Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course.  As an additional feature, this newly revised course includes a digital chart training CD and instructional material on modern navigation techniques as well. 

This course meets state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification.  And completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies.  Since 1914, individual squadrons of USPS have provided courses as a service to the boating public to over 3 million boaters. 

You will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat.  This newly revised comprehensive course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting. The course includes an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix, and an overview of electronic navigation. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology.  

Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this course as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage.

Learning to boat the right way is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport. The Squadron Boating Course usually can be completed in six or seven two-hour classroom sessions.  The course is meant to be of interest to the entire family; children are welcome.  We encourage your family to attend as a group.

For some, time is short and the introductory piloting and digital charting topics are less essential.  USPS offers an alternative course, Boat Smart, which is useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a cruiser or sailboat. It covers the same safe boat handling and operation material in just 8 hours.  Many classes are offered in a single day and this course satisfies the state certification requirements as well. 

For those who have difficulty scheduling class time, USPS offers America's Boating Course.  This course can be taken online or using your computer at home.  The content of America’s Boating Course, which is comparable to Boat Smart, is presented in an interesting and engaging manner on your computer. You can complete the course with an on-line exam where states permit the use of such an internet exam; or, work one-on-one with your local squadron where states require a proctored examination.   

Those completing these courses meet a basic qualification for membership in the U.S. Power Squadrons.  Members enjoy a host of more advanced courses in Seamanship, Coastal and Inland Navigation, Offshore Navigation, Marine Electronics, Engine Maintenance, Sail, Cruise Planning, Weather, and others.

The purpose of America's Boating Course is to teach introductory safe boating techniques.  As an introductory course, ABC does not cover such topics as the use of a nautical compass or the techniques of plotting courses.  These subjects, and more, are covered in the USPS seminar Chart Smart; it builds upon the knowledge gained in ABC by covering the additional subjects of:  the Mariner's Compass; Charts; Aids to Navigation; Plotting a Course; Distance, Speed and Time; and Determining Position.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS and/or USCG-A instructors will provide ABC student support as a civic service.  They will provide state specific information that the student is expected to know.  Once the ABC student has mastered the course material and the state rules and regulations, the USPS or USCG-A instructor will make arrangements for the student to take a proctored exam, thus completing the course.  Some states permit students to take an online, internet examination however Hawaii does not. America's Boating Course may be purchased from USPS squadrons, USCG-A flotillas or by calling toll free 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222).

While the content of the ABC student manual serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the course work is completed.  USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater.  Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS  for additional boating courses such as those offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons.  Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.

America's Boating Course, a complete boater education package, is only $34.95 plus shipping and handling. Sign up now for America's Boating Course!