A unit of the United States Power Squadrons ® District 30

Education and Training

Table of Contents

Boating Education Overview

The Boulder Valley Squadron provides many educational opportunities to both the boating public and to USPS members. One of the key concepts of USPS is the self-education of its members, meaning that successful students go on to teach other students to perpetuate boating knowledge. Our instructors bring many years of practical experience to the classroom using modern instructional techniques.

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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Squadron Boating Course

The Squadron Boating Course is taught periodically by BVSPS volunteer instructors who have broad experience in boating and teaching. It is provided as a civic service to the public to make boating safer and more enjoyable to all.

Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation, and basic piloting in one comprehensive classroom course. As an additional feature, this course includes a digital chart training CD and instructional material on modern navigation techniques as well.

Next Class Date is for two Saturdays; 20-Feb-2010 and 6-Mar-2010

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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USPS Seminar Series

These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour format, and valuable take-away guides.

USPS Seminar Series
Course Name/Link Dates Offered Instructor(s) Location
Advanced Powerboat Handling Open    
Anchoring Coming Soon    
Basic Coastal Navigation Open    
Boat Handling under Power Open    
How to Use a Chart Open    
Hurricanes and Boats Open    
Knots, Bends and Hitches Open    
Marine RADAR Open    
Mariner's Compass Open    
Mastering the Rules of the Road Open    
Onboard Weather Forecasting Open    
Paddle Smart Coming Soon    
Partner in Command Open    
Sail Trim and Rig Tuning Open    
Trailering Your Boat Open    
Using GPS Open    
Using VHF/DSC Marine Radio Open    

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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USPS Members Courses

Boulder Valley Squadron teaches a series of USPS courses that cover advanced boating topics. These classes are instructor based typically 6-8 weeks in duration and are open to non-members as well as members.

Note: Students must pass a written exam prior to certification for these courses. Non members will not be able to take the exam due to USPS policies. Should non-member students decide to join BVSPS within a year of taking the class, then tests can be taken and certificates issued. Any surcharge may be applied towards membership fees.

USPS Member Courses offered by Boulder Valley
Course Name/Link Dates Offered Instructor(s) Location
Seamanship* Open    
Seamanship Online Self Paced Online www.usps.org Home Study
Piloting* Open    
Advanced Piloting* Open    
Junior Navigation* Open    
Navigation* Open    
Engine Maintenance Open    
Marine Electronics October 2010 Winston Scott TBD
Cruise Planning Open    
Weather Open    
Sail Open    
Instructor Development Open    
* Denotes Advanced Grade Course

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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America's Boating Course

For those who have difficulty scheduling class time, USPS offers the new America's Boating Course. This course can be taken online or using your computer at home with a locally proctored exam.

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.




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USPS Guides

A series of booklets on a wide variety of subjects of interest to boaters, known as USPS Guides, are also available from USPS. These guides are a great fill-in to complete your boating and marine-related education, whether you are out on the water or relaxing around the house.

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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Footnotes from SEO

Just because an offering does not have dates etc. does not mean it is not a possibility. Your interest is a primary driver in what courses are offered. Communicate your interests to Dave Hughes, Squadron Education Officer (SEO). Often friends will put together interest groups which can be the impetus for a class.

All classes can be done independent study. If you are interested in a topic and have the skills to teach it due to life experience and/or formal education, let the SEO know. We always need instructors so that some of our veterans can have a break occasionally. As the need to teach more students increases, so does our need for instructors. It is very rewarding work.

For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the officers page for contact information.

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