-
general
information about boats and maintenance
-
information
to make your boating experience
safer and more comfortable
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tips on
being a more courteous boat operator
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laws and
regulations to which you must adhere
The course materials include both an 80 page
full color manual and interactive "courseware". The manual is your
textbook, and the "courseware" is your virtual instructor. Both
cover the same topics but each in its own way. The manual includes
extensive diagrams, graphics and boating tips. The courseware is
narrated and interactive, making use of animation, video, and
sound. Both manual and courseware provide review questions so that
you can verify that you truly understand the material. In addition
to the lessons, the courseware includes resources, which will come
in handy long after you have completed the course; printable forms
(checklists, accident reports, float plans, etc.) and links to
reference documents such as the Navigation Rules.
Both a manual and a CD-ROM containing
the
courseware are provided with each purchase, as well as a PIN
(Personal Identification Number) that provides you with Internet
access to the courseware. Learn the basics of boating at your own
pace, at home or away, using either a PC or a Macintosh.
America's Boating Course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and
has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators.
In addition to the course material, a fellow
boater in your area from either USPS® or the CG Auxiliary will
contact you with an offer of assistance regarding state
regulations, taking a final exam, and answering any other
questions you may have. The United States Power Squadrons® and the
Coast Guard Auxiliary are at your disposal.
America's Boating Course, a complete education package for $34.95
plus shipping and handling.
For additional information regarding the
America's Boating Course
Contact: Hank G. Griffin (718-356-0438)
USPS®'sBoat
Smart Course
Boat
Smart
is a course for all boaters (the personal watercraft operator; the
hunter or fisherman operating an outboard utility boat; the
skipper of a family cruiser; the sailing enthusiast). All boaters
must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies
of the sea. All are subject to the same forces of nature while
boating.
As boating is often a family activity, the
course is of value to all members of a boating family. USPS
encourages families to attend as groups.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS
instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is
never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for
materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping
and handling, sales tax, etc.
While the content of this student manual serves
as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference
book in basic boating long after the course work is completed.
The course meets the educational standards of the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators and features a
proctored examination as required by many states and insurance
companies. The course will provide instruction and examination
for laws and regulations of state and local authorities in the
area where the course is taught.
USPS believes that the more educated a boater
becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater.
Boat Smart is the beginning of a boating education.
Chart Smart is available for those who would like to learn
a little about piloting. USPS encourages students to follow this
brief and basic course with additional boating education such as
the courses offered to members of the United States Power
Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these
advanced courses.
For information on the USPS public boating
course, including
The Squadron Boating Course, closest to you, call
1-888-FOR-USPS or check out our
Online Schedule. In
Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.
There are also two courses available for home study. The on-line
America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive
computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio
and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their
education requirements. If you prefer video learning, you can
obtain the USPS
Video Boating Course by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS or (919)
821-0281.
USPS®'s
Chart Smart Course
Chart
Smart
is a course for all USPS
Boat Smart Course or
America's Boating Course (ABC) graduates who are
interested in information on compasses, charts, and plotting
courses. It builds upon the knowledge gained in Boat Smart
or America's Boating Course by covering subjects typically
introduced in the
The Squadron Boating Course:
·
Mariner's Compass
·
Charts
·
Aids to Navigation
·
Plotting a Course
·
Distance, Speed, Time
·
Determining Position
The purpose of Chart Smart is to
teach the techniques to determine position when you are within the
sight or near proximity of land. This course is designed to give
the student an introduction to the subject known as Piloting. As
such, it may also appeal to squadron members as a refresher prior
to taking the Advanced Grade course of Piloting.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS
instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is
never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for
materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping
and handling, sales tax, etc.
While the content of this student manual serves
as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference
book in basic boating long after the course work is completed.
USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more
likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart
is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will
encourage students to join USPS to follow this brief and basic
course with additional boating education such as the courses
offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your
instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.
For information on The Squadron Boating
Course and the Boat Smart class closest to you, call
1-888-FOR-USPS or check out our
Online Schedule. In
Canada, for the CPS course, call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.
There are also two courses available for home
study. The on-line
America's Boating Course, a joint effort between USPS and
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive
computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio
and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their
education requirements. If you prefer video learning, you can
obtain the USPS
Video Boating Course by calling Hank G. Griffith (718-
Additional USPS Educational
Materials are available to the public. There are also
advanced courses for our members.
Jet Smart™
Video Supplemental Program
Developed by USPS®
to address the special boating education needs of PWC owners and
operators.
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
Squadron Educational Officer.
Norm I. Condit
(718-981-6769)
