Educational Programs

America�s Boating Course 3 - [ABC-3]: This course is open to the public - The America�s Boating Course is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of safe boating and qualifies for certification in most states that require a boating education before operating a boat or personal watercraft. The course is structured for one night a week at two hours each session or over a weekend. A course study guide and supporting materials are available.

Subjects covered include - 

Seamanship [S]: Building on the basics taught in the ABC Boating course, Seamanship is the recommended first course for new members, both power boaters and sailors. The student learns practical marlinespike, navigation rules, hull design and performance, responsibilities of the skipper, boat care, operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, what to do in various emergencies and weather conditions, nautical customs and common courtesy on the water. This course provides an introduction to the USPS educational program and a strong foundation for the other Advanced Grades courses listed on the reverse side of this handout.

Piloting [P]: Piloting introduces the fundamentals of piloting and positioning � the study of marine charts, aids to navigation, adjustment and use of the mariner's compass, dead reckoning, planning and plotting courses, and taking bearings to determine on-the- water position.

Advanced Piloting [AP]: Advanced Piloting builds on the knowledge gained in Piloting to teach how to navigate safely in coastal waters predict tides and tidal currents and their impact on boat position, advanced positioning techniques, and the use of electronic navigation systems for positioning and course planning.

Junior Navigation [JN]: Junior Navigation begins the study of offshore (open-ocean) navigation-integrated electronic positioning systems, sight taking with a sextant on the sun, moon, planets, and stars, how to reduce sights using the nautical almanac to determine position, and passage planning with special open ocean charts.

Navigation [N]: Navigation further develops the understanding of celestial navigation theory and the skills in sight taking and reduction-- additional sight reduction techniques and the orderly methods of carrying on the day's work of a navigator at sea. Of particular interest and importance is the study of offshore navigation using minimal data and/or equipment, such as when on a disabled vessel or lifeboat.

Elective Courses: Several elective courses are also available including Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Instructor Development, Marine Electronics, Sail, and Weather. If you are interested in any of these elective courses � contact the Squadron Educational Officer.