Public Boating Courses

Individual USPS squadrons have provided courses as a free service (materials cost may apply) to the boating public–over 3 million boaters–since 1914. Passing any of the courses below satisfies the basic prerequisite for membership in the United States Power Squadrons, where members enjoy a host of more advanced courses including Seamanship, Coastal and Inland Navigation, Offshore Navigation, Marine Electronics, Engine Maintenance, Sail, Cruise Planning, Weather, and more.

Boat Smart is a four-evening, introductory class in boater education and the one most often taught by our squadron. Instruction is free but there is a minimal charge for the materials, which includes the certificate of completion for those passing the exam. This certificate satisfies Oregon State requirements for boater education. Classes are offered in winter, spring and fall and are useful to all boaters, from the occasional kayaker to the skipper of an blue water cruiser or sailboat; and it covers the same safe boat handling and operation material as the longer The Squadron Boating Course, but in only about 8 hours.

The Squadron Boating Course is a six-week course that teaches the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation and basic navigation in one comprehensive classroom course. The course includes lessons on seamanship, boat handling, boat types, rules of the road, navigation aids, regulations, adverse conditions, marine VHF radio, knots, trailering and introductory piloting and provides an extensive course book, training charts, and basic navigation tools. As a special feature, it also includes an introduction to digital charting on CD-ROM in an appendix and an overview of electronic navigation.

For those who have difficulty scheduling class time, USPS offers America’s Boating Course. This course can be taken in any of three ways: on the Internet, by studying an 80-page course manual or with a CD. No matter how you like to learn, when you sign up you'll receive a complete package which includes the course manual, the boating course CD, and a PIN number giving you access to the Internet course.

All these courses meet state and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements for certification, and satisfactory completion is accepted by most insurance companies, which may result in lower boat insurance rates; ask your agent.

Registration for classes is easy. You can register online, contact the instructor or e-mail our Public Boating Chair, J’Leane Christofferson, or phone her at 503.393.8009 for information. Start the process by first going to our public class schedule to determine the next available class closest to your home as well as contact and registration information. For detailed information or to register online, follow the "more" link for your preferred class location. If you don't live in our service area, go here to find a boating course near your zip code. For descriptions of Advanced and Elective classes that USPS members enjoy follow the Member Courses link. If you would like to join us or have questions about becoming a Power Squadron member, see our Membership FAQ page.

Benefits of Taking A USPS Boating Course Include:

• Classes are a fun learning activity in which the whole family can participate
• Compliance with Oregon’s mandatory boater education law
• Learn the “Rules of the Road” of safe boating and boat handling
• Reduction in boat insurance rates (ask your insurance provider)
• Learn from knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic instructors who are also boaters dedicated to safe boating
• Meet like-minded individuals for friendship and camaraderie

2007 Public Class Schedule

Basic information for our public classes follows below. If you would like detailed information or would like to register online, follow the “more” link for your preferred class location.

• Cottage Grove, OR: Boat Smart begins 7 p.m., 4 April at Lane Community College, 1275 S River Rd., Cottage Grove (map). Contact James Treat at 541.942.5413 or by e-mail for more information. More...

• Dallas, OR: Boat Smart – class begins 7 p.m., 10 April at Chemeketa Community College, 915 SE Ash (map). E-mail J’Leane Christofferson, or phone 503.393.8009 for details about this or other available classes. More ...

• Eugene, OR: Boat Smart begins 7 p.m., 2 April at Lane Community College, 4000 East 30th Ave., Eugene (map). Contact Carla Montchalin at 541.836.7048 for more details or to register. More ...

• McMinnville, OR: Boat Smart – class begins 7 p.m., 10 April at Chemeketa Community College, 500 North Hill Road (map). E-mail J’Leane Christofferson, or phone 503.393.8009 for details about this or other available classes. More ...

• Woodburn, OR: Boat Smart – class begins 7 p.m., 14 April at Chemeketa Community College, 120 East Lincoln Street (map). E-mail J’Leane Christofferson, or phone 503.393.8009 for details about this or other available classes. More ...