| SQUADRON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron provides many educational opportunities to both the boating public and to its members. One of the key concepts of the United States Power Squadrons is the self-education of its members, meaning that successful students go on to teach other students to perpetuate boating knowledge. USPS instructors who teach public courses are also certified regarding their ability to teach and use modern instructional methods.
PUBLIC SAFE BOATING
USPS provides basic boating education to the public via its America’s Boating Course and The Squadron Boating Course. Further details on Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron’s local public safe boating course are provided on the adjacent ABC Course web page.
ADVANCED GRADES
Five Advanced Grade courses are offered by USPS. They are designed to be taken in sequence because each builds on skills taught in the previous course. Learn how to become a member of USPS and take any or all of these courses at a discount.
The Advanced Grades are a series of in-depth navigational courses, and completion of the highest level course determines a member’s “grade”. Letter grades may appear in USPS printed materials while insignia appear on a member’s uniform. Descriptions of these courses, as well as the letter grades and insignia, and course offering details are given in the tables below.
Please note: To assure that course material will be on hand, paid registration must be made with the Instructor at least two weeks prior to class start date. Those registering late or at class beginning will have to start without their student manuals. All active and family members are eligible to attend the above USPS courses. Non-Members may take Squadron courses on a space available basis with a course cost of twice the (members) cost listed below.
| Course |
Seamanship (S) Revised: 22 June 2017 |
| No. Weeks/Day |
9 weeks/Mondays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
2 October 2017 to 4 December 2017 |
| Chm./Instructor |
P/C Rick Wood, JN |
| Cost (Members) |
$70 |
| Contact |
seamanship@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
● practical marlinespike, ● Navigational Rules ● Hull design and performance ● Responsibilities of the skipper ● Boat care ● Operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, and much more. |
| Description |
Building on the basics taught in the public boating course, Seamanship is the recommended first course for both power boaters and sailors. Students learn practical marlinespike, navigation rules, hull design and performance, responsibilities of the skipper, boat care, operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, what to do in various emergencies and weather conditions, nautical customs and common courtesy on the water. This course provides a needed introduction to the USPS Educational Program and a strong foundation for students going on to other Advanced Grades courses and/or Cruise Planning or Sail. |
| Course |
Piloting* (P) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
10 weeks/Mondays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
8 January 2018 to 5 March 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt. Mike Galvin, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$80 plus dividers and plotter if needed |
| Contact |
piloting@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
● keep track of a boat’s movement ● Determining position at any time ● Lay-out courses to a planned destination. ● about mariner’s compass including Variation and Deviation ● Plotting courses. ● use of charts & intro to GPS.. |
| Description |
Piloting is the first of the advanced navigational classes focusing on techniques for piloting a boat in coastal and inland conditions. The course emphasizes planning and checking along with the use of GPS for determining position, and introduces digital charting along with traditional charting, compass and dead reckoning skills. Plotting, labeling, use of the compass, aids to navigation and a host of related topics are included in this all-new approach to coastal and inland piloting. The insignia is shown on the right.
* Seamanship course is advisable but not mandatory before taking Piloting and Sail courses. |
| Course |
Advanced Piloting (AP) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
14 weeks/Wednesdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
4 October 2017 to 27 December 2017 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt Tom Collins, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$90 |
| Contact |
advpilot@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
The second part of the Inland and Coastal navigation series. It teaches the use of modern electronic Navigation systems & other advanced & traditional techniques of finding position.
Learn about: ● Tides & Currents and their effect on piloting.
● Electronic Navigation ● Radar, GPS, etc. |
| Description |
Advanced Piloting is the final part of the inland and coastal navigation series. This material continues to build on the base developed in Piloting, and includes practical use of additional electronic navigation systems and other advanced techniques for finding position. Among topics covered are: finding position using bearings and angles, collision avoidance using GPS and RADAR, what to do when the electronics fail, tides, currents and wind and their effect on piloting, and electronic navigation with GPS, chart plotters, RADAR, autopilots, etc. Application of course lectures takes place through practical in-class and at-home exercises. |
| Course |
Junior Navigation (JN) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
12 weeks/Wednesdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
3 January 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
P/C Darryl Aubrey, SN — |
| Cost (Members) |
$100 |
| Contact |
juniornav@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
Junior Navigation is the first of a two-part program in Offshore (open-ocean) Navigation.
Subject matter includes: ● Basic concept of Celestial Navigation. ● How to use the sextant to take sights on the sun. ● The techniques of accurate time determination. ● Use of the Nautical Almanac. ● How to reduce sights to establish lines of position (LOPs). |
| Description |
Junior Navigation is the first of a two-part program of study in offshore (open coast) navigation. It is designed as a practical, how-to course using GPS for offshore navigation with sun sight taking using a sextant as a backup technique. The more advanced techniques for other celestial bodies and sights are for study in the subsequent Navigation Course. JN subject matter includes: basic concepts of celestial navigation; how to use the mariner’s sextant to take sights of the sun; the importance and techniques of accurate time determination; use of the Nautical Almanac; how to reduce sights to establish lines of position (LOPs); and the use of GPS, special charts, plotting sheets and other navigational data for offshore positioning and passage planning. |
| Course |
Navigation (N) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
22 weeks/TBD |
| Start/Exam Dates |
Not scheduled for 2017-2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
P/C Darryl Aubrey, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$160 |
| Contact |
navigation@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
This is the second part of the study of Offshore Navigation. The student will learn additional sight reduction techniques, how a navigator carries on the day’s work, take sights on the moon, planets & stars and much more. |
| Description |
This is the second part of the study of offshore navigation. It further develops the student’s skills and understanding of celestial theory. The student is introduced to additional sight reduction techniques for bodies other than the sun. The student develops greater skill and precision in sight taking, positioning and the orderly methods of carrying on the day’s work of a navigator at sea. Of particular interest and importance is the navigation software that is explained and used in practices for planning and navigating in the offshore environment with the included software. Offshore navigation using minimal data and/or equipment, such as when on a disabled vessel or lifeboat is also studied. |
ELECTIVE COURSES Revised 22 June 2017
Six Elective Courses are offered by USPS. They cover separate and independent topics and therefore may be taken in any order according to a person’s interests and time. Learn how to become a member of USPS and take any or all of these courses at a discount.
Descriptions of these courses, as well as the printed listing letter designations, and course offering details are given in the tables below.
Please note: To assure that course material will be on hand, paid registration must be made with the Instructor at least two weeks prior to class start date. Those registering late or at class beginning will have to start without their student manuals. . All active and family members are eligible to attend the above USPS courses. Non-Members may take Squadron courses on a space available basis with a course cost of twice the (members) cost listed below.
| Course |
Engine Maintenance (EM) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
10 weeks/Wednesdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
14 March 2018 to 16 May 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt Chuck Blair, S |
| Cost (Members) |
$70 |
| Contact |
engmaint@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
Engine maintenance makes students more self-reliant afloat with mechanical trouble diagnosis. It covers both marine gasoline and Diesel inboard engines, etc. |
| Description |
The complete Engine Maintenance course consists of two modular sections. EM 101, Basic Engine Maintenance, provides information about marine propulsion systems, basic engine principles, engine components, controls, instruments and alarms, marine engine maintenance, and steering systems. There is a chapter on winter storage and spring servicing that includes a 25-step winterizing checklist. An 11-page glossary concludes the student manual.
EM 102, Advanced Engine Maintenance, delves into cooling and exhaust systems, lubrication, fuel and air induction systems, ignition systems, electrical and starting systems, power trains, and troubleshooting. The last chapter is on emergency repairs afloat. An 11-page glossary concludes the student manual. |
| Course |
Marine Electronics–Electrical Systems |
| No. Weeks/Day |
8 weeks/ Thursdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
11 January 2018 to 1 March 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt. Larry Rudner, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$60 |
| Contact |
marine-elect@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
|
| Description |
The Marine Electronics course consists of three modules: ME- Boat Electrical Systems, ME-Marine Radio Communications, and ME-Marine Electronics for Navigation. All three modules must be successfully completed to receive credit for Marine Electronics. |
| Course |
Marine Electronics–Marine Communications |
| No. Weeks/Day |
10 weeks/Mondays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
8 January 2018 to 26 February 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
P/C Ken Peters, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$60 |
| Contact |
marine-com@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
|
| Description |
The Marine Electronics course consists of three modules: ME- Boat Electrical Systems, ME-Marine Radio Communications, and ME-Marine Electronics for Navigation. All three modules must be successfully completed to receive credit for Marine Electronics. |
| Course |
Cruise Planning (CP) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
9 weeks/Wednesdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
10 January 2018 to 7 March 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt Jim Bloom, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$70 |
| Contact |
cruiseplan@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
● Planning a voyage. ● Selecting a proper crew. ● Financing a voyage. ● Provisioning, ● Managing a voyage. ● and a whole lot more |
| Description |
Designed for mariners who plan to cruise for just a day or for a year—in either a sail or powerboat—this course covers the following topics: cruise preparation and planning, boat and equipment, anchors and anchoring, security, chartering, cruising outside the United States, crew and provisioning, voyage management, communications, navigation, weather, and emergencies. The manual includes a twelve-month cruise planning timeline. |
| Course |
Weather (WE) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
7 weeks/Mondays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
9 October 2017 to 4 December 2017 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt Mike Galvin, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$70 |
| Contact |
weather@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
• Awareness of weather phenomena. • How to read the weather map and sky.
• How to understand & anticipate weather developments • Structures and characteristics of the atmosphere. • Factors considered in weather forecasting. • Sources and uses of weather reports and forecasts. • Instrument & visual observations the skipper can make. |
| Description |
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. It is a general weather course benefiting those sitting in their living rooms, as much as those standing behind the helm.
Each student receives: a 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 complete explanation of map symbols designed to develop weather map reading and analysis skills; and NOAA’s Sky Watcher Chart – a reference to assist in identifying cloud types – helpful indicators of approaching weather. |
| Course |
Instructor Development (ID) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
4 weeks/Saturdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
10 March 2018 to 31 March 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
P/C Rick Wood, JN |
| Cost (Members) |
Free to Members/$100 for Non-Members |
| Contact |
instructordev@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
• communicate more effectively • prepare for meeting presentations.
• prepare for teaching in front of a class • prepare your lesson plan This is your opportunity to become a part of our dynamic group of educators in our Squadron Educational Department. |
| Description |
This course deals with effective communication for speakers and teachers—a quality that benefits the individual in all walks of life. It offers practical instruction in: preparing for teaching assignments, preparing for meeting presentations, effective teaching techniques, conducting efficient meetings, and selecting and using audiovisual aids. |
| Course |
Sail* (Sa) |
| No. Weeks/Day |
12 weeks/Thursdays |
| Start/Exam Dates |
4 January 2018 to 22 March 2018 |
| Chm./Instructor |
Lt/C Arthur Dodd, SN |
| Cost (Members) |
$70 |
| Contact |
sail101@palmbeachsps.org |
| Elements Covered |
● Type of hulls ● Rigging ● Points of Sailing. ● The theory of sailing. ● Sail Handling., etc. |
| Description |
Sail is a complete sail course beginning with basic boat designs, rigging and sail processes for the non-sailor. The course proceeds into the physical aspects of sailing, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship, and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing.
* Seamanship course is advisable but not mandatory before taking Piloting and Sail courses. |
SEMINARS
USPS has a series of short seminars open to the public on a variety of boating related topics, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), weather, and marine radio. The materials included with each two hour seminar include a Student Note Book and other take-away guides related to that particular topic.
To reserve a spot:
Members- contact the instructor (phone or email listings are in your Roster)
Non-Members – Contact our Squadron Educational Officer (SEO)
The Seminars offered by USPS are listed below.
If you are interested in scheduling any of these, please contact the Instructor or the Squadron Educational Officer (SEO)
Boat Handling Under Power
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
Partners in Command
Instructor: TBA)
Schedule:TBA
Anchoring
Instructor: Cdr Richard Wood, JN
Schedule:TBA
This seminar covers:
● anchor, rode and components,
● anchor selection for different
sea conditions & bottom characteristics,
● includes Anchoring Quick Guide for reference,
● deployment and recovery of anchor and much more.
How to Read a Chart
Instructor:TBA
Schedule:TBA
On Board Weather Forecasting
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
Advanced Powerboat Handling
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
Knots, Bend and Hitches
Instructor: Lt Mike Galvin, SN
Schedule:TBA
Mastering the Rules of the Road
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
Tides and Currents
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
GPS
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
VHF/Radio with Digital Selecting Calling
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
Marine Radar
Instructor: TBA
Schedule:TBA
This seminar covers:
● how radar functions
● operation of the radar under various conditions
● basic navigation, setting of controls
● display interpretation
● collision avoidance using radar, and much more.
Hurricane Boat Preparedness (FREE..!)
Instructor: P/Lt/C Phil Bouckaert, AP
Schedule:TBA
If you own a boat— in the water or on a trailer,
and live in Florida—this seminar is for you
Sail Trim & Rig Tuning
Instructor: D/Lt Art Dodd, SN
Schedule:TBA
RECOGNITION LEVELS
USPS awards grades to its members to indicate how far they have progressed in the continuing education program. Since one of the USPS objectives is boating safety through education, USPS encourages every member to strive to achieve the Educational Proficiency level, with the ultimate goal being that of the Educational Achievement Award.
Anyone completing a grade level of at least Advanced Piloting (AP) and three Elective Courses receives the Educational Proficiency Award. Shown below is an AP insignia with the Educational Proficiency bar below it.
Anyone completing all Advanced Grade navigational courses that results in a grade of Navigator (N) and all Elective Courses receives the Educational Achievement Award. This award, also known as the Senior Navigator award, is the highest educational recognition awarded by USPS. Holders of this honor can be recognized in print by the “SN” following their name. Shown here is the Educational Achievement Award insignia that you might see on a member’s uniform. |
