Home Study Courses

	**America's Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons^® and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. This course is predominantly a home study course for individuals who cannot attend USPS's traditional class room courses, The Squadron Boating Course or the Boat Smart course, or a USCG-A course. ABC includes an interactive computer CD-ROM which serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. The course material covers seven chapters, which touch on: General information about boats and maintenance Information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable Tips on being a more courteous boat operator Laws and regulations to which you must adhere 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 course 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. America's Boating Course is an online, self study course. For more information, go to: americasboatingcourse.com**.
*Jet Smart* brings the educational expertise of the United States Power Squadrons^® to the fastest growing segment of recreational boating. *Jet Smart* combines a full-action educational video with an easy-to-read manual to present all the basic information needed for safe, sane and legal PWC operation. *Jet Smart* then pulls it all together with a proctored examination that includes state-specific questions as applicable. When USPS issues its certificate of course completion, state and local agencies can be assured that the PWC operator has learned the important basics. The Jet Smart video and manual include the following topics: • PWC terminology, types, capacities • Jet drive propulsion basics • State Registration • Environmental issues • Operator safety gear • Required equipment • Safety & maintenance checklists • Trailering & launching • Regulations for operators • Rules of the road • Navaids & markers • Courtesy & common sense • Speed • Noise • Currents • Weather • Boarding & reboarding • Falling off • Hypothermia • The ride • Returning to shore • Docks, moorings and marinas • Security • Breakdown & repairs • Preventative maintenance • Accident reporting • Float plans • Review quizzes . . . and much more. *Jet Smart* is one more way USPS promotes "Safe Boating Through Education." The *Jet Smart* Video Course may be ordered by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS. USPS members may order this video course, at a reduced rate, through your Supplemental Programs Chairperson or your SEO.
	United States Power Squadrons' Boating Course Video includes the complete USPS Boating Course in an 80-minute video and a 240 page course manual. The lessons cover Boat handling AND seamanship Regulations, Safe Boating, Marlinspike, Weather Charts, Aids to Navigation, Regional Boating Basic Navigation and Engine Troubleshooting Piloting and Sailing Navigation Rules, Marine Radiotelephone and Boat Trailering The course manual is keyed to constantly running reference numbers throughout the video, and contains review questions for home study. When the student is comfortable with the course material, arrangements may be made for testing and certification. The USPS Boating Course is NASBLA approved, recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard, and certification is honored in every state with education and/or licensing requirements. This video is now available in closed captioned format for the hearing impaired. Note: your television set must have the proper feature to broadcast the closed captioning. This material may be ordered by the public by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS. USPS members please order this material, at a reduced rate, through your Supplemental Program Chairperson or your SEO.

Mattapoisett Power Squadron PO Box 998 Mattapoisett, MA 02739