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Conference vicki::boats

Title:Powerboats
Notice:Introductions 2 /Classifieds 3 / '97 Ski Season 1267
Moderator:KWLITY::SUTER
Created:Thu May 12 1988
Last Modified:Wed Jun 04 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1275
Total number of notes:18109

564.0. "Coast Guard Aux vs Power Squadron Course" by SSVAX::REDFIELD () Sun Dec 10 1989 19:16

I just completed the Power Squadron Basic Boating course given in Acton.
Last year, I went through the Coast Guard Auxiliary Course as well given in 
Concord.

For those of you contemplating a basic boating course (I strongly suggest 
that you do think about it), the Coast Guard Auxilliary course is far 
superior to the Power Squadron offering for the following reasons:

	1. Better visual aids i.e. movies, 35mm slides (tends to make things
		a bit more vivid than the use of monochrome overhead slides)
	2. The entire subject matter is covered in class vs 50% with
		the Power Squadron
	3. More interaction is encouraged in the Coast Guard course.  Each
		class started out by covering the homework and discussing 
		questions vs an approach that just collected the homework
	4. The Coast Guard folks seemed to be more knowledgeable (of 
		course, that might have been just the luck of the draw vs
		an applicable generalization).

I felt it appropriate to share these opinions since folks who have made the 
right decision to attend a basic boating course need a perspective as to 
who may offer the better course and so few folks have taken both.

One student's perspective,


Carl

	
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564.1Key is to do itSALEM::KLOTZMon Dec 11 1989 09:5371
    Carl,
    	
    	Since you mention you took the Power Squadron Basic Boating
    in Acton -  I am assuming that it was given by the Minute Man Squadron
    - and if this is the case I will take your feedback to the squadron
    as it feels there is a need for improvement.
    
    	There is a lot to be said regarding your statement about the
    "luck of the draw.." especially regarding the instructors.  I have
    taught the USPS Seamanship course for a few years now (it's the
    next one after the Basic Course) ans have had the advantage of not
    only my knowledge; but, the cumulative knowledge of both this file
    and the Sailing notes file.
    
    	All must bear in mind that these courses (USPS or CG) are taught
    by volunteers with an interest in boating.  Their experiance can
    vary immensely depending upon which courses they have taken themselves
    and their own personal experiance/application of those courses.
    
    	Also the "ability" of any given instructor to communicate their
    course material can vary based upon their own style, type of
    background, even type of job they have.
    
    	I have found that in general the instructors seem to get better
    as you go into the advance courses.
    
    A General message to all would be -
    
    	- The important thing is to take a course!
    
    	- Both organizations have good course material - just pick one
          convenient to your personal schedule & commute - and take
          a course.
    
    	- As much knowledge can be obtained from being around others
          as from the raw material - this and the Sailing notes file
          are based upon such a premise.
    
    	- If you do venture out on the oceans or "large lakes" at all,
          by all means follow up the basic course with some advance
          courses.  I have seen folks with 20 years experiance take an
          advance grade and not only contribute much to the conversations;
    	  but, also learn a few things they never had considered.
    
    	- After a course - take the time to feedback to the instructors
          regarding both the course content and presentation -- they
          really do listen and often feedback to the national organizations
          to get material upgraded.
    
    	- AND ONE MORE --- after you have taken a few courses -- pitch
          in and help -- both these organizations serve a worthwhile
          and much need set of purposes ranging from education to
          assistance at sea to insuring NOAA gets info to update your
    	  charts to just plain boating fun.
          They are based upon volunteer efforts and the dues for a few
          courses are - it's your turn to help.
    
Well, the feedback is appreciated Carl and it's nice to see another
    note recommending some education in general.  (Let's just all hope
    it starts to really work and cuts back the number of $^&@ out there)
    
    LEARN in the WINTER and APPLY it in the SUMMER.
    
    		Take care,
                           Lt. Louis Klotz, AP USPS 
                           Minute Man Squadron Acton Ma.
    
              - I only did that cause I've never done it before :>)
                                                                   Lou
           
    
564.2For Members Only?HAZEL::YELINEKWITHIN 10Mon Dec 11 1989 13:039
    re: .1
    
    Lou, I was looking for another informational  course beyond the
    advanced nav. course I took last year. I've been told that there
    is many more courses available through membership in the Power
    Squadrons.
    It it true that one must become a member to take advantage of these?
    
    /MArk
564.3Membership has its privilages.LEVERS::SWEETCapt. Codfish...GW Fishing TeamMon Dec 11 1989 13:2015
    Mark,
    
      I was a member of the Merrimack river PS for a while mainly to
    take the advanced courses. Membership was on the order of $30/year
    and well worth it to take the courses. I also agree that the instructor
    makes all the difference. I found that in my group that the instructor
    was ok but some of the other folks in the class were real sharp.
    Also the materials themselves were pretty much self explanitory.
    
    There still is not substitute for real time experience though. When
    I think back how green I was that first trip down the Danvers river
    in April in the mist and fog. I had taken the first PS course at
    the time but reading it and doing it were two different things.
    
    Bruce
564.4SchedulesCSSE::RBROWNMon Dec 11 1989 16:3912
    Re: .1
    
    Lou,
    
    Do you have a schedule of the future courses in Acton ?
    Do you know of any other course offered in the Leominster / Worcester
    area ?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Bob...
    
564.5Another satisfied USPS memberDNEAST::OKERHOLM_PAUMon Dec 11 1989 16:4313
    	I'm a member of the Kennebec River Squadron of USPS. I haven't
    been exposed to CG Auxilliary training so I can't comment on it. I
    have found the USPS training useful so far although often times I feel
    like I'm ahead of the instructor. The text is self explanatory and goes
    into sufficient detail about the subject so that I always feel that I
    picked up something even if I already knew the bulk of what is being
    covered. So far I have taken Basic Boating, Seamanship and Piloting. 
    I'm ready to take my final exam for the Engine Maintenance course and 
    I'll probably sign up for the next offering of Advanced Piloting. 
    	All in all its a good way to keep your hands in the sport during 
    the long winter months.
    Regards,
    Paul
564.6USPS General InfoSALEM::KLOTZTue Dec 12 1989 09:5187
    re:.2
    
    	I can't really relate to what you mean by an Advanced nav. course
    but I'll list the available courses for all as an FYI.
    
    	The first of all courses offered by the USPS is call the "Public
    Bacis Boating Course"  This is now a six week course and covers
    all of the "Basics" in some detail - this would include such things
    as how to read the buoys, anchoring, MOB, some knots, boat handling,
    some chart work, .....     Some squadrons are offering an extension
    to the chart work as this is important and was dowm played a bit
    in going from the old 12 week course to the 6 week format.
    
    	After taking the Basic Boating course you may at your option
    join a squadron which then entitles you to take the other courses
    offered, etc...
    
    	At this point there are two set of courses offered: one set
    must be taken in an order, the other set (electives) may be taken
    at any time.
    
    	Pre-requisite style courses are:
    
    SEAMANSHIP - this is more detail of the generalities of boating.
    It covers much the same stuff as the Basic course; but, is more
    in depth and adds such things as hull structures, why a boat acts
    the way it does (metacentric height etc..), Radio use, .....
    
    PILOTING - A side note here - as a generality when "Piloting" one
    is normally using a published chart, soundings, and in sight of
    something -- when "Navigating" one may be off any published chart,
    soundings are less significant and things may not be in sight.
    
    So "Piloting" covers the concepts of relating your position to where
    you are on the chart - Sight Bearings, dead reckoning, plotting
    courses, magnetic variation/deviation, compass tuning, ranges, lights,
    etc....
    
    ADVANCE PILOTING - This builds upon the previous course by adding
    in the effects of wind/current, how to calculate these dynamics,
    how to plot a course that takes them into effect, electronic navigation
    such as LORAN, RADAR, ....

    JR. NAVIGATION - Navigating by Sextant - the stars/sun/moon as
    bearings, how to create your own "mini chart" for your lat/lon,
    how to calculate the sight reductions etc.....
    
    NAVIGATION - This is the ultimate -- the expansion of everything
    learned above.
    

    	The ELECTIVE style courses ( I won't detail as much) are:

    ENGINE MAINTAINENCE - gas, diesel, 2 & 4 cycle, transmission, etc...
    
    WEATHER - super course
    
    SAIL - the topic is obvious
    
    MARINE ELECTRONICS - the whole bit from Ohm to RADAR, wiring,....
    
    CRUISE PLANNING - a new course - from what to take to how to get
    into another country, to .......
    
    SPEAKING/TEACHING - this used to be called Instructor Qualification
    and is a very good course in presentation skills - I found it better
    than most I've seen in industry. (Though some feel it did not help
    in my case)
    
    Well I think I hit most of it in a nutshell.  Courses are generally
    between 6 & 15 weeks depending upon instructor/class, topic,...
    the Nav. Courses are heavy & time consuming.  ALL are very worthwhile.
    You must be a member (or family member).  They are typically offered
    in any given squadron in a sequence (spring and fall) that meets
    the needs of the membership (typically Basic, S, P, AP are every
    year and JN, N, electives alternate around) but you can take courses
    at any squadron.
    
    The BOAT US Education Hotline - 1-800-336-BOAT can help you find
    a squadron near you.   I'll also try to get another number and post
    it here.
    
    If you do have a question feel free to give me a call.
    
    		Take care all,
                                  Lou
    
564.7HAZEL::YELINEKWITHIN 10Tue Dec 12 1989 14:1947
    re:.6
    
>    	I can't really relate to what you mean by an Advanced nav. course
>    but I'll list the available courses for all as an FYI.
    
Lou, from reading your note it appears that there are some slight
    differences in the 'course titles' and perhaps the 'course content'
    as well. I guess I assumed that the Coast Guard Auxilary and the
    Power Squadrons were groups that shared roughly the same function
    around education of boating. I still have no idea whether or not
    the two groups were related in the past or why they are not one
    today. 
    Does the US Power Squadrons perform a function clearly separated
    from what the US Coast Guard Auxilary does?
    
    My first course was titled 'Boating Skills and Seamanship'.     
    Its span was 12 weeks and seemed to cover all the fundamentals you mentioned
    in the basic course with the last 4 or 5 classes focusing on course
    charting and using the Sixty "D" Street...that is (60D=ST) formula.
    
    Last year I attended what the Auxilary called "Advanced Navigation"
   This course was very intense around chart work with an exercise which
    spaned the entire length of the course (12 or 13 weeks) in addition
    to the weekly exercises at the end of each chapter.
   It included "Piloting" as you described using soundings, ranges,
    bearings etc. in addition to the effects of windspeed & current
    and how the course should be charted to take into account these
    effects ..also .. weather .. We also spent some serious time around RDF's, 
    loran and radar with emphasis detailing how a particular ship appears
    on radar depending upon its position..(how to read the Pips or Bips
    as I recall). We stoped our discussions just prior to Celestial
    Navigation which I was told was offered in a group of courses offered
    through membership. 
    
    This Adv. Nav. course which I took was not a breeze. The content
    was not extremely difficult but chart work can be very time consuming.
    I guess what I'm saying is that you couldn't accomplish the homework
    quickly after supper and then rush off to the course. I spent roughly
    3-4 hours per week between the reading and the exercises. The class
    started out with 14 people, after 4 weeks only 5 people still attending
    and only 3 of us showed up for the final exam all passing successfully.
    Good course. 
    Again-Anybody know the diff. between Power Squadrons & C.G. Aux.
    Are both organizations 100% volunteer and are they (how are they)
    associated the the U.S Coast Guard.?  /MArk    
        

564.8Different OrgsSALEM::KLOTZTue Dec 12 1989 16:2454
    re .7
    Mark,
    
    	The USPS and the CG Aux are in no way related other than the
    both want to achieve "Safe Boating thriugh Education".
    Indeed some feel they are competitors for the same audiance - my
    personal feeling is who cares as long as the goals are achieved.
    
    The USPS is more class room oriented and is a private organization.
    
    The CG Aux (feel free to correct me folks) is also oriented toward
    work on the water - assisting boaters in need etc...  They are not
    "really" associate with the CG other than through sponsorship support.
    When the CG aux is on patrol in uniform there has been an ongoing
    discussion/argument as to whether or not they are/should be entitled
    to assist in enforcement of rules - this has on occasion given a
    very good organization some bad and underserved press (Some folks
    act strange when you give them a uniform & it reflects on all)
    
    I indeed know some people who are in both organizations.
    The courses are not automatically transferable for credit (if you
    will) between the two organizations - however; I believe the standard
    in either org. is that you don't "have" to attend the course - you
    just need to pass the test.
    
    The USPS is 75 years old and dates back to every body's old buddy
    Charlie Chapman.
    
    Like all "Fraternal" organizations they both have a certain "clickness"
    at times and both in the past have had their run-ins with a tendency
    to be "Male" oriented -- This has been corrected in both organizations
    at least from what I've seen (or I wouldn't belong)
    
    Again - don't look for too much symmetry - they simply have like
    goals.   (Why both McDonnalds & Burger King??)
    Join either one - or both - if you want some first hand experiance
    with small rescue services or spending a weekend afternoon just
    helping out on the big pond - join the CG Aux & get certified for
    patrol -- have your boat certified as a patrol boat.
    Both orgs have social events, etc...
    Both have damn good education - esp if you want it & assist it.
    
    Keep it "Pleasure" boating - learn for fun aside from saftey.
    
    I highly recommend the Acton Minute Man USPS for anyone in that
    area -- it is very active -- very good/bright in general and is
    largely DECies (present or former) -- this particular crowd is about
    60% sail & tends to sail on the south shore/buzzards bay area -
    but fun just the same.
    
    Well I'm pontificating -- hope this helps - I forgot the question!
    
    			Take care,
                                   Lou
564.9I did that????SALEM::KLOTZTue Dec 12 1989 16:3011
    Good Grief --
    
    	I just re-read my reply in .8 
    
    	I was in a rush & can't believe the Grammar or spelling I used.
    
    	Well I think the basic thought can be picked up ---
    
    	I apologize for destroying the language ----
    
    			Lou who_needs_to_slow_down
564.10MEMBERSHIP DOES HAVE ITS PREVILEGESPOBOX::SWENSONThu Dec 14 1989 23:499
    I'm a member of the Skokie Valley Power Squadron here in Chicago.
     I find the educational aspects the best part of the organization.
     Most of the people have been boating for years and know most of
    the answers.  I find all in the group to be enthusiastic and always
    ready to lend a hand.  I recommend joining this group to anyone
    wanting to learn more about boating.  My challenge is going across
    Lake Michigan.  I have more to learn before I am ready.  The USPS
    has an outing each year where the group makes the crossing together.
     Here is where the theory turns into practice.
564.11DNEAST::OKERHOLM_PAUMon Dec 18 1989 11:295
    Re .10>
    
    	Just curious. How long a run is it across the pond?
    Paul
    
564.12CAN'T SEE SHORE EVEN ON A CLEAR DAY!POBOX::SWENSONMon Dec 18 1989 18:1610
    Lake Michigan is about 60 miles across from Chicago.  That makes
    it a little over an hour on a calm day at WOT (If I don't run out
    of gas).  The hazard on the lake is fog.  I'm told it rolls in within
    minutes.  It can be a bright sun straight up and not be able to
    see 100 feet straight ahead.  It makes having a compass, Loran and
    a radio a must.
    
    During the yearly trip most people run about 25 knots( 3000 rpm
    is most efficient for most everyone) so it takes between two to
    three hours.
564.13The AUX and USPS CommentsUSRCV1::FRASCHWed Dec 20 1989 11:2333
    They (USPS & USCG AUX) are not related/connected. However, many
    members of one are also members of the other. Why? One "Advantage"
    of the AUX is we do on-the-water search and rescue for the Coast
    Guard. Lots of folks in the USPS like the additional opportunities
    (beyond teaching) to practice what they know. The USCG AUX requires
    EXTENSIVE training now before a member is allowed to do on-the-water
    patrols. We also do, and are trained for, Courtesy Marine Examinations
    fo boats for compliance to safety regs. (strictly voluntary on the
    owners's part) Many find the added opportunities of the AUX increase
    their proficiency in teaching. (thus they also join the AUX) This
    might be why, in some areas, you find "More Meat" in the AUX
    instruction.
    
    Don't shoot me for that one!! It's NOT a negative on the USPS people!!!
    (We work very closely here in Rochester!) It's simply a statement
    that what we do in the AUX seems to suppliment the USPS' quality
    of instruction by giving them more experience in difficult situations.
    
    As for the relationship of the AUX to the Coast Guard; We are a
    part of the C.G.! There are three cpmponents; The C.G. Regulars,
    the Reserves and the Auxiliary. Officially the AUX is "The Civilian
    Non-Military arm of the C.G. Dedicated to Boating Safety". We are
    subject to the directives of the Commandant of the C.G. and have
    full time C.G. regular Officers at the District level assigned as
    "Director's of the Auxiliary (DIRAUX) for that District. The BIG
    difference between us and the C.G or Reserve is we DO NOT have ANY
    law enforcement capability!!!!! (and don't want it)
    
    Bottom line is BOTH organizations (USPS & AUX) are commited to safe
    boating and will go out of their way to help!!!
    
    Don
    
564.14A bit more on Don's comments HDLITE::CREASERThu Dec 21 1989 10:2647
Don did clear up a few points raised in reply .8
Here is a little more detail.

The Auxiliary is Fifty years old this year and was authorized by the U.S 
Congress as the Civilian arm of the Coast Guard. The Federal Code spells out
the scope and limits of our missions. I believe the USPS is 75 years old.

Most members while conducting tasks within those missions are operating under
Coast Guard Orders (legal). This includes times when they are instructing, 
public or member training, ingauged in safety patrols, performing Courtesy 
Marine Examination, and other activities.

We have NO! law enforcement powers. We do have access to certain Coast Guard
related services and facilities. For example, when on an Ordered Patrol, we
use Coast Guard VHF Marine Radio frequencies, we use the Coast Guard Station
facilities, docks, building etc., we may have specially qualified Auxiliaries
standing Radio Watch at the station, and occasionally we will have Regular or
Reserve Coast Guard personnel aboard our vessels. Joint C.G. and AUX training
is a common event.

Much of the advanced member training is built into the regular program.
Two seperate lesson track address first the theory, seven seperate courses,
and secondly the practical application of boating skills. The first program
is called the AUXOP (for Auxiliary Operation) program. It is thought of as the
"PhD" for members and averages about 150 hours of class and 300 outside work.

The second program is the Boat Crew Qualification Program and requires about
400-500 hours of training and practice to achieve the highest rating. The are
four levels: Trainee, Crew, Operator, and Coxswain. A total of 220+ tasks
must be performed and observed by a "Qualification Examiner" (QE) who then 
certifies the sucessful completion of each task. QEs are Coxswains who have
been selected (less 1% of the membership), especially trained and who committed
to a three year term as QE.
  
Members may also order any Coast Guard Institute coorspondence course and may
be invited to attend certain Coast Guard National Schools, such as Advanced
Search and Rescue School.

Enough all ready! Give me a call  (DTN 297-7653) if you'd like to discuss 
further.

Jerry Creaser

Coxswain, QE 01N035
Assistant Staff Officer for Member Traing, First Coast Guard District Northern
  Region
Flotilla Commander, 01N-1001
564.15Central MA Safe Boating coursesHDLITE::CREASERThu Dec 21 1989 10:270
564.16Oops I forgot the file for my last reply......HDLITE::CREASERThu Dec 21 1989 10:3051
			United State Coast Guard Auxiliary
			  First District Northern Region 
			    Division 10  (Central MA.)

      The following classes are scheduled for the Central Mass. area.

	Start Date		Place		    * Power ** Sail  AUX Unit
	& Times					      BS&B     S&S

	FEB 13th	U.S. Naval Reserve Center	13     	no   FLOT. 1001
	Tues. 1900	240 Plantation Street
			Worcester, MA


	JAN 10th	V.F.W. Hall, Route 16		6	no   FLOT. 1002
	Weds. 1930	Uxbridge, MA

	JAN 9th		Knights of Columbus		13	14   FLOT. 1003
	Tues. 1900	484 Lancaster Ave. (Route 117)
			Leominster, MA

	FEB 8th		Assabet Vally Regional H.S. 	13	14   FLOT. 1004
	Thurs. 1900	Fitchburg Street
			Marlboro, MA

	JAN 4th		Wachusett Regional H.S.		13	13   FLOT. 1006
	Thurs. 1900	Route 122A
			Holden, MA

	JAN 10th	Clinton H.S.			13	14   FLOT. 1007
	Weds. 1900	Church Street
			Clinton, MA

    ***	JAN 18th	Auburn H.S.			6	7    FLOT. 1010
	Thurs. 1900	Auburn Street
			Auburn, MA 


   * The Power courses are entry level "Boating Skills & Seamanship".

  ** The Sail courses are entry level "Sailing and Seamanship".

 *** The Auburn Flotilla, 1010 will also hold an Advanced Coastal Navigation
     class, 13 lessons, same time and place as their BS&S and S&S classes.

 For more detailed information, you may call the Division 10 Public Education 
 Officer, LES Pease, at 1-508-799-0691.

Jerry Creaser, Coxswain
Assistant District Staff Officer, Member Training

564.17what about a HarbormasterHAZEL::YELINEKWITHIN 10Thu Dec 21 1989 10:4113
RE: Note 564.13        by  USRCV1::FRASCH  
    
    > The BIG difference between us (CG.AUX) and the C.G or Reserve is we
    > DO NOT have ANY law enforcement capability!!!!! (and don't want it)

    Out of curiousity, What degree of law enforcement (if any) does a 
    HarborMaster have within his jurisdiction (his harbor etc.)
        
    /MArk
    
    
    
564.18Harbormaster is law enforcementUSCTR1::FMACGILLIVRAThu Dec 21 1989 16:494
    The harbormaster is generally part of the local police department.
    I believe that they carry the same authority as any law enforcement
    officer.  In Boston, Quincy, Weymouth and Hingham, the harbormaster
    is part of the police department.
564.19Power Squadron is on video tapeDECSIM::DEMBAMon Apr 02 1990 11:3618
    Last Saurday I talked with John Olmsted (Chelmsford, MA) about taking
    the Power Sqaudron course. I found that the course is offered on video
    tape. He has it in the Chelmsford town library and I found it in the
    Harvard town library. 
    
    I would rather take the course in person, because you have all
    the spontaneous interaction between students and teacher. But, the 
    course isn't offered again till the fall. I also have tried to track
    down a local course for the Coast Guard course without luck.
    
    Benefits are that the course is available for only the a rental fee
    from the library and it can be taken at leisure. The test is taken for
    free from John Olmsted when you think that you are prepared for it.
    
    	Steve
    
    
    	
564.20Courses, USCGA or Power Squadron?GOLF::WILSONOutboard owners have longer...seasons!Tue Sep 18 1990 15:4335
Moved by moderator...

================================================================================
Note 755.0              Courses- USCGA or Power Sqadron??             No replies
WONDER::CASABONA                                     29 lines  18-SEP-1990 13:41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is primarily a request to solicit input relative to Boating safety
courses available in the greater Stow, Mass. area.  My son is coming of
age to legally drive the boat in Maine and I want him to have some formal
course work under his belt before I turn over the keys (This of course is
in addition to my own stringent use/safety demonstration requirements).
Years back, I took the USCGA Power boating course - focusing on safety,
rules of the "road", coastal navigation, etc.  We will probably make this
a father - son project.  Next year there will be a similar Mother - Daughter 
project.

Questions - 
        What courses are available from Power Squadron, USCGA,
        relative to safety, rules of the "road", etc. ?

        What is the difference between the courses of the 2
        organizations?
        
        Who can I contact to find the when and where of said course?
        
        You ask what type of boating he will be involved with? - Lake boating,
                water skiing driving. - Not a strong need for
                intercoastal navigation skills at this time...

        He has already passed his practical exam with me, "ski-driving"
        (for my Wife, Daughter, and I), docking, mooring, navigating the
        Songo River - without polishing the prop, gassing up, etc.
        
Thanks,
Rick
564.21Moved by modGOLF::WILSONOutboard owners have longer...seasons!Tue Sep 18 1990 17:488
Moved by moderator...
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Note 755.1              Courses- USCGA or Power Sqadron??                 1 of 2
AWRY::CREASER "Auxillary Coxswain"                    2 lines  18-SEP-1990 16:02
                     -< Courses close, but not next door >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick check out Note #237.4.
Jerry
564.22Moved by modGOLF::WILSONOutboard owners have longer...seasons!Tue Sep 18 1990 17:5019
Moved by moderator...
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Note 755.2              Courses- USCGA or Power Sqadron??                 2 of 2
IOENG::DHART "Vegetarian Extremist"                  13 lines  18-SEP-1990 16:18
             -< U.S.C.G.A. safe boating course starts this week. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    There is a USCGA safe boating course starting this Thursday at
    Wachusett Regional High School in Holden Mass.  Classes are 2
    hours from 7:30 P.M. untill 9:30 P.M. for 13 consecutive weeks.
    The next course in my area starts in January, but that is prime 
    ski time for night skiers.  There may be a course closer to you,
    call the C. G. A.(wherever they are located) soon, as it is probably
    starting this week as well.  Oh, BTW there is a nominal fee.  $15.00
    or something like that.  The fee covers the cost of a textbook and 
    the donation to the school for use of the facility(I got my textbook
    for ten cents at a library book sale, you might want to check with them
    as the Coast Guard donates new books periodically).
    
    Don
564.23ThanksWONDER::CASABONAThu Sep 20 1990 17:396
    Thanks for the pointers.   Looks like I better get it in gear quick.
    I was hoping for something after the holidays... (after the ice
    forms).....
    
    Thanks again,
    Rick 
564.24Twice a year (?).AWRY::CREASERAuxillary CoxswainMon Sep 24 1990 10:387
Most Auxiliary Flotillas hold two sessions of their courses each year. The
first usually starts in mid-January to February and the second starts in the
fall, mid- September to October. The fall sessions may be prefered because the
classes generally have fewer students (i.e. more individual attention).

Regards,
Jerry
564.25USPS 'Basic' Course in LexingtonMARINR::DARROWThe wind is music to my earsWed Sep 26 1990 18:0124
    The fall 1990 Charles River Power Squadron  SAFE BOATING Course is
    scheduled to start October 3 at Lexington High School.
    
    For more information call:
    
    	Squadron Education Officer 
    	Tom O'Shaughnessey at
    		Days: 617-484-7111 (Belmont)
    		Eves: 617-862-2586 (Lexington)
    
    My wife and I took the course this past spring and are now taking the 
    Seamanship course.
    
    Side note: United States Power Squadrons are the result of some of the
    first 'power' boaters who were members of the Boston Yacht Club (till
    then a sailing organization) starting their own group within the Club
    and called it the Power Squadron. The deal was to be able to have
    education and events related to power boats. The idea was copied and
    other yacht clubs formed thier own power squadrons. And today it is a
    national orgainzation and no longer affiliated with any particular
    club. Many Squadrons have more sailors than power boaters.
    
    Fred dtn: 223-3935
    
564.27CGA course - Portsmouth NH Feb 3NECVAX::HUTCHINSONTue Jan 21 1992 12:365
    There is a Coast Guard Auxilliary "Boating Skills and Seamanship"
    course offered at Portsmouth (NH) High School Cafeteria B starting
    Monday, February 3 at 7:00 pm  (& successive Mondays for thirteen
    weeks). 
564.29South shore?LEVERS::SWEETFri Jan 24 1992 12:264
    Can anyone tell me of a USPS or CG Aux course on the south shore,
    a friend wants to buy a boat and I told him to go to "school" first.
    
    Bruce
564.31Here it isGOLF::WILSONYou can never have &#039;too many&#039; boatsMon Sep 21 1992 16:1413
    Moved by moderator.
    
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Note 1021.0                    o.k., Where is it?                     No replies
MR4DEC::FBUTLER                                       7 lines  21-SEP-1992 14:41
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    o.k.   Where did it go?  I saw a note last week about a course being
    offered by the Powersquadron...thought the title was "Powersquadron
    vs. CG aux", but I can't find it.  Looked through the directory,
    but didn't see it.  Did I dream this?
    
    Jim
    
564.32USPS COURSE - ACTON AREA!KELVIN::VONADAWed Jan 20 1993 13:1929
Minute Man Power Squadron, a Squadron of the United States Power Squadrons,
has scheduled a Safe Boating Course to start Wednesday evening, 3 March 1993
at 1930 hrs (7:30PM) in the cafeteria at the Acton-Boxboro Regional Junior
High School.  The course subjects include;

	BOAT HANDLING AND ELEMENTARY SEAMANSHIP
	STATE AND LOCAL BOATING REGULATIONS
	CHARTS AND AIDS TO NAVIGATION
	BASIC NAVIGATION
	PILOTING
	NAVIGATION RULES AND MARINE RADIOTELEPHONE 

The course material, consisting of the student manual, navigation plotter,
divider, pencil and a plastic jacket will be on sale for $25.  Student
manuals only are $15.  Acton-Boxboro Regional Junior High School is located
on Route 111 in Acton, West of the intersection of Route 111 and Route 27.
Members of Minute Man will be at the High School starting 1900 hrs so come
early to register if you can.

Minute Man Power Squadron offers this course in cooperation with the United
States Power Squadrons whose members volunteer their time in support of the
theme,  "Safe Boating Through Education".

For further information contact:
	Winslow Russell, Jr	508-263-5743	(Course Chairperson)
	Mark Bleiweiss		508-443-8529
	Don Vonada		508-897-9037	DTN 223-0485
	Joe Daly		508-456-3350	DTN 241-4228

564.33Boating Saftey class in So. CalNEWPRT::GREEN_RIThe Almonds Have EyesWed Feb 17 1993 15:1121
    This note is to announce a USCG AUX Boating Skills and Seamanship Class  
    in Orange County, California.
    
    Start Date/Time: March 9, 1992, 7:00 p.m.
    Endurance: 9 weeks
    Cost: $17 for Texts, Workbooks, and other materials
    
    Location: 	Community Room, Urgent Care Center 
    		Anahiem Memorial Plaza
    		8201 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road
    		Anahiem Hills, Ca
    
    This is a U.S. Coast Guard approved course that incluseds "Rules of the
    Road", navigational aids, legal requitements, introduction to charts
    and navigation, marlinspike seamanship, radiotelephone, and many other
    useful skills needed for save boating.   
    
    For more information, contact either myself (Richrad Green @IVO, 
    DTN 535-4332) or Alice Farano at (714) 637-8884
    
    
564.34GERBIL::DUPONTWed Feb 17 1993 15:268
    
    Re .33
          
    
    Does cost of tuition include air fare??? :-)
    
    chet
    
564.35Leominster, Ma - Free Boating CourseKAHALA::SUTERNever too Hot!Mon Dec 20 1993 10:5338
	Moved by Moderator
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              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA1:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Powerboats >-
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Note 1136.0                    FREE BOATING COURSE                    No replies
ASABET::LEBLANC                                      29 lines  20-DEC-1993 09:10
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                           Boating Course
                Something every boater should attend
    
    To enhance Boating Safety and Pleasure Boating, courses in "Power and
    Sail" will begin on Tuesday, January 11, 1994 at the Knights of
    Columbus Hall at 484 Lancaster St., Leominster, MA Classes begin at
    1900 (7:00PM).
    
    The Courses are FREE (there is a nomal fee for the materials) and
    include: Boat Handling, Rules of the Road, Navigation, Communications,
    and Emergencies at Sea.
    
    There is a thirteen (13) week course on Power Boating, and an indivual
    thirteen (13) week Sailing Course.
    
    Completion of the course may entitle participants to a reduction in
    their Boat Insurance rates.  This course will also include the current
    Massachusetts State requirements for the twelve (12) to sixteen (16)
    year old boaters.  All members of the boating family are welcome to
    attend.
    
    For additional information please contace:
    Public Education Officer:  Paul J. LeBlanc 508-827-3288
    Member Training Officer Lou Caissey 508-582-7801
    
    or Denise LeBlanc @MLO
       DTN 223-3690
       ADABET::LEBLANC