REPLACE

Upcoming Connecticut Public Boating Classes

The Norwich Power Squadron holds Connecticut public boating classes throughout the year.  If you would like to attend one of these courses, please email RuthAnne Collins or call her at 860-444-9027.

Public Boating Courses

America's Boating Course

All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. The Norwich Power Squadron's Educational Department teaches America's Boating Course, which is a public boating course for all types of vessels including personal watercraft operators, canoe and kayak paddlers, skippers of a family cruiser, and sailing enthusiasts.

Connecticut boating classes are offered throughout the year. A schedule of available classes will be published soon. You can also take the course through the internet or at home.  Additional details are available on the United States Power Squadron website.

The course includes the baics you need to know to safely and legally operate your boat, such as:

  • basic boating terminology

  • boat handling

  • water sports safety

  • Personal Watercrafts

  • legally required equipment other boating laws, and

  • regulations, right-of-way rules between boats, and marine radio operation

Beyond the basic safety material, additional information covers the fundamentals of:

  • reading nautical charts

  • using a chart to plot and follow a safe course, and

  • the basics of using a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation. (In addition to practice charts and plotting tools, the materials supplied with the course also include a CD-ROM containing Maptech’s Chart Navigator computer program, allowing the student to learn about this exciting new electronic technology).

As boating is often a family activity, the course is of value to all members of a boating family. USPS and the Norwich Power Squadron encourages families to attend as groups.

America's Boating Course Book

Public Boating Seminars

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Seminars for boaters

The United States Power Squadron has a series of short seminars covering specific topics of interest to boaters. The first four are available now and cover GPS, chart reading, VHF radio usage (including the Digital Selective Calling feature found on all new radios), and on-board weather forecasting. These seminars are usually taught in a single two-hour class. A student note book is included, along with a take-away guide or other items that are useful on your boat. Seminars on other topics are now being completed, and will be released in the near future. Get more information on USPS’s public seminars.

For more information, contact us or call Norwich Power Squadron Educational Coordinator RuthAnne Collins at (860) 444-9027.