About the USPS® Boating Course Members of the United States Power Squadrons® have been offering boating courses to the public for over 80 years, having instructed more than 3 million boaters to date, an incomparable record of achievement in boater education.
DuPage Sail & Power Squadron now schedules the USPS basic boating course, America’s Boating Course®. This course is designed to be useful to all boaters, including kayakers and canoeists, hunters or fishermen in an outboard boat and the skippers of power boats and sailboats. This course covers the basics you need to know to safely and legally operate your boat, such as basic boating terminology, boat handling, water sports safety, PWCs, legally required equipment and other boating laws and regulations, right-of-way rules between boats, and marine radio operation. It also covers basic lines & knots, and boat trailering.
This course usually runs one night per week, two hours per night for five weeks. Illinois law requires that children from the ages of 12 through 17 carry proof of having completed an approved boating safety course. We encourage your family to attend as a group. The Squadron Boating Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). NASBLA approved courses are recognized throughout the United States and exceed the requirements of those states which require a boat operator to complete a boating safety course. Supplying proof of having completed this course may also make you eligible for a discount on your boat insurance. Please check with your insurance representative regarding eligibility and amount.
After completing one of the basic courses, many boaters wish to continue their boating education. We offer two groups of courses to our members that add to the basic skills that are taught in the the Squadron Boating Course and the Boat Smart Course. The Advanced Grade courses cover boat handling in adverse conditions, differences in boat designs. Courses also cover charting, piloting, and navigation skills.
In addition,a series of Elective Courses are offered in marine electronics, cruise planning, engine maintenance, sailing, instructor training, and weather.
Get information about joining DuPage Sail & Power Squadron Information on Classes for Members <-- Back to DuPage Sail & Power Squadron's Home page
Please send comments to the webmaster: Dave DonkersThe information presented here does not represent the official view of the USPS. It is information from and for use by members of the DuPage Sail & Power Squadron, other USPS squadrons and all recreational boaters.
"USPS®", "United States Power Squadrons®", the USPS ensign, "The Squadron Boating Course®", JetSmart® and Boat Smart® are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons, Inc.
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This page was last updated on November 7, 2009.