The Colorado Unit of USPS ® District 30
Boating Education and Training
Overview
The Boulder Valley Squadron provides many sailing and boating classes here in Colorado each year, open to sailors of all skill levels. These classes include instructor led courses, on-the-water and in the classroom, along with seminars and workshops on many boating topics. This page describes many of those classes, such as Boat Operations and Safety; Seamanship; Navigation; Sailing; Sail Trim, to name a few. There are links to the National Website for course descriptions.
One of the key philosophies 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.
New: The Boat Operator Certification Program (link to National Website) is now up and running and available to our members.
For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the Contact Us page.
Table of Contents
- Boating Education Overview
- Squadron Boating Course
- USPS Seminar Series
- USPS Member Courses
- America's Boating Course
- USPS Guides
- Notes from Education Officer
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.
For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the Contact Us page.
USPS Seminar Series
These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour format, and valuable take-away guides.
| Course Name/Link | Dates Offered | Instructor(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Powerboat Handling | Open | ||
| Anchoring | Open | ||
| 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 | Open | ||
| 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 Contact Us page.
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.
| Course Name/Link | Dates Offered | Instructor(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seamanship* | Open | Various | |
| Seamanship Online | Self Paced Online | www.usps.org | Home Study |
| Piloting* | Open | ||
| Advanced Piloting* | Open | ||
| Junior Navigation* | Open | ||
| Navigation* | Open | ||
| Engine Maintenance | November 19, 2011 | ||
| Marine Electrical Systems | Open | ||
| Cruise Planning | Open | ||
| Weather | Open | ||
| Sail | Open | ||
| Instructor Development | Open |
For scheduling questions on any of these courses contact the BVSPS Education Officer. See the Contact Us page.
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 Contact Us page.
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 Contact Us page.
Notes from Education Officer
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 the 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 Contact Us page.