Public Boating Courses
America's Boating Course® 1 day course. |
Check Back in August For our Fall Class Schedule |
America's Boating Course® 5 lesson course. |
Check back in August for our Fall Class Schedule |
USPS Seminar Series
Using GPS |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
On Board Weather Forecasting |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
Boat Handling Under Power |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
Sail Trim |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
How to Use a Chart |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
Paddle Smart |
None Yet Scheduled Cost and Syllabus Listed Below |
For more information and to pre-register and reserve a place, please contact P/D/Lt/C Ted Smyczek, SN at 262-786-2599.
USPS Member Courses
Piloting |
Contact Ron Kraase at 414-541-0134 to register |
Sail |
Contact Fran Pauls at 414-332-2033 for the dates, times and class location. |
Squadron Weather Course |
Class Finished |
Course Descriptions for USPS Seminar Series
How to Use a Chart
The NOAA Chart No. 1 is the quintessential reference to chart details, but it is difficult to understand. This seminar walks you through what you really need to know and provides you with a flip-fold waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide by Maptech 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 a USPS plotter and even a quick guide to the “Rules of the Road.”
Cost: $24.00 for members of USPS
$30.00 for non-members
On-Board Weather Forecasting,
Changing weather conditions can convert what was a delightful day on the water into a real challenge. Forecasting what weather you will encounter is one of the top priorities for safe boating. Should we go out? When should we come in? These are important questions, but some fundamental understanding of the weather can help you make these decisions. That’s what this seminar is all about.
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.
Cost: $28.00 for members of USPS
$35.00 for non-members
Using a 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 U.S. 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 Captain’s Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard.
Cost: $24.00 for members of USPS
$30.00 for non-members
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 unit if you currently don’t own one. The waterproof McGraw-Hill Captains Quick Guide Using GPS is included to take aboard your boat to remind you of the steps or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.
Cost: $28.00 for members of USPS
$35.00 for non-members
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 materials include a waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide and Student Notes.
Sail Trim and Rig Tuning
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.
Paddle Smart
Welcome to the world of paddlesports. You have joined (or soon will) the fastest growing part of boating. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks and canoes accounted for some 54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000 crafts. Kayaking, canoeing or rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the process. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment
For more information and to pre-register and reserve a place, please contact P/D/Lt/C Ted Smyczek, SN at 262-786-2599.
Course Descriptions for USPS Member Courses
Seamanship (S) |
Building on the basics taught in the public boating courses, Seamanship is the recommended first course for new members, both power boaters and sailors. Students learn practical marlinspike, navigation rules, hull design and performance, responsibilities of the skipper, boat care, operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, what to do in various emergencies and weather conditions, nautical customs and common courtesy on the water. This course provides the needed introduction to the USPS Educational Program and a strong foundation for members going on to other Advanced Grades courses and/or Cruise Planning or Sail. Prerequisites: None |
Advanced Piloting (AP) |
This new course is the final part of the inland and coastal navigation series. This material continues to build on the base developed in PILOTING and includes practical use of additional electronic navigation systems and other advanced techniques for finding position. It is such a change from the previous AP course; it will be worthwhile for those already having taken AP to tune their skills with this new course. Among topics covered are: Finding position using bearings and angles; Collision avoidance using GPS and radar; What to do when the electronics fail; Tides, current and wind and their effect on piloting; Electronic navigationwith: GPS, chart plotters, radar, autopilots, etc.; Application of course lectures through practical in-class exercises. Prerequisites: Seamanship and Piloting |
Instructor Development |
This course deals with effective communication for speakers and teachers - a quality that benefits the student in all walks of life. It offers practical instruction in: preparing for teaching assignments, preparing for meeting presentations, effective teaching techniques, conducting efficient meetings, and selecting and using audiovisual aids. |
Weather |
This course, taught in two modules, furnishes basic weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating. Students learn to make weather predictions based on observations of the sky, barometer and wind information, weather data from maps, satellite images and radio & TV broadcasts. Weather 101 (Basic Weather) covers effects of heat & cold; wind & pressure; storms & fronts; rain, humidity, fog, floods, droughts & winter precipitation. Weather 102 (Advanced Weather) covers thunderstorms & tornados, tropical weather, atmosphere & clouds, forecasting and climate. |
If you are interested in these courses, or would like to see another course added to the schedule, please contact Stf/C Mike Wiedel mswiedel@earthlink.net 414-353-8240.
Video Tape Library
The Milwaukee Sail and Power Squadron has interesting and educational video tapes. These tapes can be checked out by our members. Following is a list of available tapes.
Title |
Time |
Rules of the Road |
00:12 |
The Unchained Goddess |
55:30 |
Man Overboard |
12:36 |
Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance |
90:00 |
Lifelines (Pointers from Tug and Barge Operators) |
|
ABC of the Diesel Engine |
00:12 |
Basic Diesel Engine |
00:28 |
Why take Seamanship |
12:30 |
Seamanship under Adverse Conditions |
|
Lighting and Sailboats |
|
Personal Watercraft |
|
A Little Common Sense |
|
Road Signs of the Waterways |
|
Lifelines |
|
Power Boating ‚ Twin Screw Handling |
|
Haul Out |
30:00 |
The Ultimate Challenge |
60:00 |
The Crossing |
60.00 |
The Ice Field (A Merchant Ship Passage) |
|
Marine Engine Maintenance |
90:00 |
USCG ‚ Aids to Navigation ( Road Signs of the Waterways ) |
30:00 |
USCG: 1. Drowning Machine |
|
2. Wader Safety |
|
3. Trailer Handling |
|
4. Boat Handling |
|
Trailering your Boat |
|
USPS Sailing |
Available for sale is the video tape "The Squadron
Boating Course" with Book produced in cooperation with the US Coast Guard.
This is an 80 minute video and accompanying 240 page book, including:
Boat Handling and Seamanship
Regulations, Safe Boating and Marlinspike
Basic Navigation
Piloting
Navigation Rules, Marine Radio Telephone and Boat
Trailering
Personal Watercraft Operation
For more information, contact P/Lt/C Gisela Murray, SN at (414) 425-2122
Education Department
Squadron Educational Officer Stf/C Mike Wiedel, AP
mswiedel@earthlink.net 414-353-8240
P/D/C Ted Smyczek, SN Public Courses Chair |
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P/D/C Ted Smyczek, SN America's Boating Course |
|
Lt Dan Noonan, AP Seamanship Course Chair |
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P/D/C Ron Kraase, SN Piloting Course Chair |
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P/D/C Ted Smyczek, SN Advanced Piloting Course Chair |
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D/1st/Lt John Winger, SN Junior Navigation Course Chair |
D/1st/Lt John Winger, SN Navigation Course Chair |
Lt. Jim Stewart and Lt Jane Stewart Cruise Planning Course Co-Chairs |
Lt Chuck Kersey, P Engine Maintenance Course Chair |
|
P/D/C Ron Kraase, SN Instructor Development |
Stf/C Mike Wiedel, AP Marine Electronics Chair |
|
P/Lt/C Fran Pauls, SN Sail Class Chair |
P/D/Lt/C Mike Beckmann, SN Weather Class Chair |
P/D/Lt/C Ted Smyczek, SN Teaching Aids |