Boating Course Contents


A unit of the United States Power Squadrons ® Sail and Power Boating * * * * * America's Boating Club ® A member of District 20

The USPS Boating Course is a traditional civic service of the United States Power Squadrons organization. Since 1914 local squadrons have presented the course to anyone who wished to attend - to date more than 3 million people. Learning to boat safely is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport. There are now two courses, Boating Course and Boat Smart Course, designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat. All boaters are subject to nautical rules and regulations. Skippers should learn and respect traditional boating courtesies. The courses are meant to be of interest to the entire family; older children are welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group. The Boating Course contains six chapters. The Boat Smart Course contains three chapters. There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.

Boating Course Contents
(AKA Squadron Boating Course or Extended Boating Course)

Chapter 1	You Are the Skipper? What Would You Do? Boat Terms Marine Radiotelephone Introduction to Knots and Figure Eight Knot
Chapter 2	Charts Aids to Navigation
Chapter 3	Boat Handling
Chapter 4	Government Regulations Piloting-Distance, Speed, Time
Chapter 5	Navigation Rules Piloting -Determining Position Knots-The Cleat Hitch
Chapter 6	Adverse Conditions Trailering Knots-The Bowline and Coiling a Rope
Appendices	Chapman References Sources of Charts & Related Publications Navigation Light Supplement Coastal Boating Supplement Inland Boating Supplement Sample Float Plan
Optional Material Personal Watercraft Operation
Glossary
Practice Chart
Navigation Light Supplement State Boating Law Agencies United States Coast Guard District Offices Sample Float Plan