The Squadron Boating Course:

Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course. As an additional feature, this newly revised course includes a digital chart training CD and instructional material on modern navigation techniques as well.

This course meets state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification. And completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies. Since 1914, individual squadrons of USPS have provided courses as a service to the boating public to over 3 million boaters.

You will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat. This newly revised comprehensive course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting. The course includes an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix, and an overview of electronic navigation. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology.

Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this course as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage.

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.

While the content of the Squadron Boating Course 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. Your instructor can give you information about advanced courses and seminars.

Note: This course has been phased out in favor of Americas Boating Course Third Edition, which can be taken in the classroom, at home over the Internet, or a combination of both. Click here for more informaiton on the Americas Boating Course.

Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public. There are also advanced courses for our members.