic north, and how to adjust your compass to remove most of the deviation caused by local magnetic influences. This is an essential seminar for all boaters.
How to Use a Chart	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.
Basic Coastal Navigation	In this seminar, you will learn practical techniques to plan, navigate, and check your progress on the water. You will develop situational awareness skills using your eyes and navigation tools to quickly point to your position on a chart, and be able to use backup techniques when the electronics become suspect.
Onboard Weather Forecasting	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 is what this seminar is all about.
Hurricanes and Boats	This mini-seminar covers how to select a location and prepare your boat for a hurricane.
Boat Handling Under Power	This seminar shows boaters how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions as well as all about trimming the boat underway.
Advanced Powerboat Handling	This seminar is a three-part series: Close Quarters Maneuvering, How Boats Behave and Seas, and Handling at Sea.
Sail Trim & Rig Tuning	This seminar shows in clear and simple terms how to use and adjust sails for optimum performance under a wide range of conditions.
Paddle Smart	Kayaking, canoeing or rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the process. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.
Anchoring	This seminar covers selection of anchor, rode and components; anchor selection for sea conditions and bottom characteristics; deployment and recovery of anchors. It also includes tables for sizing an anchor and components, and information for determining loads under various conditions.
Knots-Bends-Hitches	The Knots, Bends, and Hitches seminar is a hands-on "learn how to tie knots" program geared to a wide range of audiences.
Trailering Your Boat	Trailering Your Boat explains how to select tow vehicles, hitches, and trailers. It also explains how to safely and securely trailer your boat, launch and retrieve it, and how to operate and maintain your trailering equipment.
Mastering the Rules of the Road	This seminar provides an explanation with examples of the 37 Rules of the Road for both the U.S. Inland Rules and the International Rules (COLREGS). It simplifies the sometimes complex law relating to boat operation for the recreational boater. It is a starting point for study preparation for the USCG License examination.
Partner in Command	This seminar provides an introduction to boating for crew members who need basic information and who may or may not have taken a boating course. It is designed to provide essential information one may require to assist a skipper in the safe operation of a recreational boat. Included in the seminar are actions in response to emergencies.
Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes	The seminar deals with such varied topics as special navigation rules for rivers, the Western Rivers System of buoys and marks, river currents, “reading” a river, jetties and wing dams, the intricacies of locking through, and communicating with lock masters and bridge tenders.
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