News and Announcements

Additional Slides for the Tides and Currents Seminar

Additional slides showing tide and current information for east coast locations are available on the Seminars web page under Downloadable Material section. (15 Jan 12)

Model Anchor Sets Available for Loan

These model anchors come as 11 per set. They are an excellent tool for squadrons and districts to use when teaching anchoring techniques in classes and seminars. They may be borrowed by submitting a completed Standard Order Form to USPS Customer Service. The item number is 11-63-001, and the description is Stainless Steel Anchor Set. More details including the reservation schedule and a picture of a model anchor set are on the model anchors web page. (20 Dec 11)

New Apps for Boaters Web Page

A new web page listing potentially useful apps for boaters using mobile devices is now available from any Educational Department web page on the left side navigation menu under Miscellany. The page includes both iTunes Store and Android Market apps. A form is also available on the page for you to submit other boating-related apps you've found useful. (18 Dec 11)

Emphasis on Classroom Education

Concerns and misconceptions have been raised regarding the priorities and direction of the Educational Department regarding classroom education, especially with regard to the alternatives of on-line and home study. Read about the Educational Department's direction in this PDF (283KB) document. (28 Nov 11)

USPS Boat Insurance Educational Discounts

The premise behind the USPS Boat Insurance Program is to reward members for their dedication and passion for on-the-water safety by providing reduced insurance premiums.  On top of low base rates, USPS Boat Insurance customers can reduce their premium even further, up to 23%, through completion of various USPS advanced courses. And completing boat operator certification can add to these discounts as well! See the USPS Boat Insurance web page for details. (31 Oct 11)

Short Web Addresses

To make it easier for you to cite and use the Educational Department web pages, we've shortened three of our most used web addresses.

• To get to this page—the Educational Department home page—you can enter into your browser either usps.org/education, www.usps.org/education, www.usps.org/eddept or just usps.org/eddept. Any of these addresses will bring you to this page. And once you get here, don't forget to bookmark or make this page one of your favorites so that it's easier to get here next time.
• To find a public boating course, you can use either www.usps.org/findacourse or usps.org/findacourse. Either one will take a user to the search page where a user can find a USPS public boating course close to home. You can also copy this QR Code image and add it to flyers so that smartphone users can just scan it and be taken directly to the Find a Course web page.
• To find a seminar, you can use either www.usps.org/findaseminar or usps.org/findaseminar. Either one will take a user to the search page where a user can find a USPS seminar close to home. You can also copy this QR Code image and add it to flyers so that smartphone users can just scan it and be taken directly to the Find a Seminar web page. (31 Oct 11)

Revised Procedure for Enrolling Non-Member Students in USPS University and Ordering Exams

Exams can be ordered for non-members, but they first must be enrolled in USPS University. Please follow the attached procedure 143KB, PDF) for enrolling the non-member students in USPS University and ordering exams. The non-member will get a certificate number that may be used for all future courses and seminars and will become their membership number on joining USPS. The enrollment only needs to take place once for each student. (15 Aug 11)

Basic Weather and Forecasting Seminar Available

A new weather seminar—Basic Weather and Forecasting—has replaced the Onboard Weather Forecasting seminar. The new seminar is more comprehensive than the superseded one (94 slides versus 63 in the old one). In addition to the Onboard Weather Forecasting QuickGuide, participants receive a full color Seminar Guide complete with notes—a major upgrade from the previous guide. There is no separate printed Instructor Guide. The notes in the Seminar Guide also serve as instructor notes. The Instructor’s CD, however, in addition to the PowerPoint presentation has a file with an Instructor’s Guide that contains suggestions and tips for instructors. (29 Apr 11)

User-Oriented HQ-800 Presentation

P/C Rick Vandemark, AP, SEO of Findlay Sail and Power Squadron in District 29, has prepared a 94-slide presentation in PowerPoint that shows how to use the new HQ-800 system with an ABC3 focus. The slides have notes to help explain the steps involved. Download the presentation here (PPT, 6288KB). A PDF copy (2974KB) is also available, showing two slides per page along with the associated notes for each slide. (23 Apr 11)

Laser Fire Extinguisher Training System Available

Originally funded by the Educational Fund, we now have three $12,000 laser fire extinguishing training systems. These systems help in training and practice with various types of fires using a simulated fire and a laser pattern projected from the extinguisher nozzle. Results are scored for time to extinguish the fire. This system is ideal for Boat Operator Certification and boating events. We recommend districts coordinate events. To see some pictures click here. To see the current schedule for the system, click here. More details are available on the Fire Extinguisher Training web page. (17 Apr 11)

New HQ-800 System Presentation

A presentation on the new HQ-800 course/seminar registration system given by its author, P/C Dan Bartell, SN, to the DEOs at the Annual Meeting is available here (253KB, PPT). Additional information is available in a PDF file (106KB) that was prepared prior to the Annual Meeting. (11 Feb 11)

Weems and Plath Discount

Weems and Plath is offering USPS members a 25% discount on anything ordered via their web site. Check out the details at the Weems and Plath store. The discount program has been extended until 31 Dec 2011. (11 Feb 11)

Getting Credit for Marine Electronics — Old vs. New Courses

Many have asked about the credit granted for the Marine Electronics series. As we switch from old courses to new, we will switch from one elective (Marine Electronics) to three electives (Marine Electrical Systems, Marine Communications Systems, Marine Navigation Systems) and this has caused some confusion during the transition from the old series to the new.

Students must successfully complete the entire three module set of ME101/102/103 to gain credit for Marine Electronics. Students will be given credit for each of the new courses, so by utilizing the new material they can get credit for up to three electives. As the grade of SN now requires successful completion of six out of eight elective courses, students can earn half of their needed electives by passing this series. If they stay with the old material, only one course credit will be granted.

A few students may find themselves in need of Marine Navigation Systems (MNS). This course material has not yet been released. The Chairman of the Electro-Mechanical Systems Committee will consider completion of ME103 as evidence of completion of MNS on a case-by-case basis. This procedure requires that HQ manually override student records and is not done lightly. EMSCom stands by to help our students so we will work with the SEOs as needed to promote those candidates deserving of the grade. If you have questions, contact the Chairman of the Electro-Mechanical Systems Committee, R/C Gene A. Danko, SN. (09 Dec 10)

USPS Local Telephone Number in Course Manuals

Some course manuals (student and instructor versions) have an incorrect local telephone number for USPS Headquarters on the Acknowledgements Page.  The correct local telephone number is 919-821-0281.  The toll-free number is still 1-888-367-8777 (1-888-FOR-USPS). (27 Oct 10)

Sight Folder Submissions

Headquarters has frequently been receiving Navigation 09 sight folders without the necessary form ED-33.  This form is required per Section 6.42, Sight Folders, of the Operations Manual and is used as a dual form for both exams and sight folders. Alternatively, squadrons may use the Sight Folder eED-33 Form, accessible on Educational Department web pages under "Order Course Materials", to prepare a printed form that must be submitted with the sight folders to USPS Headquarters. All information for processing member records is taken from the ED-33 or eED-33 before the folder is sent to the ONCom for evaluation. Effective immediately, sight folders received without the accompanying ED-33 or eED-33 will be held until either one of these printed forms is received. NOTE: There is NO facility to send either the ED-33 or the eED-33 electronically to HQ. One of these printed forms MUST accompany the sight folders when they are sent to Headquarters. (21 Jul 10)

Inflatable Life Vests on Planes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a flyer that clarifies what constitutes prohibited items on aircraft. Because of the compressed gas cartridges that are a part of inflatable life vests, they fit this description, but there is an exception. See the TSA flyer (894KB, PDF) under "Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items" for details. You are also advised to bring this flyer with you just in case your local TSA authority questions carrying your inflatable life vests and spare cartridges aboard. (22 Jun 10)

PowerPoint/Flash Problems

If you have been trying to use PowerPoint for one of our courses or seminars and receive the error message "Some controls on this presentation can't be activated. They may not be registered on your computer.", try the following few steps from Microsoft Tech Services that should help resolve the problem:

The error message you are seeing is usually related to a flash OCX file not being properly registered on your computer. You could try the following to resolve your issue:

1. Quit PowerPoint.
2. Run the following command (using Start -> in the start search box, type in the following command):
   regsvr32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\Flash.ocx"

Note that the exact path may vary and the command should be applied to any of the following files that exist in the noted directory:

• flash.ocx
• flash8.ocx
• flash9.ocx

This information was contributed by R/C Wil Hugli. (17 Apr 10)

Educational Department Notice Regarding On The Water Policy

Now that USPS has moved aggressively into on the water training, it is essential that we maintain the highest standards to assure safety of all involved and minimize any liability or property loss. From this point forward, any on the water activity must use a program approved by the Boat Operator Certification and On The Training Committee and be pre-scheduled by the involved squadron or district. Please see EDN-90 for details. (20 Feb 10)

Instructing USPS Programs to the Public

The USPS National By-Laws have been amended to remove the restriction against instructing courses to the public. Now, squadrons have the option of instructing any USPS program to anyone. We ask that you charge market prices for non-members and retain deep discounted costs for members as an inducement to join.  We also ask that you consider our partner organizations for discounts including U.S. Sailing, Coast Guard Auxiliary, BoatU.S., corporate members, and others. Pricing is a squadron prerogative. Please see “Guidelines: Squadrons/Districts Offering Educational Programs” for details. (20 Feb 10)

Orlando Storefront Presentation

Tom Kemp, USPS HQ Marketing Manager, will give a presentation in Orlando on the Storefront Concept for Seminars. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation (3355KB, PPT). (22 Jan 10)

Materials and Exam Orders

The Standard Order Form (SOF) for materials orders and ED-33 for exam and sight folder orders have been taken off the drop down "Order Course Materials" menu from all EdDept web pages. Please use the On-Line Catalog and Shopping Cart for materials orders and the On-Line Exam Ordering drop down menu for exam orders effective immediately. The Sight Folder eED-33 Form may be used in place of the standard ED-33 for sight folder submissions. Errors on manually completed forms cause added work for Headquarters personnel and can be avoided by using the on-line processes, all accessible from any Educational Department web page under "Order Course Materials". (11 Nov 09, updated 21 Jul 10)

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary Course Credits

Did you know that members who have certain Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary certificates can get credit as having passed USPS courses? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page for details. (11 Nov 09)

Spanish Translations of ABC3 Exams

The ABC3 Exam #1 and Exam #2 exams have been translated into Spanish. The catalogue numbers are 02-73-121 for the ABC3 Spanish Final Exam 1 and 02-73-122 for the ABC3 Spanish Final Exam 2. The old Form A exam is already available in Spanish. The Spanish translations are available in the on-line Materials Catalog right after the English exams. (28 Oct 09)

Check Status of On-Line Orders

Thanks to the efforts of P/C Dan Bartell, a new capability to check the status of on-line Educational Department material and exam orders is in place.  Using a web browser, authorized members who can order educational materials can now check the status of their material and exam orders that were submitted on-line.  Just use the new pull-down menu selection "Check On-Line Order Status" under "Order Course Materials" on any EdDept web page.  Note that this capability does NOT allow checking of orders placed by hard copy means (postal mail or faxes). (14 Sep 09)

Presentations to Promote Seminars

Two PowerPoint presentations are available to help promote USPS seminars. The Train-the-Trainer presentation (488KB) was provided at the 4-district conference in Hampton, NH.  It goes through the process and provides tips for planning and delivering seminars.  It also links to the second "Have Fun" presentation (6823KB) which can be used before each seminar to showcase USPS. (03 Jan 09)

Detroit Governing Board Presentations

Three presentations given at the Detroit Governing Board meeting in September are now available. The first is a slightly modified version of the EdDept Overview briefing given at the Open EdDept meeting (PPT, 6790KB), the second is the On The Water (OTW) presentation given by D/6 (PPT, 368KB), and the last is the insurance update presentation (PPT, 120KB). This version of the EdDept Overview briefing is the preferred presentation that DEOs might give to a Fall Conference audience beyond the SEOs. (07 Oct 08)

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Registrations

United States Power Squadrons is now offering MMSI registrations to most recreational boaters. Get more detailed information from the Marine Electronics web page or the USPS MMSI web page. (17 Jun 08)

Educational Department Presentations from the Annual Meeting, February 2008

Presentations on EPIRBs (PPT, 6643KB) and the status of the USCG Rescue 21 (PPT, 4626KB) were provided by the Coast Guard to the DEOs and the Open EdDept meeting in Dallas. (10 Mar 08)

A PowerPoint presentation (5592KB), tailored for the Spring District Conferences, has been prepared based on what was presented at the Dallas Annual Meeting.  It includes narrative notes to go with the slides. (28 Feb 08)

Running the Old Maptech Digital Chart Training CD under Vista

Please note that the following instructions apply to a previous version (5.07d) of the Maptech CD. The latest version (5.08 for Windows XP/Vista) works fine under Vista without any special procedures. (Updated 09 Mar 08)

Maptech's Offshore Navigator (and related products, such as Offshore Navigator Lite and Chart Navigator Viewer) was created long before Microsoft Windows Vista was released. As you may be aware, Microsoft Vista is designed to restrict access to certain core components of the operating system, in order to make the system more robust and secure. Unfortunately, by doing this, older applications must be run "As Administrator" and in "Windows XP Compatibility Mode" in order to function correctly.  Click on this Maptech link to get instructions for how to do this.  Just a reminder, once you have this Chart Navigator software on this CD loaded and operating, you can download and use any charts you would like from Maptech following the “Download - Free NOAA Charts” link on this page.

Boating Course Assistant

Major changes have been made to this program so it is very important for all BCA users to switch to this revision. Older versions do not support the new ED27 data reporting standards, so the data will not get to where it is required and worse, the course graduates may not get credit for taking the course. The new version also manages Seminars and supports importing student data from the email generated by the online pre-registration form.
For more information and to download the new version, please visit: BCA Download.

Boat U.S. Hurricane Resource Center

Be prepared for hurricane season with tips from the Boat U.S. Hurricane Resource Center.
Read more...