Oklahoma City Sail and Power Squadron

Elective Courses

Elective Descriptions on
this page:
1. Weather
2. Cruise Planning
3. Sail
4. Marine Electronics
5. Engine Maintenance
6. Instructor Qualifications

Weather

The Weather course is designed to teach a student how to make weather observations and predictions for more enjoyable boating. Topics Include:
Awareness of weather phenomena
How to read a weather map and the sky
How to understand and anticipate weather developments
Structure and charateristics of the atmosphere
Factors considered in weather forcasting
Sources and use of weather reports and forcasts
Instrument and visual observations the skipper can make

Cruise Planning

Designed for those who plan to cruise for a weekend or a year --
on either a sail or power boat:
Planning a voyage
Financing a voyage
Managing commitments back home
Equipping a cruising boat
Crew selection
Provisioning
Voyage management
Entering and clearing foreign ports
Emergencies afloat
Security measures

Sail

The Sail course provides a thorough study of the terminology and dynamics of sailing. It includes:
Types of hulls and rigs
Running and standing rigging and their adjustment
Hull and water forces caused by wind and waves
Forces vs. balance
The theory of sailing
Points of sailing
Sail handling
Sailing under various wind conditions
Navigation rules unique to sailing vessels

Marine Electronics

This course provides essential knowledge about a boat's electrical and electronic hardware systems, including:
Proper wiring
Grounding
Corrosion/electrolysis control
Batteries and their maintenance
Depth finders
Marine radiotelephones
Radar, Loran, GPS
and other electronic positioning systems

Engine Maintenance

This course empowers students with trouble-diagnosis and temporary remedies given special emphasis. It covers both marine gasoline and diesel engines, on the concepts of operation, maintenance and repair of the:
Cooling system
Electrical System
Fuel system
Lubricating systems
Power train components
Ancillary propulsion components

Instructor Qualifications

Unlike other USPS courses, this one is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, it deals with effective communications for the speaker/teacher -- a quality that benefits the individual in all walks of life. It covers:

Preparing for teaching assignments

Preparing for meeting presentations

Effective teaching techniques

Conducting efficient meetings

Selection and use of audio-visual aids