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SEAMANSHIP covers basic deck seamanship, marlinspike (knots and ropes), anchoring and rafting, basic boat care and maintenance, and nautical and USPS customs and etiquette. The Seamanship course is a natural first/next step in building a foundation for confidence and competence for safe and enjoyable boating on the water. It extends the knowledge and skills of the boater in handling and maneuvering a vessel, either sail or power. The course provides a better understanding of how boats behave under various conditions including close quarters and open water operations. Knowledge and skills are increased in the areas of anchoring, emergencies, rules of the road, and marlinspike/basic knots. Appendices include information to safe operation in waters of our neighbors to the north and south, Canada and Mexico. The course content and our coastal navigation courses should help in preparation for completion of the US Coast Guard licensing examination. Course completion is documented by a closed book exam graded by USPS Headquarters.
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PILOTING is the first and most basic navigation course, covering chart reading, course plotting, and basic coastal or inland navigation, including basic GPS usage. This course goes into more detail than the charting information covered in the public courses. This course focuses on navigation as it is done on recreational boats today and embraces GPS as a primary navigation tool while covering enough of traditional techniques so the student will be able to find his/her way even if their GPS fails. The course includes many in-class exercises, developing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Ten classes normally are scheduled for presentation of this course. Topics covered include:
- Charts and their interpretation
- Navigation aids and how they point to safe water
- Plotting courses and determining direction and distance
- The mariner’s compass and converting between True and Magnetic
- Use of GPS – typical GPS displays and information they provide, setting up waypoints and routes, staying on a GPS route.
- Pre-planning safe courses and entering them into the GPS
- Monitoring progress and determining position by both GPS and traditional techniques such as bearings and dead reckoning
- The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one is on course.
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ADVANCED PILOTING covers more advanced coastal navigation techniques, navigation in tides and currents, and more advanced GPS usage. Advanced Piloting is the second in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation. It continues to build coastal and inland navigation skill, allowing the student to take on more challenging conditions – unfamiliar waters, limited visibility, and extended cruises. GPS is embraced as a primary navigation tool while adding radar, chartplotters, and other electronic navigation tools. As with Piloting, the course includes many in-class exercises, advancing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Ten classes normally are scheduled for presentation of this course. Topics covered include:
- Review of skills learned in Piloting
- Advanced positioning techniques such as advancing a line of position
- Other electronics: radar, depth sounders, autopilots, chartplotters, laptop computer software, etc.
- Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g., “keep out” zones in GPS)
- Collision avoidance using radar and GPS
- Working with tides: clearances, depth, effects of current
- Piloting with wind and currents
- The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one is on course
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JUNIOR NAVIGATION teaches the basics of offshore navigation, including basic celestial navigation using the sun and offshore course planning.
Junior Navigation is the first in a two-part program of study in offshore navigation, followed by the Navigation course. It is designed as a practical "how to" course. Subject matter includes:
- Precise time determination
- Use of the Nautical Almanac
- Taking sextant sights of the sun
- Reducing sights to establish lines of position
- Special charts and plotting sheets for offshore navigation
- Offshore navigational routines for recreational craft
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NAVIGATION is the most advanced navigation course taught by USPS, covering more advanced celestial navigation techniques, emergency navigation, and additional sight reduction techniques. After Junior Navigation, this course is the
second part of the study of offshore navigation, further developing the
student's understanding of celestial navigation theory. The Navigation
course deals with learning celestial positioning using other bodies,
in addition to positioning using the sun (covered in the Junior
Navigation course). This course also deals with electronic software tools
that can be used to plan and execute an offshore voyage. You will first learn to
reduce these sights by the Law of Cosines method. Later in the course,
you will learn an additional method of sight reduction, the Nautical Almanac
Sight Reduction (NASR) method. You will also learn about sight planning
techniques. With that knowledge, you will have the tools to take sights and
complete your Navigation Sight Folder. The course includes a chapter on using a
software-based voyage planning tool and a navigation program.
The final chapter of the course contains a Practice Cruise that ties the
separate elements of the course
together.
Chapter 1. A View of our Solar System.
A simple overview of how the celestial bodies in the sky appear to us
on earth.
Chapter 2. Sunrise…Sunset. Finding local mean
time of solar and lunar phenomena and converting the time of these events to
zone time.
Chapter 3. Taking Sights and Finding Ho, LHA, and Dec.
Taking sights on the moon, navigational planets and
stars; applying proper altitude corrections to these sights to
obtain Ho; applying corrections for low altitude
sights; and computing the LHA and declination of
these bodies.
Chapter 4. Sight
Reduction and Plotting by the Law of Cosines. Reducing sights
of the moon, stars, and planets by the Law of
Cosines method; and plotting lines of position
(LOPs) for these sights to obtain an estimated position,
a running fix, and a true
fix.
Chapter 5. Sight Reduction and Plotting by
the NASR method. Reducing sights on the sun, moon,
stars, and planets by the Nautical Almanac Sight
Reduction (NASR) method; and plotting the lines of position (LOPs) for
these sights to obtain an estimated position, a running fix,
and a true fix.
Chapter 6.
Sight Planning. Planning your sights to achieve good 2- and 3-body
fixes, using both traditional and electronic tools.
Chapter 7.
Emergency Navigation. Provisioning an emergency navigation kit and
constructing emergency plotting sheets; and determining destination coordinates
mathematically from course and distance traveled.
Chapter 8.
Electronics and Software for Offshore Navigation. Using a
software-based voyage planning tool to plan an offshore voyage
(Visual Passage Planner 2); and using a navigation program in executing
the voyage (Capn).
Chapter 9. Underway.
A review of the Navigator’s duties and USPS Plotting and Labeling
Standards; and setting up and using a 900 series plotting sheet. The student
will execute a leg of an offshore voyage using both electronic and traditional
tools, including celestial positioning. This Practice Cruise is an excellent
preparation for the open book exam.
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Six ELECTIVE COURSES are offered by USPS. They cover separate and independent topics and therefore may be taken in any order according to a person's interests and time.
Elective Courses: Engine Maintenance - Marine Electronics - Marine Electrical Systems - Marine Communication Systems - Marine Navigation Systems - Cruise Planning - Weather - Sail - Instructor Development
Engine Maintenance covers the operating principles and basic care and maintenance of outboard and inboard engines, including diesels.
The Engine Maintenance course
consists of ten chapters and stresses the diagnosis of modern systems, while also
teaching the basics of engine layout and operation. Gasoline inboards,
outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that reinforces the common
aspects of how engines work. Modern engines offer high reliability and good performance
through the use of computerized systems for fuel delivery and engine timing.
Most of these systems are “black boxes” that can no longer be serviced by
weekend mechanics with ordinary tools. The EM course covers those repairs that
do-it-yourselfers can still perform, teaches how to diagnose problems that might
be beyond your ability to fix, and how to share information with your mechanic
so the right repairs get performed. Engine Maintenance covers
basic mechanical systems such as drive systems (propellers), steering systems,
and engine controls. The last chapter discusses solutions you might use to
problems that could occur while afloat and away from a repair facility.
Gasoline, diesel, and outboard engines are treated independently in this
chapter.
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MARINE ELECTRONICS covers installation and maintenance of both boat electrical systems (AC and DC) and marine electronics (VHF radio, radar, GPS, etc) and is divided into three separate and stand alone courses.
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The MARINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS course is presented in seven chapters that start with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems.
The course includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring circuits, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat electrical system.
EMSCom has written this course to require nine two-hour sessions.
- Day 1 - Introduction, Chapter 1: Properties of Electricity
- Day 2 - Chapter 2: Boat Electrical Wiring Practices
- Day 3 - Chapter 3: Direct Current Power
- Day 4 - Chapter 4: Alternating Current Power
- Day 5 - Chapter 5: Galvanic and Stray Current Corrosion
- Day 6 - Chapter 6: Lightning Protection
- Day 7 - Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Part 1; on-the-boat optional
- Day 8 - Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Part 2
- Day 9 - Review and Examination
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MARINE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS is an in-depth, nine chapter review of those systems available to the recreational boater, or to those with whom he/she shares the water. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn, to choose the best communications method for his/her situation. One chapter is devoted to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and another to FCC Rules and regulations to set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures (both voice and digital messaging are covered). The remaining chapters cover High Seas radio (MF/HF and satellite communications) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers. There is also a chapter on troubleshooting of radio installations.
EMSCom has written this course to require seven two-hour sessions.
- Day 1 - Introduction, Chapter 1: Radio History and Communications, Chapter 2: The Radio Frequency Spectrum, Chapter 3: VHF Communications
- Day 2 - Chapter 4: GMDSS
- Day 3 - Finish Chapter 4, Chapter 5: FCC Rules, Radio Licenses and the Radio Frequency Plan
- Day 4 - Chapter 6: Radiotelephone Operating Procedures
- Day 5 - Chapter 7: Long-Range Radio Communications
- Day 6 - Chapter 8: Other Marine Communications Systems, Chapter 9: Radio Maintenance
- Day 7 - Review and Examination
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MARINE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS will be the third course in the Marine Electronics series. This course is currently in manuscript but should be ready in 2011. It presently consists of eight chapters on electronic navigation instruments including depth sounders, radar, and GPS, and on display systems including chart plotters and personal computers. EMSCom will be adding sections on interfacing these systems (bridge integration) and a section on new visual aids to piloting.
Requirements and Prerequisites for Marine Electronics
The new series of courses for Marine Electronics consists of three standalone courses. EMSCom recommends that these new courses be taken in the following order: Electrical Systems, Communications Systems, and Navigation Systems. The committee also strongly recommends that students take Communications Systems, as mastery of this important topic can help you call for help if you should need it.
There are no prerequisites for these courses and they may be taken in any order, however, the subject matter tends to build on the MES/MCS/MNS progression.
The Educational Department will honor any combination of ME101/102/103 and the new courses. We want to serve our membership and don’t want you to be caught up in the details of what might be required for advancement. Rest assured that we want our members to become better boaters and to learn from and enjoy the course material. ME101/102/103 will remain active and in stock until the MES/MCS/MNS series is fully implemented. (21 Jul 10)
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CRUISE PLANNING covers topics of interest for someone planning a cruise – whether for just a weekend or for a year – including preparation and planning, anchoring, security, chartering, and cruising outside the US.
Cruise Planning Course Description
There is something very special about the thrill of cruising in new waters and the sense of accomplishment upon completing an extended cruise. To go beyond what most boaters do on a weekend overnight or even a week or so marina hopping requires boaters to leave their normal cruising areas and comfort zones. The Cruise Planning course focuses on the planning and preparation necessary for safe enjoyable extended cruises on both inland and coastal waters.
Designed for members who cruise on either a sail or powerboat (owned or chartered)—this course covers the following topics:
- Cruise preparation and planning - General
- Boat and Equipment
- Anchors and Anchoring
- Security
- Chartering
- Cruising Outside the United States
- Crew and Provisioning
- Voyage Management
- Communications
- Navigation
- Weather
- Emergencies
The manual includes a comprehensive cruise planning timeline. The course can be comfortably taught in eight two-hour classroom sessions including time for review and the exam, but each instructor will determine the pace of the course.
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WEATHER covers weather systems, patterns and forecasting.
Weather 2008 Course Description
The safety and comfort of those who venture out-on-the water have always been weather dependent. In this course students will become keener observers of the weather, but weather observations only have meaning in the context of the basic principles of meteorology — the science of the atmosphere.
The course focuses on how weather systems form, behave, move, and interact with one another and reflects the availability of all sorts of weather reports and forecasts on the Internet. Wx2008 is a general weather course benefiting those sitting in their living rooms, as much as those standing behind the helm. Each student receives:
a Weather Manual - USPS Weather - an explanatory text with full color photographs and drawings covering weather in the United States and its coastal and inland waters;
a set of three Daily Weather Maps - learning aids with a compete explanation of map symbols designed to develop weather map reading and analysis skills; and
NOAA’s Sky Watcher Chart - a reference to assist in identifying cloud types – helpful indicators of approaching weather.
Wx2008 is designed to be conducted over ten two-hour classroom sessions, but each instructor will determine the pace of the course.
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SAIL covers everything from the basic elements of how a sailboat works to sail trim, rig tuning, and sailboat racing.
Sail Course 2009 Description
Sail 2009 is a completely new sail course created to serve the needs of the novice and experienced sailor, as well as the non-sailor, for basic skills and knowledge. The course starts with basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging, safety, and sail processes and then tackles the physical aspects of sailing forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing. An On-The-Water component enhances the learning experience. An “approved” training plan for the on-the-water sessions is available for download—see below. Appendices provide an introduction to sailboat racing and sailing in Canadian waters.
This new Sail course is a single volume Student and Instructor Manual (IM) developed in cooperation with the Canadian Sail & Power Squadron. Course instructional materials include material in Microsoft PowerPoint® format with embedded animations that require additional software to perform correctly
Course completion is documented by a closed book exam graded by USPS Headquarters.
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IINSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT teaches effective communication skills for not only USPS instructors but everyone, covering various methods of presenting information to others, effective use of audiovisual aids (including PowerPoint), etc.
Course Description
Unlike other USPS courses, the Instructor Development course is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, its emphasis is on enhancing instructor skills. The course has been designed to demonstrate interactive teaching methods focused on adult learning. Students are required to prepare lesson plans and give four presentations to their peers utilizing a variety of teaching aids and presentation skills. Each presentation is to be given on a topic from one of the public boating classes with the intent that upon completion of the course every student will be qualified to teach or proctor at a squadron boating class.
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