Public Education

One of the main goals of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron (PSPS) is “boating safety through education”.  We believe that an educated boater is a safer boater.  PSPS provides skill building opportunities to the general public through a variety of courses, seminars and learning guides.  Our instructors are certified regarding their ability to teach the topics offered and in the use of modern instructional techniques.  All classes are fun and informative, and bring you into contact with other boaters.

America’s Boating Course

This course is for all boaters including skippers of a family cruiser, sailing enthusiasts, fishermen, personal watercraft (PWC) operators, canoe and kayak paddlers.  In addition to the rules of the road, the course covers the various types of boats, required safety equipment, navigation aids, lights and sounds, anchoring, communications afloat, adverse conditions, water sports safety, trailering, personal water craft safety, and knots and lines.  The last chapter provides an introduction to digital charts and GPS waypoint navigation, a key skill for boating on larger lakes and rivers and coastal waters.  To learn more, click here.

IMPORTANT NOTICE New North Carolina Boating Law effective May1, 2010 states:  No person under 26 years old shall operate a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on the public waters of this State unless the operator has met the requirements for certification.

The United States Power Squadron's "America's Boating Course" meets the NC State specified and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification.  Also, completion of this course may qualify the owner for a discount from most boating insurance companies.

 

Public Seminars

These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two to three 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 following seminars are available.  Be sure to check the PSPS Educational Calendar for the dates and convenient locations of courses planned during 2010.

 

—Using VHF and VHF/DSC Marine Radio	—Using GPS
—How to Use a Chart	—Onboard Weather Forecasting
—Boat Handling under Power	—Sail Trim and Rig Tuning
—Paddle Smart	—Anchoring
—Hurricanes and Boats	—Marine RADAR
—Knots, Bends and Hitches	—Trailering Your Boat
—Basic Coastal Navigation-NEW!	—Advanced Power Boat Handling-NEW!
—Mastering the Rules of the Road-NEW!	—Mariner's Compass-NEW!
—Partner in Command-NEW!

USPS continues to develop meaningful seminars and, as they are released, our PSPS will fit them into the Educational Program.  To learn more about the Seminars available click on USPS Seminars.

Learning Guides

USPS Learning Guides are self-study handbooks on specialized boating-related subjects of interest to amateur skippers and navigators.  Topics range from GPS to Knots, Bends & Hitches; from Amateur Radio to Oceanography, from Boat Design & Construction to Navigational Astronomy and How to Fly Flags.  These Guides are available through our Educational Department, simply email to PSPS Education for more details.

Become a Member

Beyond these courses, seminars and learning guides offered to the public, PSPS also teaches a large number of Member Elective Courses and Member Advanced Grade Courses ranging from basic deck seamanship to advanced navigation and engine maintenance.  Many USPS members feel these member-only courses are the top reason for joining USPS.