The Squadron Boating Course

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

This course meets state specific and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification.  And completion of the course is accepted by most insurance companies.  Since 1914, individual squadrons of USPS have provided courses as a service to the boating public to over 3 million boaters. 

You will learn the basics of what you need to safely and comfortably go on the water with your boat.  This newly revised comprehensive course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, tailoring and introductory piloting. The course includes an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix, and an overview of electronic navigation. Maptech's Chart Navigator Training CD includes software and digital charts to gain familiarity with this exciting new technology.  

Many of today’s recreational boaters utilize GPS receivers and perform electronic, waypoint navigation. Waypoint navigation using a handheld GPS is somewhat different from traditional dead reckoning. With a GPS you have good information about where you are in terms of latitude and longitude, but the GPS doesn't tell you what is around you or beneath your boat. Using waypoints, you have precise information about the bearing and distance from your current location to the waypoints, but the GPS doesn't know what may be in the way. The use of charts is explained in this course as the essential step to provide key information required for a safe passage. 

The course material covers: Boat Handling and Seamanship, Required Equipment, Rules of the Road, Lines and Knots, Nautical Charts and Aids to Navigation, Engine Troubleshooting, Boat Trailering, and much, much, more!

USPS University is here with new programs targeted to a range of boaters and types of boating. The hallmark of this concept is the Seminar Series. These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour format, and valuable take-away guides. Each seminar provides credits toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification program, and credit toward elective courses.

The first four of these seminars are available now.
 

• Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio
• Using GPS
• How to Use a Chart
• Onboard Weather Forecasting

Kids Boating Safety Class

is a fun 3-hour hands-on class usually taught in schools and libraries in the Dutchess and Ulster County areas. Parents are welcomed to attend with their children although this is optional as they are in very good hands. For instance, in 2007, more than 350 children attended this class, and some returned for a second year, as it was so much learning new and interesting things from Patricia Smalley (head instructor) - a renowned teacher for over 30 years, now retired, who truly knows how to keep it both interesting and fun for the kids. In fact, some of them even return the following year for the same class. Children attending these classes usually range in age from 7 to 13 years. Snacks provided. Classes are normally on a Saturday.
 

Start Date:	TBD
Time:	TBD
Instructors:	P/C Pat Smalley, AP
Contact:	Pat Smalley
Phone:	845-889-4242
Location:	TBD
Comments:	Interested parents or guardians are requested to call the Library at TBD to sign the children up. Class is for 6 - 12 year olds. It is a hands-on, interactive course. Bring life jacket if the child has one, otherwise one will be provided. INCLUDES STORY, ANECDOTAL TRUE STORY, FASHION SHOW, HYPOTHERMIA COILING AND THROWING, SIMPLE KNOTS AND HITCHES, SONGS, BOATING TERMS, SNACK TIME, HANDOUTS, THIRTY-MINUTE VIDEO: BILL NYE, THE SCIENCE GUY, PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS WELCOME Call for more information.