Boating Education with the Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron 
The Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron is a voluntary and not-for-profit organization of individuals interested in promoting safe boating. In addition to providing public service to the local community and social activities for its members, the group is committed to providing educational programs designed to encourage safe and responsible operation of water craft. The Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron is an affiliate of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), a national organization supporting recreational boaters.
The following frequently asked questions will provide any interested reader with information needed to access the resources of the group.
What can I learn by attending an educational program at the Pamlico Power Squadron?
Course offerings at the Pamlico Power Squadron include everything from basic introduction to boating through focused brief seminars, to advanced topics from seamanship to celestial navigation courses. Educational offerings are designed to inform boaters of various topics in an effort to assist those interested in boating in having experiences that are safe and pleasant.
How can I learn about specific courses that may be of interest to me or my family?
A schedule of education offerings is available from several sources. Current offerings can be seen at the web site of the Pamlico Power Squadron. Plans for educational activities are also published in the Squadron newsletter: “Sound of the Pamlico”. You may also contact the education officer at nittanymt@aol.com.
Is there a fee for enrolling in a Power Squadron Course?
A fee $30.00 is collected to cover costs including all books and materials. The United States Power Squadron is a not-for-profit organization. Funds collected for courses are set to cover costs of materials and a small administrative charge to cover the costs of providing the courses.
Will I be able to receive a discount on my boat insurance if I take a Power Squadron Boating Course?
The basic boating courses, ABC and the Power Squadron Boating Course has been endorsed by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). This organization is the accrediting body that is recognized by many in the insurance industry. Generally there is a discount on boat insurance premiums if you document completion of a qualifying basic boating course.
How long do Power Squadron courses take to complete?
Courses vary in their length. Most elective and advanced courses can be completed in about ten weeks. The Pamlico Power Squadron will generally offer programs for two hours for six consecutive weeks on weekday evenings. An additional session is generally planned for a review and completion of an examination. So, most courses take about six weeks.
Seminars are covered in one session of two to three hours.
Can I take a course if I know I cannot attend all the sessions?
While attending the educational sessions is important and provides a forum for interaction with instructors, the material that should be learned is included in a student manual provided for each course. Review of the student manual will assure that you keep current with what is being considered in the class. Our instructors recognize that in today’s world there are several competing influences for your time. Instructors are willing to work with you outside the classroom sessions to enable you to learn the subject matter for each course. There is, therefore, no attendance requirement to complete a course module. Regular attendance at the classroom sessions is strongly encouraged to get the most from course participation.
In addition, many of our courses are now supported by online sites that encourage interaction between instructors and students outside the classroom.
Must I be a member of the Pamlico Power Squadron to take a course?
Introductory boating courses and USPS seminars are open to anyone who has interest in boating. Elective and advanced courses require that you join the Pamlico Power Squadron. Further information on membership is available through the USPS membership department. To obtain an application for membership contact Bob Young, the membership director at mailto:yungsters@suddenlink.net.
What is the USPS University?
Recognizing that there are specific types of knowledge and skill needed to operate various types of water craft in different environments, the USPS has developed recommendations for individuals who wish to pursue a specific certification in boating. It is planned that such certifications will be recognized by other boating organizations (US Sailing) and regulatory bodies (US Coast Guard). Each level of certification requires completion of a series of courses that are recommended by the USPS as including the knowledge required to safely operate a water craft at the prescribed level. In addition, certification will require an on-the-water demonstration of certain skills.
What levels of Certification are available through the USPS University program?
Four levels of boat operator certification will be available:
- Inland Navigator – boats to 8 meters – protected waters, lakes, rivers and canals.
- Coastal Navigator – boats to 12 meters – in local coastal water – up to 5 nautical miles from shore, includes Intercoastal Waterway.
- Advanced Coastal Navigator – boats up to 20 meters – extended coastal cruising up to 50 nautical miles from shore.
- Offshore Navigator – boats up to 20 meters – all waters except extreme conditions.
In addition, other endorsements for specific skills such as sailboarding or operating in foreign waters (Mexico and Canada) will be provided to those completing specific and relevant studies and an examination.
What benefit is there in completing a USPS certification program?
In addition to have confidence that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a water craft in the way you intend, certification offeres serveral other adavantages. Among these are the following:
- ease in obtaining insurance at reasonable rates to operate in waters you desire.
- ability to rent a boat, particularly outside the United States.
- credential for public speaking.
- use in providing expert testimony in court.
- used to enhance credibility in publishing.
