| Boat Smart is a course for all boaters including personal
watercraft operators, hunters or fishermen operating an outboard utility boat, canoe and kayak paddlers, skippers
of a family cruiser, and sailing enthusiasts. All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and
courtesies of the sea. The course includes three main sections:
Getting Started: boat terms and types, boat handling, anchoring, water sport safety, personal watercraft
- What's Needed: equipment, regulations, law enforcement
- Rules To Live By: aids to navigation, navigation rules, adverse conditions, marine radio
- As boating is often a family activity, the course is of value to all members of a boating family. USPS encourages
families to attend as groups.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for
instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales t
ax, etc.
While the content of this student manual serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference book in basic
boating long after the course work is completed. The course meets the educational standards of the National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and features a proctored examination as required by many states and insurance companies. The
course will provide instruction and examination for laws and regulations of state and local authorities in the area where the
course is taught.
USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Boat Smart is the
beginning of a boating education. Chart Smart is available for those who would like to learn a little about piloting. USPS
encourages students to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to
members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.
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