Boaters education department

United States Power Squadrons provides many educational opportunities to both the boating public and to its members. One of the key concepts of the United States Power Squadrons is the self-education of its members, meaning that successful students go on to teach other students to perpetuate boating knowledge. USPS instructors who teach public courses are also certified regarding their ability to teach and use modern instructional methods.

Beginner, intermediate or advanced — whatever your skill level, our in-depth boating education courses will boost your knowledge and confidence on the water.

• America’s Boating Course gives you the basics you need to get out on the water safely, and it meets most state boating education requirements. Now available in Spanish.
  
  
• Boat Handling builds your competence and confidence on the water with an in-depth look at the practical boating skills. Also available online.
  
  
• Marine Navigation and Advanced Marine Navigation give you the skills you need to get where you’re going using charts and marine electronics as well as a knowledge of winds, currents and tides.
  
  
• Offshore Navigation and Celestial Navigation, a must for oceangoing captains, teach you about planning and monitoring your voyage using modern marine electronics and how celestial observations can help you estimate your vessel’s position with confidence.
  
  
• Cruising and Cruise Planning prepare you for a multi-day voyage.
  
  
• Engine Maintenance gives you information on how engines work and basic maintenance procedures, as well as how to recognize problems.
  
  
• Marine Electrical Systems provides information on Alternating and Direct current, as well as boat electrical systems
  
  
• Marine Communication Systems explains the different types of radios and communication options
  
  
• Electronic Navigation gives you basic information on the various electronic devices available today that help you navigate and select routes
  
  
• Radar for Boaters gives you basic information on radar
  
  
• Sail lets you learn about basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging, and safety from experienced sailors. Then tackle the physical aspects of all forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsman ship, and handling of difficult all conditions.
  
  
• Weather is a detailed study of the causes of weather, various types of storms, clouds, and predicting weather