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About the USPS® Boating Courses Members of the United States Power Squadrons® have been offering boating courses to the public for over 80 years, having instructed more than 3 million boaters to date, an incomparable record of achievement in boater education.
DuPage Power Squadron now schedules two USPS basic boating courses, The Squadron Boating Course and the Boat Smart® Course. Both courses are designed to be useful to all boaters, from the hunter or fisherman in an outboard boat to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat. Older children are welcome to attend and we encourage your family to attend as a group. Both courses cover boat handling and seamanship, required equipment, rules of the road, engine troubleshooting, basic first aid, lines & knots, and boat trailering. The Squadron Boating Course covers these subjects in greater depth than the Boat Smart Course and also covers reading charts and plotting your boat's course.
The Boat Smart Course usually runs one night per week, two hours per night for five weeks with the possibility of one week extension for the JetSmart® course extension, which includes information for those who will be driving Personal Watercraft. The Squadron Boating Course is generally covered in seven weeks, and may also be extended one week to include the Jet Smart section.
Both courses are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). NASBLA approved courses are recognized throughout the United States and exceed the requirements of those states which require a boat operator to complete a boating safety course. Supplying proof of having completed either of these courses may also make you eligible for a discount on your boat insurance. Please check with your insurance representative regarding eligibility and amount.
After completing one of the basic courses, many boaters wish to continue their boating education. We offer two groups of courses to our members that add to the basic skills that are taught in the the Squadron Boating Course and the Boat Smart Course. The Advanced Grade courses cover boat handling in adverse conditions, differences in boat designs, charting, piloting, and navigation. In addition, a series of Elective Courses are offered in marine electronics, cruise planning, engine maintenance, sailing, instructor training, and weather.
Get information about joining DuPage Power Squadron Information on Classes for Members <-- Back to DuPage Power Squadron's Home page
Please send comments to the webmaster: Bob PotterThe information presented here does not represent the official view of the USPS. It is information from and for use by members of the DuPage Power Squadron, other USPS squadrons and all recreational boaters.
"USPS®;", "United States Power Squadrons®", the USPS ensign, JetSmart® and Boat Smart® are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons, Inc.