Many states and adult education programs have become concerned with the quality of instruction being given to the public, especially in the area of boating safety. They are now requiring that anyone who teaches the public be able to show evidence that they have successfully completed an instructor training program. Just as the information in our public boating classes must meet or exceed the standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the individual states, our certification process is designed to make certain our instructors are of the highest possible quality.

With the increase in the number of states requiring mandatory safe boating education, we need to be sure that we have not only the best course materials but also the best instructors. USPS has always been committed to high standards in our educational programs and the Instructor Development Committee is committed to helping our instructors to be “the best they can be.” In order to insure that our instructors can show compliance with the new state and NASBLA requirements, USPS has developed a policy for Instructor Certification.

The ID course focuses on how to teach adults using a modern, interactive and fun approach to learning. Students who complete the course will become certified USPS instructors already prepared to teach our boating classes. It is an easy way for members to ‘break the ice’ and overcome any inhibitions or anxieties they may have toward teaching, and the squadrons will have more qualified members willing to teach our courses. The certification will be valid for four years. Certification may be renewed for another four year term by attending a recertification seminar.