Weather (W)
This weather course will furnish basic weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating. The student will learn to make weather predictions based upon observations of the sky, upon barometer and wind information, as well as weather data provided by maps, satellite images, and radio and TV broadcasts. Wx 101 and Wx 102 use a USPS supplement manual together with The Weather Book from USA Today (second edition, 1997) as the textbook.
Wx 101 - Basic Weather - topics include:
Effects of Heat and Cold
Wind and Pressure
Storms and Fronts
Rain, Humidity and Fog
Floods, Droughts, and Winter Precipitation
Wx 102 - Advanced Weather - topics include:
Thunderstorms and Tornados
Tropical Weather
Atmosphere and Clouds
Forecasting
Climate
Sail (SA) 102
Sail 102 Advanced Sail - Module 2
· Wind Forces
· Stability
· Balance
· Sail Shape
· Tuning the Rig
· Steering and Helmsmanship
· Spinnaker Handling
· Heavy Weather Sailing
· Storm Conditions
· Sailing Safety
· Sailboat Racing
· Race Management
· Navigation Rules I
Sail (SA) 101
Sail (Sa)
Sail 101 Basic - Module 1
· Sailboat Rigs
· Sail Plans
· Boat Design and Hull Types
· Sails
· Standing Rigging
· Running Rigging
· Wind
· Preparing to Sail
· Sailing Upwind
· Sailing Downwind
· Docking and Anchoring
· Marlinespike Seamanship
· Navigation Rules I
Marine Electronics (ME)
This course teaches essential knowledge about a boat's electrical and electronic systems, including:
· Proper wiring
· Grounding
· Corrosion and electrolysis control
· Batteries
· and their maintenance
· Depth finders
· Marine radiotelephones
· Radar
· GPS, and other electronic positioning systems
Instructor Qualification (IQ)
Unlike other USPS courses, IQ is not designed to enhance boating skills. Rather, it deals with effective communications for speaker and teacher - a quality that benefits the individual in all walks of like. It offers practical instruction in:
· Preparing for teaching assignments
· Preparing for meeting presentations
· Effective teaching techniques
· Conducting efficient meetings
· Selection and use of audio-visual aids
Engine Maintenance (EM)
This course attempts to make students more self-reliant afloat, with trouble-diagnosis and temporary remedies given special emphasis. It covers both marine gasoline and diesel engines, including concepts of operation, maintenance and repair of their:
· Cooling systems
· Electrical systems
· Fuel systems
· Lubricating systems
· Power train components
· Ancillary propulsion components
Cruise Planning (CP)
This course is designed for members who plan to cruise for a year or just a weekend - in either a sail or power boat. It covers such topics as:
· Planning a voyage
· Financing a voyage
· Managing commitments back home
· How to equip a cruising boat
· Crew selection
· Provisioning
· Voyage management
· Entering and clearing foreign ports
· Emergencies afloat
· Security measures