This page is for archival purposes only. The Squadron Boating Course has been replaced by America's Boating Course, 3rd Edition. Click here to go the America's Boating Course information web page.

 

The Squadron Boating Course

Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course.  As an additional feature, this 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 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 a shorter format of The Squadron Boating Course 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 the new America's Boating Course - 3rd Edtion. This course can be taken online or using your computer at home.  The content is presented in an interesting and engaging manner on your computer. You can complete the course with a proctored exam by contacting your local squadron.   

Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public, including the USPS University series of courses.