Scheduled Classes
Public Classes
USPS University has developed a series of two-hour seminars targeted to a range of boaters and types of boating. These seminars are available to the general public. Each seminar provides credits toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification program, and credit toward elective courses. Information about scheduled seminars will be posted here periodically. A list of available seminars can be found on the USPS webpage at http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/seminars.htm. To find a seminar in your area, navigate to http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin-nat/eddept/cfind.cgi.
Member Classes
Begining Boating/Charting Classes 
The Public Boating Course is based on materials developed by USPS The Public Boating Class is an introduction to safe boating and the use of nautical charts and maps in basic navigation. All participants take the basic boating module. Those interested in chart skills can also add a 2-week charting module. The final week of either course will include a multiple choice exam that meets state boating requirements for all participating states.
Join us for a special weekend edition of public boating education at marinas in St. Joseph Michigan. We'll cover the usual five-week course in two weekend sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, with the final exam on the third weekend. For details call 574-232-2307 or email education@sbsps.org.
Cost - $35.00 for materials. No charge for additional students sharing materials.
Participants who successfuly complete the Public Boating Course - Special Weekend Edition and exam will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA), a certification recognized by participating states as meeting required safe boating training.
Public SeminarsThe Public Boating Course is based on materials developed by USPS The Public Boating Class is an introduction to safe boating and the use of nautical charts and maps in basic navigation. All participants take the basic boating module. Those interested in chart skills can also add a 2-week charting module. The final week of either course will include a multiple choice exam that meets state boating requirements for all participating states.
Dates:
Cost - $35.00 for materials. No charge for additional students sharing materials.
Participants who successfuly complete the Public Boating Course and exam (either course track) will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA), a certification recognized by participating states as meeting required safe boating training.
Public Boating Course - Special Weekend Edition
TBD - Public Boating Class (Basic Boating - 6 weeks)(In Progress)
TBD - Public Boating Class (Basic Boating - 6 weeks)
Time/Location - Courses are held at the Battell Center, 904 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana, and begin at 7:00 p.m. Registration on first night begins at 6:45.TBD - Public Boating Class (Basic Boating - 6 weeks)
Cost - $35.00 for materials. No charge for additional students sharing materials.
Participants who successfuly complete the Public Boating Course and exam (either course track) will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA), a certification recognized by participating states as meeting required safe boating training.
Join us for a special weekend edition of public boating education at marinas in St. Joseph Michigan. We'll cover the usual five-week course in two weekend sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, with the final exam on the third weekend. For details call 574-232-2307 or email education@sbsps.org.
Dates: TBD
Time - Classes are 9:00am to 1:00pm. Registration the begins the first day at 8:45am.Cost - $35.00 for materials. No charge for additional students sharing materials.
Participants who successfuly complete the Public Boating Course - Special Weekend Edition and exam will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA), a certification recognized by participating states as meeting required safe boating training.
USPS University has developed a series of two-hour seminars targeted to a range of boaters and types of boating. These seminars are available to the general public. Each seminar provides credits toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification program, and credit toward elective courses. Information about scheduled seminars will be posted here periodically. A list of available seminars can be found on the USPS webpage at http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/seminars.htm. To find a seminar in your area, navigate to http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin-nat/eddept/cfind.cgi.
Piloting (In Progress)
Instructor - P/C H. Jay Stevens, JN
Date/Time - 04 March 2010 (10 weeks) [1900]
Location - Battell Center
Prerequisites - Public Boating Class (Boat Smart®, ABC Boating® or equivalent).
Course Description - A members-only advanced grade class, the Piloting course is the first in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation, covering the basics of coastal and inland navigation. While many members take Seamanship prior to the Piloting course, Seamanship is not a prerequisite. This all-new course focuses on navigation as it is done on recreational boats today and embraces GPS as a primary navigation tool while covering enough of traditional techniques so the student will be able to find his/her way even if their GPS fails. The course includes many in-class exercises, developing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Topics covered include:
Date/Time - 04 March 2010 (10 weeks) [1900]
Location - Battell Center
Prerequisites - Public Boating Class (Boat Smart®, ABC Boating® or equivalent).
Course Description - A members-only advanced grade class, the Piloting course is the first in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation, covering the basics of coastal and inland navigation. While many members take Seamanship prior to the Piloting course, Seamanship is not a prerequisite. This all-new course focuses on navigation as it is done on recreational boats today and embraces GPS as a primary navigation tool while covering enough of traditional techniques so the student will be able to find his/her way even if their GPS fails. The course includes many in-class exercises, developing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Topics covered include:
- Charts and their interpretation
- Navigation aids and how they point to safe water
- Plotting courses and determining direction and distance
- The mariner’s compass and converting between True and Magnetic
- Use of GPS – typical GPS displays and information they provide, setting up waypoints and routes, staying on a GPS route.
- Pre-planning safe courses and entering them into the GPS
- Monitoring progress and determining position by both GPS and traditional techniques such as bearings and dead reckoning
- The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one is on course.