Cruise Planning teaches preparing for a cruise, whether the cruise is for a day, a week, a month or longer. Whether you are going to cruise on rivers, lakes, the coasts, or across the oceans, valuable information is provided by those who have been there. The 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 planning
• Weather
• Emergencies

The Engine Maintenance course stresses the diagnosis of modern engine systems while also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation. Gasoline inboards, outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that reinforces the common aspects of how engines work.

Modern engines offer high reliability and good performance through the use of computerized systems for fuel delivery and engine timing. Most of these systems are "black boxes" that can no longer be serviced by weekend mechanics with ordinary tools. The Engine Maintenance course covers those repairs that do-it-yourselfers can still perform, teaches how to diagnose problems that might be beyond your ability to fix, and how to share information with your mechanic so the right repairs get performed.

The Engine Maintenance course also covers basic mechanical systems such as drive systems (propellers), steering systems, and engine controls. The last chapter discusses solutions you might use to problems that could occur while afloat and away from a repair facility. Gasoline, diesel, and outboard engines are treated independently in this chapter.

Since one of the major objectives of the course is to help the student become more self-reliantafloat, trouble diagnosis and temporary remedies are emphasized along with safety measures. This course is not intended to produce trained mechanics but rather more intelligent and more resourceful boat engine operators.

The development of practical skills and methods in preparing for both classroom and meeting presentations are the objectives of this unique course. Unlike other USPS courses, the Instructor Development course is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, its emphasis is on enhancing instructor skills. Instructor Development has been designed to develop interactive teaching methods.

Instructor Development includes practice assignments in preparation and delivery of presentations in the classroom, including the use of traditional and computer visual aids. All types of aids that can enhance a presentation are studied and the student is afforded the opportunity to become familiar with their best use.
 

Electronic devices for the recreational boater have come a long, long way over the years. With the advent of solid state digital electronics, sophisticated sensors and radios have become commonplace on our vessels. The former Marine Electronics course is now being taught as three new courses, each covering a major marine electrical system. While these courses are not intended to make them electrical experts, students get training in the basic concepts of these systems.

Marine Electrical Systems Course

The Marine Electrical Systems course starts with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems.

Marine Electrical Systems includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat electrical system.

Marine Communications Systems Course

Marine Communications Systems is an in-depth review of the communications systems available to the recreational boater, or to those with whom he/she shares the water. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn to be able to choose the best communications method for their situation. Presentations of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the FCC Rules and Regulations set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures, covering both voice and digital messaging. Communications systems used on the high seas (MF/HF and satellite) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers are covered. There is also a information on the troubleshooting of radio installations.

Electronic Navigation Systems Course

Electronic Navigation Systems covers electronic navigation instruments including depth sounders, radar, GPS, and on display systems including chart plotters and personal computers. There will be information on interfacing and connecting these systems, and on new visual aids to piloting.