Seminar Series
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 Boat Operator
Certification program, and credit toward elective courses. Please note that for
Seminar Instructor kits, there is a limit of two (2) of each title per order.
Each Instructor Kit Includes a Seminar Kit less Certificate, plus Instructor
Notebook, Instructor CD, and Open Door to USPS.
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Advanced Powerboat Handling
This seminar is a three-part series: Close Quarters Maneuvering, How Boats
Behave and Seas, and Handling at Sea. The seminar shows you how your boat will
behave and why in response to your controls. Then, on the water you can
visualize your actions and execute them easily. The full-color book Powerboat
Handling Illustrated by Bob Sweet is included as a reference.
Members $60 Non-Members
$80
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Anchoring
This seminar covers selection of anchor, rode and components; anchor selection
for sea conditions and bottom characteristics; deployment and recovery of
anchors. It also includes tables for sizing an anchor and components, and
information for determining loads under various conditions. The kit includes the
USPS Anchoring Quick Guide written by Bill Gladstone, and Student Notes with
copies of the slides.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Basic Coastal Navigation
Today, electronics have radically changed navigation, but understanding the
basics helps you gain
confidence in your equipment and your own skills. You will learn practical
techniques to plan, navigate, and check your progress on the water. You will
develop situational awareness skills using your eyes and navigation tools to
quickly point to your position on a chart, and be able to use backup techniques
when the electronics become suspect. This seminar will help captain and crew
navigate safely and comfortably. The student kit contains The Weekend Navigator
and the Maptech CD.
Members $45 Non-Members
$60
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Boat Handling Under Power
This seminar shows boaters how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions
as well as all about
trimming the boat underway. The seminar comes with a waterproof USPS Captain's
Quick Guide and
Student Notes.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes
This seminar is designed to meet the needs of our large inland boating
membership and the general public. Seminar topics include The Western Rivers
System of Navigational Aids; River Boating; and Locking Through. The seminar is
particularly suited to introducing students to experienced local boaters and
their squadron because the exchange of local information and experiences can be
one of the most interesting and important parts of the seminar. Each student
will receive a full color student guide.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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How to Use a Chart
The NOAA Chart No. 1 is the quintessential reference to chart details, but is
difficult to understand. This seminar walks you through what you really need to
know in an entertaining and interesting fashion, and provides you with a Maptech
Waterproof flip-fold waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take
along on the boat with you. In addition to showing you all about your chart,
this seminar walks you through the essentials of laying out a safe course, steps
to measure a course with the USPS plotter, and even a quick guide to the rules
of the road.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Hurricanes and Boats
This is a mini-seminar. It covers how to select a location and prepare your boat
for a hurricane. The kit includes Student Notes with copies of the slides.
Members $20 Non-Members
$30
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Knots, Bends, and Hitches
This seminar is a hands-on "learn how to tie knots" program geared to a wide
range of audiences. The kit comes with a copy of the USPS Guide Knots, Bends and
Hitches for Mariners, a copy of the slide notes and a kit including a die-cut
knot board and two lengths of line. Participants learn about knots, learn to tie
a set of the most useful knots, and then get to take the whole package home with
them to practice these and a whole host of other knots described in the book.
Members $40 Non-Members
$55
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Mariner's Compass
This seminar explains how to select, install, calibrate and use your compass on
board your boat. You will learn which features are most important and what will
work best for you, how to deal with variation
between true and magnetic north, and how to adjust your compass to remove most
of the deviation caused by local magnetic influences. This is an essential
seminar for all boaters.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Marine Radar
This seminar covers how radar functions, radar selection, operation of the radar
under various conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation,
basic navigation, and collision avoidance using radar. The kit includes the
Radar book written by Kevin Monahan (25 retail) and Student Notes with copies of
slides.
Members $45 Non-Members
$60
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Mastering the Rules of the Road
This seminar provides an explanation with examples of the 37 Rules of the Road
for both the U.S. Inland Rules and the International Rules (COLREGS). It
simplifies the sometimes complex law relating to boat operation for the
recreational boater. It is a starting point for study preparation for the USCG
License examination. This seminar includes McGraw-Hill's The One Minute Guide
to the Nautical Rules of the Road by Charlie Wing, Student Notes, a seminar
certificate, and an ED-46 seminar registration form.
Members $45 Non-Members
$60
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Onboard Weather Forecasting
While not a course in weather, this seminar explains how just using your own
senses can help you determine what conditions you will encounter where you are.
By all means, a forecast is important. It will tell you what weather systems are
headed your way, but they are challenged to tell exactly where and when
conditions will change. Add your own observations and you have an extra edge.
Add a couple of instruments and you can verify your observations. The seminar
explains weather systems, how to understand clouds and their changes, using
changing wind direction, temperature, and pressure to hone in on emerging
weather fronts. The seminar includes the McGraw-Hill Onboard Weather Forecasting
waterproof Captain's Quick Guide to take aboard your boat.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Paddle Smart
This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering
purchasing paddling
equipment. The seminar kit includes several handouts: attendee workbook for
note-taking and reference; "The Complete Sea Kayaker's Handbook" by Shelly
Johnson; Off-Season Boating, Cold Shock & Hypothermia tri-fold.
Members $40 Non-Members
$55
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Partner in Command
This seminar provides an introduction to boating for crew members who need basic
information and who may or may not have taken a boating course. It is designed
to provide essential information one may require to assist a skipper in the safe
operation of a recreational boat. Included in the seminar are actions in
response to emergencies. This seminar includes a text. The student kit includes
the student notes booklet, a completion certificate, and a patch.
Members $45 Non-Members
$60
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Sail Trim
This seminar shows in clear and simple terms how to use and adjust sails for
optimum performance under a wide range of conditions. The seminar comes with a
waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide written by North Sails and Student Notes.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Trailering
Trailering Your Boat explains how to select tow vehicles, hitches, and trailers.
It also explains how to safely and securely trailer your boat, launch and
retrieve it, and how to operate and maintain your trailering equipment. The kit
comes with the McGraw-Hill published USPS book Trailering your Boat by Bruce
Smith.
Members $40 Non-Members
$55
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Using GPS
This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation and shows you how to
relate the GPS to your charts. The seminar also shows you how to operate your
GPS - what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the
functions you need. You'll also get some tips for choosing a GPS if you don't
currently own one. The waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's Quick Guide Using GPS is
included to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your
crew how to use your GPS.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50
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Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio
VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication and essential for emergency
communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as
more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go live. This seminar explains
basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulator that allows you to
practice on your computer at home. The handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captains'
Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should
have aboard.
Members $35 Non-Members
$50