News and Announcements

 

Two New Seminars Available

Two new seminars, Boat Handling under Power and Sail Trim and Rig Tuning, are available from USPS Headquarters. See the Materials catalog for ordering information. (01 Aug 07)

Boating Class Workbook New Version (updated 02 Aug 07)

The alternate tool for boating class administrators to manage their boating classes has recently been updated to insure more accurate reporting. It now contains a link for ED27 reporting and is compatible with Office 2007 and the Vista OS. Please download a new copy and begin using it.
Read more...

Exam Ordering Problems

Since the new courses have become available and students are getting ready to take the exams, we have noticed that some squadrons are getting the wrong exams.
Read more...

Streamlined Restructuring Proposal for Vote in Norfolk

This PowerPoint file (1450KB) provides the slides that were presented to the D/Cs, DExOs, and DAOs in Jacksonville by C/C Marshburn.  The Committee on Rules has determined that we must vote on this proposal in Norfolk so that it can be implemented at our next annual meeting; otherwise, no action can be taken until 2009.  This streamlined structure is essential to our ability to rebuild the organization and implement our new educational programs.  Please pass this along and get the discussion going within your districts and squadrons. (16 May 07)

Running the Maptech Digital Chart Training CD under Vista

Maptech's Offshore Navigator (and related products, such as Offshore Navigator Lite and Chart Navigator Viewer) was created long before Microsoft Windows Vista was released. As you may be aware, Microsoft Vista is designed to restrict access to certain core components of the operating system, in order to make the system more robust and secure. Unfortunately, by doing this, older applications must be run "As Administrator" and in "Windows XP Compatibility Mode" in order to function correctly.  Click on this Maptech link to get instructions for how to do this.  Just a reminder, once you have this Chart Navigator software on this CD loaded and operating, you can download and use any charts you would like from Maptech following the “Download - Free NOAA Charts” link on this page.

JN 2007 now Available from Headquarters

The new Junior Navigation 2007 Student and Instructor Kits are now available at Headquarters. See the latest catalog for ordering information.

Boat Operator Certification (BOC)

Attention DEOs: The BOC PowerPoint (20MB) presentation given at the Open Ed meeting in Jacksonville (03 Mar 07) has been updated with feedback received from the meeting. It defines the current levels of Boat Operator Certification and the requirements for levels & endorsements. As the file is quite large, you should use a broadband connection to download it.

Consolidated EdDept Report Now Available

The consolidated EdDept report that was distributed at the 2007 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville is now available. Click here to access it.

Current Status of Educational Department Program

Attention DEOs: This PowerPoint file (5593KB) can be used to present the current status of the Educational program for Spring District Conferences.  It consolidates information presented within a number of programs at the 2007 Annual Meeting.

Chart Smart No Longer Available

Headquarters is out of inventory for Chart Smart. It will not be reprinted, but there’s a roadmap for courses and some recommended alternatives.
Read more...

New Version of the Boating Course Assistant

Major changes have been made to this program so it is very important for all BCA users to switch to this revision. 
Older versions do not support the new ED27 data reporting standards, so the data will not get to where it is required and worse, the course graduates may not get credit for taking the course. The new version also manages Seminars and supports importing student data from the email generated by the online pre-registration form.
For more information and to download the new version, please visit: BCA Download.

Seminar Workbook

A tool for squadrons to manage student records for Seminars and transmit student information to headquarters for USPS University credit. Coupled with on-line registration, this Excel spreadsheet application substantially reduces manual data entry.
Read more...

Fall District Educational Presentation for DEOs

Want to know about USPS University and what it means to you? Existing courses are being rewritten, new courses are being added, special interest seminars are being developed, a boat operator certification program is coming, and more.
Read more...

Boat U.S. Hurricane Resource Center

Be prepared for hurricane season with tips from the Boat U.S. Hurricane Resource Center.
Read more...

New Interactive USPS Online Educational Glossary

A new interactive Educational Department Glossary is now available online. Use the EdDept Tools drop down menu above, then click on USPS Online Glossary.

USPS-2-You

See video highlights of the 2006 Annual Meeting in Orlando via the USPS-2-You web site.
Read more...

What's New in USPS Education - Spring 2006 Overview

Download a PowerPoint presentation given by the National Educational Officer outlining current and future plans to improve educational benefits and promote USPS education.
Read more...

Boater's World Fishing Seminars

USPS has a working partnership with Boater’s World. Conducted in their stores, we have a 10-miute slot in their seminars to discuss “Tips for Anglers” and to present/demo safety equipment.
Read more...