The USPS and PBSPS Burgees

USPS Course Descriptions

ADVANCED PILOTING

This course is the final part of the inland and coastal navigation series. Its emphasis is on the use of modern electronic navigation
systems and other advanced techniques for finding position.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE

This course is a unique study program covering the fundamentals of boating. The course is designed for skippers and crew of all
types of watercraft. The purpose of this course is to teach introductory safe boating techniques. As an introductory course, it
does not cover such topics as the use of nautical compass or the techniques of plotting courses.
Topics include: Americas"s Boating Course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and has been approved by the Nartional Association of State
BoatingLaw Administrators.
Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

BOATING

The USPS Boating and Boat Smart courses are our primary civic efforts toward public instruction in the fundamentals of safe
boating. Both courses are designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of safe boating and qualify for certification
in most states that require boating education before operating a watercraft.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

CRUISE PLANNING

This course is designed for members who plan to cruise for a year or just a weekend - in either a sail or power boat.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

This course attempts to make students more self-reliant afloat, with trouble-diagnosis and temporary remedies given special
emphasis. Topics cover both marine gasoline and diesel engines, including concepts of operation, maintenance and repair of: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATION

Unlike other USPS courses, IQ is not designed to enhance boating skills.  Rather, it deals with effective communications for
speaker and teacher - a quality that benefits the individual in all walks of like.  It offers practical instruction in - Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

JUNIOR NAVIGATION

Junior Navigation is the first in a two-part program of study in offshore navigation. It is designed as a practical "how to" course.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

MARINE ELECTRONICS

This course teaches essential knowledge about a boat's electrical and electronic systems.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

MARINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

This course covers electrical wiring and common power practices on a boat.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

NAVIGATION

This course is the second part of the study of offshore navigation, further developing the student's understanding of celestial
navigation theory.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

PILOTING

This course is the first of a two-part program studying inland and coastal navigation. Its focus is on the fundamentals of piloting -
keeping track of a boat's movements, determining one's position at any time and laying out courses to a planned destination.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

SEAMANSHIP

Building on the basics learned in Boating, the Seamanship course is an important foundation for other "advanced grade" courses.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and
condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel
Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast
Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that
will make you a safer boater.

This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter.
We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given.
Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law
enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter. Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

WEATHER

The Weather course is designed to teach a student how to make weather observations and predictions for more enjoyable boating.
Topics include: Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

On Board Weather Forecasting

Changing weather conditions can convert what was a delightful day on the water into a real challenge. Forecasting what weather you will encounter is one of the top priorities for safe boating. Should we go out? When should we come in? These are important questions, but some fundamental understanding of the weather can help you make these decisions. That is what this seminar is all about. The seminar explains weathr systems. how to understand clouds and their changes, using changing wind direction, temperature, and pressure to hone in on emerging weather fronts. The seminar includes an excelland book Fundamentals of Weather written by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, and the McGraw-Hill On Board Weather Forecasting waterproof Captain's Quick Guide to take aboard your boat.
Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

How to Use a Chart

Charts provide information essential to your safety afloat. Even with GPS and electronic navigation, the chart is needed to tell you what is around you and between you and your intended destination. A system of symbols is used by cartographers to tell you what lies below the surface of the water and the depths of water. There is key information about visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you havigate your course. The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid scale, compass rose and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude and longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers. The NOAA Chart No. 1 is the quintessential reference to chart details, but it is very difficult to understand. This seminar walks you through what you really need to know in an entertaining and interesting fashion, and provides you with a Maptech Waterproff flip-flod waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take along on the obat with you. In addition to showing you all about your chart, this seminar walks you through the essentials of laying out a safe course, steps to measure a course with the USPS plotter, and even a quick guide to the rules of the road.
Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

Using VHD & VHD/DSC MARINE RADIO

VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal comuunication and essential for emergency communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go live. Currently, the mid Atlantic coast is operational with DSC. The Gulf region will be operational early next year and all Cutters will be DSC equipped by next year. DSC vastly simpoifies and improves rescue and routine call signaling - making it easier to make a call while the system frees up Channel 16 for essential communications. However, you need to know how to use it. This seminar answers those needs and explains basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulater that allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's Quick Guide Using VHF is inclluded with tessential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew ow to use the radio.
Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule

Using GPS

GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car. This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about what is around you. This seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS - what the buttons do, what the screens show and how to access the functions you need. A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing. You'll also get some tips for choosing a GPS if you don't currently own one. YOu will get a waterproof McGras-Hill Captain's Quck Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.
Back to top of page Back to PBSPS class schedule