Valley
Ho Power Squadron |
Advanced and
Elective Classes (USPS
Members Only) Advanced Classes
Members let us know what class you would like, see the Home Study Course below. Contact Steve Wolfe, SN- Advanced Grade classes are designed to be taken in sequence (but do not need to be) after Boating, beginning with Seamanship and continuing through Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Junior Navigation and Navigation. Seamanship Seamanship is the first of the Advanced classes offered by USPS. The course material generally expands on material presented initially in the public Boating Course, but with significantly more depth. Currently the course is divided into two modules of six and five chapters each, with each chapter treating a particular topic. There are from 20 to 45 questions at the end of each chapter for the student to answer to see how well the material is understood, and to prepare for the final examinations. Module 101 is titled Keel of Education and the chapters are: Marlinspike; Safety; The Skipper’s Responsibilities; Before Leaving the Dock; Weather and Wave Forms; and Nautical Etiquette and Customs. Module 102 is titled Know Before You Go and the chapters are: Hull Design and Care; Docking and Undocking, Towing, Trailering; Anchoring, Rafting, Mooring, and Dinghies; Cruising Considerations; and Boating Emergencies - Be Prepared. The paragraphs in each chapter are numbered for easy reference, and the material is very readable, informative, and comprehensive. The student should consider each aspect of the course when the boat is taken out for a day’s sail or for more extended cruising. Currently the course is offered by Valley Ho as a home study course with answers to the questions graded by e-mail before the final examination is scheduled. Piloting Advanced Piloting Junior Navigation Navigation Members let us know what class you would like, see the Home Study Course below. Sailing Engine Mechanics Weather
EDUCATION DEPT You don’t have time to take a structured class? You want to learn more about boating? How about a home study class? We currently offer 4 electives and three advanced grades for home study. Everyone who takes the class will be assigned a mentor. Now YOU don’t have an excuse. HOME STUDY COURSE PROPOSAL We are proposing to offer all our courses (except for Basic Boating) as
home study options, which would provide busy members a way to obtain their
course qualifications without having to attend class at a particular time.
The idea is that any member who wants to take a course would be assigned a
coach who would work with him or her by phone or e-mail, and meetings when
and if necessary, to correct the homework, answer questions, complete the
course, and take the exam, all with no set limits of completion. |