The Erie Power Squadron (as a unit of the United States Power Squadrons) offers a Public Basic Boating Course to anyone who is interested. For more information on this course, please go to the "Public Courses" link on the left.  The Erie Power Squadron also offers internal education classes to any of it's members who are interested.  There are both Advanced Grade classes and Elective classes.  If you are interested in any of these classes, please contact Tom Pallotta at erieps@gmail.com or call (814) 866-2058.

 Advanced Grades          

  Seamanship (S)

This course gives you a better understanding of boat types, propulsion systems, and characteristics for both power and sail.  It also covers trailering, housekeeping, safety, and boat handling.

Piloting (P)

This course covers plotting and dead reckoning as well as charts and the use of radio telephones.

Advanced Piloting (AP)

This course covers the techniques for safe navigation in coastal waters and on major lakes as well as expanding on charting skills.

Junior Navigation (JN)

This course covers the principles of celestial navigation.

Navigation (N)

This course offers additional techniques in celestial navigation.

     Elective Courses                

   Engine Maintenance (EM)

Basic principles, maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel engines.

Marine Electronics (ME)

Knowledge of your boat's electrical and electronic devices.

Sail (SA)

Sailing terminology and techniques.

Weather (W)

Awareness of weather phenomena, how to read a weather map and the sky, and an understanding of how to anticipate weather developments.

Cruise Planning (CP)

How to prepare for a cruise.

Instructor Development (ID)

Teaches skills in teaching, meeting preparation and speaking for use in Power Squadron courses, meetings and functions.

We also have seminars that may be offered in the future. These seminars include:

Advanced Power Boat Handling

Anchoring

Basic Coastal Navigation

Boat Handling under Power

Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes

Emergencies on Board

Fuel and Boating

How to use a Chart

Hurricanes and Boats

Knots, Bends and Hitches

Marine Radar

Mariner's Compass

Mastering the Rules of the Road

Onboard Weather Forcasting

Paddle Smart

Partner in Command

Sail Trim and Rig Tuning

Tides and Currents

Trailering your Boat

Using GPS

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radios

For more in depth descriptions of the above courses, click here, and then click on the course abbreviation symbol in the lower left hand part of the page and then on the description for the desired course.

® The USPS Ensign (Flag Design) ,"Wheel-and-Flag Design", "Officer Trident Design", "United States Power Squadrons", "USPS", "The Ensign", "the Squadron" with flag graphic, "Boat Smart", "America's Boating Club", and "Jet Smart" are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons.

    Last Update: August 08, 2022