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Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the Friends sm

America's Boating Course is a course for all boaters, the personal watercraft operator; the hunter or fisherman operating an outboard utility boat; the skipper of a family cruiser and 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 shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.

The course consists of topics in seamanship, boat terms and types, boat handling, fueling, docking, anchoring, required safety equipment, PFD's, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, USCG standards, law enforcement, aids to navigation, rules of navigation, use of radiotelephone, operation under hazardous conditions, ... and much more.

While the content of the student manual serves as the basis for the 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. Where required, the course will provide instruction and examination for laws and regulations of state and local authorities in the area where the course is taught.

In addition to the boating course, seminars are provided regularly, they include.
Chart Reading, Understanding GPS, Basic Weather, VHF Radio, Kayak Handling and many others.

 
The classroom at the AMISPS building.