Instructor Reference Material

The following reference material is available for use in USPS courses.

Homeland Security Teaching Resource

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary website has two PowerPoint presentations in zip format that may be used in your public boating classes to alert students about  the Homeland Security zones and the importance of knowing the requirements.  Previously Captain Kim Pickens gave us permission to use the Auxiliary’s PowerPoint presentations.  The ppt presentations (in zip format) have been posted on the USCG Auxiliary web site at:  http://cgauxed.org/elib/aids/hls.htm. Please download the zip files and then extract the ppt files. The presentations may be utilized with either the full PowerPoint program or the free Viewer 2003.  (18 Nov 05)

Change to Navigational Rules (72 COLREGS)

There has been a change to the Navigational Rules (72 COLREGS) that should be communicated to public boating course and membership course students that reference the Navigational Rules.  The primary area impacting recreational boaters is Rule 33(a) which discusses the carrying requirements for sound producing devices on vessels 12 meters or longer.  The amended rule no longer requires a vessel between 12 and 20 meters to carry a bell.  See the complete article (PDF, 11 KB).   (21 Apr 04)

Coast Guard Life Jacket Rule for Children

The United States Coast Guard's Life Jacket Rule for children under 13 went into effect December 23, 2002.  Read the complete notice or print a PDF (14 KB) copy of the notice. 

When Wearing a Life Jacket Isn't Enough

Here's an interesting article by Captain Kim Pickens, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve, that deserves attention and distribution in your public boating classes. You can read it on-line, or print a PDF copy (20KB) for distribution to your students.  (25 Sep 02)