boating education programs

Golden Corner Lakes Sail &

Power Squadron

BOATING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

“BOATING IS FUN, WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW!”

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Cover note:

The nautical signal flags at the bottom of the cover page represent the letters GCLSPS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Golden Corner Lakes Sail & Power Squadron …………………... 1 Courses & Seminars ……………………………………………… 2 America’s Boating Course (ABC-3) …………………………….. 4 Advanced Grades Courses Seamanship ………………………………………………….. 6 Piloting ……………………………………………………… 7 Advanced Piloting ………………………………………….. 9 Junior Navigation …………………………………………… 11 Navigation …………………………………………………… 12 Elective Courses Cruise Planning ……………………………………………… 13 Engine Maintenance …………………………………………. 15 Instructor Development ……………………………………… 16 Marine Electrical Systems …………………………………… 17 Marine Communications Systems …….……………………... 18 Marine Navigation Systems …………………………………. 19 Sail …………………………………………………………… 20 Weather ………………………………………………………. 21 Seminars Basic Weather and Forecasting ……………………………... 22 How to Use a Chart …………………………………………...23 Paddle Smart ………………………………………………… 24 Partner in Command …………………………………………. 25 Practical On-the-Water Training …………………………….. 26 Using GPS …………………………………………………… 27 Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio …………………….. 28 USPS Boat Operator Certification Series ………………………… 30 Vessel Safety Check ……………………………………………… 34

The Golden Corner Lakes Sail and Power Squadron

www.gclsaps.com

[email protected]

The Golden Corner Lakes Sail and Power Squadron serves Northwestern South Carolina and Northeastern Georgia. The Squadron was founded in 2002 as one of the 400+ squadrons in the United States Power Squadrons. USPS was founded in 1914 and is about to celebrate 100 years of serving the boating public. Our purpose is to promote safe, skillful boating in the community at large, and to enhance the enjoyment of sail and power boating among our membership through educational and social activities. We cooperate with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to provide free Vessel Safety Checks throughout the year. We work with NOAA’s National Ocean Service to help keep nautical charts accurate, and help SC DNR, GA DNR and US Army Corps of Engineers with inspections of the Aids to Navigation buoys and markers on several local lakes. We also go to schools and give classes to educate the youth of our community about boating and water safety. Increase your boating knowledge while having fun on the water and contribute to your community through America's Boating Club®. There are many benefits of membership! Join us for a boating safety course, a social lunch or dinner, for on the water enjoyment on Lakes Hartwell and Keowee, or for a memorable cruise which could be locally or with any Squadron in America!

http://www.gclsaps.com/

mailto:[email protected]

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COURSES & SEMINARS Public Boating Course – America’s Boating Course (ABC) is our basic boating course. This is a great course for the new or experienced boater, and satisfies the educational requirements for boat and PWC operation in all states. We teach this class several times a year. Advanced Grade Courses – Advanced Grade courses start with Seamanship which builds and reinforces the skills learned in ABC, and go on up through Navigation which could enable one to cruise the Intercoastal Waterway, sail offshore, or even around the world. These courses are 8 to 16 weeks in duration. Elective Courses – Elective courses are more practical for inland boaters in our area, and do not need to be taken in any order. Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Sail, and Weather are some of the courses offered. These are 4 to 12 weeks long. Our instructors provide practical and personal experiences to make these courses rewarded for our members. Seminars – USPS offers over 20 seminars. Most are about 2 hours long and provide a short introduction to topic such as GPS or Weather Basics. The student may purchase seminar reference material if desired. Practical On The Water (POTW) Seminar – This is a new Seminar designed for members and the public to enjoy personalized attention during the course of an 8 hour day to hone the skills of boat handling and emergency procedures. Golden Corner Lakes’ instructors provide not only the boat for the day, but also their experience to give the student confidence to master most boating situations found on our Inland Lakes.

USPS Boat Operator Certification Series - With the Boat Operator's Certification (BOC) Program, USPS can certify USPS members at various levels of recreational boating proficiency. Golden Corner Lakes offers the Inland Navigator Certification locally and has several certifiers available for those wishing to achieve higher levels of certification.

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Seminars and Presentations for Local Schools and Organizations – The members of Golden Corner Lakes have a tradition of providing fun and informative presentations on boating and water safety to local schools and organizations. Please contact us at [email protected] to get started!

mailto:[email protected]

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America's Boating Course (ABC-3) If you are interested in an exciting, in-depth boating safety course, check out America's Boating Course® .

Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete ABC-3. Also, this beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states.

This course was updated in 2012. This course is not recommended for students under 12 years of age. We suggest that students between the ages of 12 and 16 take the course with an adult.

COST: FREE using loaner course workbook. Book may be purchased for $30.00.

Course Length: Americas Boating Course® is taught in 8 hours generally in one of the following formats:

• 2 hours per class over 4 weeks + Quiz on the 5th week (class would be held during the week)

• 3 hours per class over 3 weeks. Quiz given at end of 3rd class. (Class would be held during the weekend)

Boating Safety Topics • Introduction to Boating: types of power boats; sailboats;

outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.

• Boating Law: boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the

http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/

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marine environment; Federal boating laws; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.

• Boat Safety Equipment: personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment.

• Safe Boating: bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.

• Navigation: the U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."

• Boating Problems: hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.

• Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat: types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.

• Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating: carrying hunting gear and weapons in a boat; fishing from a boat; water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC; navigating rivers, and other boating tips.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE:

• Qualifies you for membership in the Golden Corner Lakes Chapter of the United States Power Squadrons.

• You may be eligible for insurance discounts with some insurance companies!

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ADVANCED GRADE COURSES:

Seamanship The USPS Seamanship course is a natural first/next step in building a foundation for confidence and competence for safe and enjoyable boating on the water. It extends the knowledge and skills of the boater in handling and maneuvering a vessel, either sail or power.

The course consists of nine classes of two hours each, and concludes with a closed-

book exam. Golden Corner Lakes’ instructors also provide the students with additional on-the-water experience.

COST: $40.00 (Course materials include material in Microsoft PowerPoint® format with embedded animations that require additional software to perform correctly.)

Course Length: 9 weeks + Exam + On the water session(s).

Prerequisite: ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course.

The course provides a better understanding of how boats behave under various conditions including close quarters and open water operations. Knowledge and skills are increased in the areas of anchoring, emergencies, rules of the road, and marlinspike/basic knots. Appendices include information about safe operation in waters of our neighbors to the north and south, Canada and Mexico. The course content and our coastal navigation courses should help in preparation for completion of the US Coast Guard licensing examination. An On-The-Water component enhances the learning experience.

Course completion is documented by a closed book exam graded by USPS Headquarters.

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ADVANCED GRADE COURSES Piloting

Piloting is the first course in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation, covering the basics of coastal and inland navigation. This 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. Ten classes of two hours each are scheduled for this course. In addition the students have seven days to complete the open book exam.

Student is responsible for providing a plotter and dividers. Your instructor will help you obtain these locally or through USPS for about $15.00.

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 the information

they provide, setting up waypoints and routes, staying on a GPS route.

• Pre-planning safe courses and entering them into the GPS

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• 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.

An optional On-the-Water module gives the student additional valuable Piloting skills.

COST: $55.00 (Student Guide and Weekend Navigator)

Course Length: 10 weeks + Exam + On-the-water session(s)

Prerequisite: ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course. Seamanship is recommended.

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ADVANCED GRADE COURSES Advanced Piloting

Advanced Piloting is the second in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation. It continues to build coastal and inland navigation skill, allowing the student to take on more challenging conditions – unfamiliar waters, limited visibility, and extended cruises. GPS is embraced as a primary navigation tool while adding radar, chartplotters, and other electronic navigation tools. As with Piloting, the

course includes many in-class exercises, advancing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Ten classes of two hours each normally are scheduled for presentation of this course. In addition the students have seven days to complete the open book exam.

Student is responsible to provide: a plotter and dividers. Your instructor will help you obtain these locally or through USPS for about $15.00. The Student needs to have their copy of Weekend Navigator from Piloting or your Instructor can obtain your copy for $18.00.

Topics covered include:

• Review of skills learned in Piloting • Advanced positioning techniques such as advancing a line

of position • Other electronics: radar, depth sounders, autopilots,

chartplotters, laptop computer software, etc. • Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g., “keep

out” zones in GPS) • Collision avoidance using radar and GPS

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• Working with tides: clearances, depth, effects of current • Piloting with wind and currents • The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one

is on course

COST: $40.00 (Student Guide)

Course Length: 10 weeks + Exam + On-the-water session(s)

Prerequisite: Piloting. Seamanship is recommended.

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ADVANCED GRADE COURSES Junior Navigation

Junior Navigation is the first in a two-part program of study in offshore navigation, followed by the Navigation course. It is designed as a practical "how to" course. Subject matter includes:

• Precise time determination • Use of the Nautical Almanac • Taking sextant sights of the sun • Reducing sights to establish lines

of position • Special charts and plotting sheets for offshore navigation • Offshore navigational routines for recreational craft

There are two examination elements for the JN course: the Sight Folder and an Open Book Exam. Both parts of the examination are graded under the direction of the Offshore Navigation Committee.

COST: $60.00 (Student Guide and forms) + Current year Nautical Almanac $25.00. GCL can provide loaner Sextant.

Course Length: 16 weeks + Exam + Celestial Sighting time + On-the-water session(s)

Prerequisite: Advanced Piloting

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ADVANCED GRADE COURSES Navigation After Junior Navigation, this course is the second part of the study of offshore navigation, further developing the student's understanding of celestial navigation theory. This Navigation course deals with learning celestial positioning using other bodies, in addition to positioning using the sun (covered in the Junior Navigation course). This course also deals with electronic software tools that can be used

to plan and execute an offshore voyage. You will first learn to reduce these sights by the Law of Cosines method. Later in the course, you will learn an additional method of sight reduction, the Nautical Almanac Sight Reduction (NASR) method. You will also learn about sight planning techniques. With that knowledge, you will have the tools to take sights and complete your Navigation Sight Folder. The course includes a chapter on using a software-based voyage planning tool and a navigation program. The final chapter of the course contains a Practice Cruise that ties the separate elements of the course together. There are two exam elements for this course: the Sight Folder and an Open Book Exam. Both are graded by the Offshore Navigation Committee.

COST: $140.00 (Student Guide and forms) + Current year Nautical Almanac $25.00. GCL can provides loaner Sextants

Course Length: 16 weeks + Exam + Celestial Sighting time + On-the-water session(s)

Prerequisite: Junior Navigation

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ELECTIVE COURSES

Cruise Planning There is something very special about the thrill of cruising in new waters and the sense of accomplishment upon completing an extended cruise. To go beyond what most boaters do on a weekend overnight or even a week or so marina hopping requires boaters to leave their normal cruising areas and comfort zones. The Cruise Planning course focuses on the planning and preparation necessary for safe enjoyable extended

cruises on both inland and coastal waters.

Designed for members who cruise on either a sail or powerboat (owned or chartered)—this course covers the following topics:

• Cruise preparation and planning - General • Boat and Equipment • Anchors and Anchoring • Security • Chartering • Cruising Outside the United States • Crew and Provisioning • Voyage Management • Communications • Navigation • Weather • Emergencies

The manual includes a comprehensive cruise planning timeline.

The Cruise Planning Course is taught in eight two-hour sessions including time for review and the multiple choice closed book exam, but each instructor will determine the pace of the course.

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Course Length: 8 weeks + Exam


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ELECTIVE COURSES Engine Maintenance

The Engine Maintenance (EM) course has been put into a ten chapter course that stresses the diagnosis of modern systems, while also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation. Gasoline inboards, outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that reinforces the common aspects of how engines work.

Modern engines offer high reliability and good performance through the use of computerized systems for fuel delivery and engine timing. Most of these systems are “black boxes” that can no longer be serviced by weekend mechanics with ordinary tools. The EM course covers those repairs that do-it-yourselfers can still perform, teaches how to diagnose problems that might be beyond your ability to fix, and how to share information with your mechanic so the right repairs get performed. The Engine Maintenance course also covers basic mechanical systems such as drive systems (propellers), steering systems, and engine controls. The last chapter discusses solutions you might use to problems that could occur while afloat and away from a repair facility. Gasoline, diesel, and outboard engines are treated independently in this chapter.




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ELECTIVE COURSES Instructor Development

Unlike other USPS courses, the Instructor Development course is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, its emphasis is on enhancing instructor skills. The course has been designed to demonstrate interactive teaching methods focused on adult learning. Students are required to prepare lesson plans and give four presentations to their peers utilizing a variety of teaching aids and presentation skills. Each presentation is to be

given on a topic from one of the public boating classes with the intent that upon completion of the course every student will be qualified to teach or proctor at a squadron boating class.




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ELECTIVE COURSES

Marine Electrical Systems The Marine Electrical Systems course is presented in seven chapters that start with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems.

The course includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring circuits, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat’s electrical system.

Here are the two-hour sessions.

• Day 1 - Introduction, Chapter 1: Properties of Electricity • Day 2 - Chapter 2: Boat Electrical Wiring Practices • Day 3 - Chapter 3: Direct Current Power • Day 4 - Chapter 4: Alternating Current Power • Day 5 - Chapter 5: Galvanic and Stray Current Corrosion • Day 6 - Chapter 6: Lightning Protection • Day 7 - Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Part 1; on-the-boat

optional • Day 8 - Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Part 2 • Day 9 - Review and Examination




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ELECTIVE COURSES Marine Communications Systems

Marine Communications Systems is an in-depth review of systems available to the recreational boater. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn in order to choose the best communications method for his/her situation. One chapter is devoted to the

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and another to FCC Rules and regulations to set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures (covering both voice and digital messaging). The remaining chapters cover High Seas radio (MF/HF and satellite communications) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers. There is also a chapter on troubleshooting of radio installations.

Here are the seven two-hour sessions.

• Day 1 - Introduction, Chapter 1: Radio History and Communications, Chapter 2: The Radio Frequency Spectrum, Chapter 3: VHF Communications

• Day 2 - Chapter 4: GMDSS • Day 3 - Finish Chapter 4, Chapter 5: FCC Rules, Radio

Licenses and the Radio Frequency Plan • Day 4 - Chapter 6: Radiotelephone Operating Procedures • Day 5 - Chapter 7: Long-Range Radio Communications • Day 6 - Chapter 8: Other Marine Communications

Systems, Chapter 9: Radio Maintenance • Day 7 - Review and Examination



Prerequisite: Marine Electrical Systems (Recommended), ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course.

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ELECTIVE COURSES Marine Navigation Systems

Marine Navigation Systems is the third course in the Marine Electronics series. It is currently offered as ME 103. It presently consists of eight chapters on electronic navigation instruments including depth sounders, radar, and GPS, and on display systems including chart plotters and personal computers

COST: $30.00 (ME 103 Student Guide)


Prerequisite: Marine Electrical Systems and Marine Communications Systems (Recommended), ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course

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ELECTIVE COURSES Sail

Sail 2009 is a completely new sail course created to serve the needs of the novice and experienced sailor, as well as the non-sailor, for basic skills and knowledge. The course starts with basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging, safety, and sail processes and then tackles the physical aspects of sailing forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship and handling of more

difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing. Appendices provide an introduction to sailboat racing and sailing in Canadian waters.

Course completion is documented by a closed book exam graded by USPS Headquarters.


Course Length: 8 weeks + Exam + On the Water sessions

Prerequisite: ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course

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ELECTIVE COURSES

Weather The safety and comfort of those who venture out-on-the water have always been weather dependent. In this course students will become keener observers of the weather; but weather observations only have meaning in the context of the basic principles of meteorology — the science of the atmosphere.

The course focuses on how weather systems form, behave, move, and interact with one another and reflects the availability of all sorts of weather reports and forecasts on the Internet. Wx2012 is a general weather course benefiting those sitting in their living rooms, as much as those standing behind the helm.

Each student receives: • Weather Manual - USPS Weather - an explanatory text

with full color photographs and drawings covering weather in the United States and its coastal and inland waters

• a set of three Daily Weather Maps - learning aids with a compete explanation of map symbols designed to develop weather map reading and analysis skills

• NOAA’s Sky Watcher Chart - to assist in identifying cloud types – helpful indicators of approaching weather

COST: $45.00 (Student Guide) Optional: Onboard Weather Forecasting Guide ($10.00)

Course Length: 10 weeks + Exam Ten two-hour sessions including time for review and the multiple choice closed book exam.

Prerequisite: ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course

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USPS SEMINARS

Basic Weather and Forecasting “A veering wind will clear the sky; A backing wind says storms are nigh.”

All boaters have heard this mariners’ proverb or similar ones. They have a salty flavor that takes us back to the era of sailing ships. In this seminar students will learn the meteorological basis for them.

The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent. This seminar is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course. The complex subject of weather is presented in a way that is understandable and useful.

Topics include:

• Air Masses and Fronts • Winds • Storms • Clouds and Thunderstorms • Fog, and • Forecasting

COST: FREE. Copy of Student Materials available for $24.00

Seminar Length: 2 hours

Prerequisite: ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course recommended

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USPS SEMINARS

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 navigate

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.

This seminar walks you through what you really need to know in an entertaining and interesting fashion, and provides you with a Maptech Waterproof flip-fold waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take along on the boat with you. In addition to showing you all about your chart, this seminar walks you through the essentials of laying out a safe course, and the steps to measure a course with the USPS plotter.

COST: FREE. Copy of Student Materials and Chart Symbols guide available for $20.00



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USPS SEMINARS

Paddle Smart Welcome to the world of paddle sports. You have joined (or soon will) the fastest growing part of boating. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks and canoes accounted for 54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000 crafts. Kayaking, canoeing and rowing are opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.

The seminar kit includes an attendee workbook for note-taking and reference and “The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook” by Shelly Johnson (msrp $18.95). Included as a bonus is “Introduction to Paddling – canoeing basics for lakes and rivers” by the American Canoe Association.

Topics discussed in the seminar include:

• terminology • equipment—minimum and optional • using paddle craft—both kayaks and canoes • safety practices—including video clip examples • day-tripping and touring considerations

COST: FREE. Seminar Kit available for $22.00



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USPS SEMINARS

Partner in Command This seminar provides an introduction to boating for crew members who need basic information and who may or may not have taken a boating course. It is designed to provide essential information one may require to assist a skipper in the safe operation of a recreational boat. Included in the seminar are actions needed to respond to emergencies.

COST: FREE. Student Materials available for $25.00


Prerequisite: None

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USPS SEMINARS

Practical On-The-Water (POTW) Training

This is an eight hour seminar with the perfect combination of classroom training and hands-on On-The-Water training. It provides an explanation of how your boat handles and why. Video clips let you visualize the maneuvers prior to your experiencing them on the water. It covers use of lines, departing the dock, operating in a fairway,

pivoting, mooring, backing, docking, steering - slalom, holding course - range, and a quick stop. Certified USPS Instructors add immeasurable value to your seminar experience.

Each student receives a copy of Powerboat Handling Illustrated, a DVD, a Student Manual, and a certificate acknowledging his/her training.

COST: $125.00



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USPS SEMINARS

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.

The 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, predetermined 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 copy of the waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.

COST: FREE. Printed Student Materials available for $16.00



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USPS SEMINARS

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication 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 Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands are operational with DSC. All USCG vessels are DSC equipped. The

western rivers will be active by 2014. Alaskan stations will come on line in 2017.

DSC vastly simplifies 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 Simulator that allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew how to use the radio.

COST: FREE. Printed Student Materials available for $20.00



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USPS SEMINARS

OTHER USPS Seminars available on demand. More details are available at this web address:

http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/seminars.htm

• Advanced Powerboat Handling • Anchoring • Basic Coastal Navigation • Boat Handling under Power • Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes • Emergencies on Board • Fuel and Boating • Hurricanes and Boats • Knots, Bends and Hitches • Man Overboard • Marine RADAR • Mariner's Compass • Mastering the Rules of the Road • Sail Trim and Rig Tuning • Tides and Currents • Trailering Your Boat

http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/seminars.htm

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USPS BOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION SERIES

BOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION (BOC) SERIES

With the Boat Operator's Certification (BOC) Program, USPS can certify USPS members at various levels of recreational boating proficiency. USPS certifications meet the requirements of UN Resolution 40, International Certificate for the Operation of Pleasure Craft with the additional knowledge and testing of the CEVNI (European code for inland waterways) navigation rules.

USPS currently offers four levels of Boat Operator Certification:

• Inland Navigator • Coastal Navigator • Advanced Coastal Navigator • Offshore Navigator

Golden Corner Lakes has members qualified to certify boaters as both Inland Navigator and Coastal Navigator.

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INLAND NAVIGATOR BOC This is the first step in the United States Power Squadron On-The-Water certification program. During this certification process, you will be asked to demonstrate some basic boat handling skills to an Inland Navigator Certifier (IN Certifier). Upon successful completion of these on-the-water demonstrations and the required course work, you will be granted your Inland Navigator Certification.

Inland Navigator (IN) Requirements:

• Courses • ABC-3 or equivalent Boating Safety Course • Seamanship • Engine Maintenance • Marine Electrical Systems / ME 101

Seminars • How to Use a Chart (or Piloting, Chart Smart, or

Boating courses) • Basic Weather and Forecasting or Onboard Weather

Forecasting (or Weather course or Weather Modules)

• Using GPS (or Piloting or AP course) • VHF Radio and VHF/DSC Marine Radio (or

Marine Communications Systems) Skill Demonstrations:

• Basic Powerboat Handling skill demonstration or US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling on-the-water program

• Use of Fire Extinguishers Optional Endorsements

• Inland Waterways (Navigating Rivers, Dams and Locks seminar) (IW)

• Paddle craft (canoes and kayaks) - Paddle Smart seminar (PAD)

• Sail boating (or Sail or Sail Modules) (SA)

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Note: The optional SA endorsement is required to be IN certified to operate a sailboat. The optional PAD endorsement is required to be IN certified to operate a paddle craft.

COST: $40.00 + cost of any seminars or courses required above.

Seminar Length: 4 to 6 hours


Note: Other requirements above to complete your IN Passport. Those requirements do not need to be completed before your Skill Demonstration.

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COASTAL NAVIGATOR BOC

Coastal Navigator (CN) Requirements:

• Prerequisite o IN Certification

• Courses o Piloting o Weather o Marine Communications or Marine Radio

Communications • Seminars

o Mastering Rules of the Road o Anchoring o Mariner's Compass o Tides and Currents (or AP course) o Optional Seminar: Marine Radar

• Skills o On-Water Navigation o Use of Pyrotechnic Distress Signals

• Optional Endorsements o IN Endorsements plus:

- Canadian Regulations (CAN) - Mexican regulations (MEX)

Note: CN certification to operate a sailboat requires the SA endorsement. CN certification for paddle craft requires PAD.

COST: $40.00 + cost of any seminars or courses required above.

Seminar Length: 4 to 6 hours


Note other requirements above to complete your CN Passport. Those requirements do not need to be completed before your Skill Demonstration.

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VESSEL SAFETY CHECK (VSC) A FREE Vessel Safety Check, or VSC, is a courtesy inspection of your boat, PWC or paddle-powered vessel, to verify the presence and condition of critical Safety Equipment as requested by state and federal regulations. Our Vessel Examiners are trained specialists and a member of the United States Power Squadrons. The examiner will also make recommendations

and discuss safety issues to help you be a safer boater.

A sticker for the current year, and a copy of the inspection document is given to you to indicate that your boat has successfully completed the inspection. Any deficiencies are noted.

Items inspected include:

• proper display of registration or documentation numbers, • life preservers, • visual distress signals, • fire extinguishers, • ventilation, • backfire flame control, • sound devices, • navigation lights, • state & federal requirements, and • overall vessel condition.

This booklet was developed by SEO Brian Hackley, N, and edited by Teri Zahn, S, to provide information about the many educational opportunities available through the Golden Corner Lakes Sail & Power Squadron.

Zahn/GCL Education Booklet Jan 2013 final.docx January 2013

boating education programs

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