America's Boating CourseSM
America's Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. This course is predominantly a home study course for individuals who cannot attend USPS' traditional class room courses, The Squadron Boating Course or a USCG-A course. ABC includes an interactive computer CD-ROM which serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. The CD runs on PCs using MS Windows 95 or greater. The CD may also run on Macintosh versions prior to OS X if a manual installation is used, but the CD is unsupported under OS X. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. The course material covers seven chapters, which touch on:
General information about boats and maintenance
Information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable
Tips on being a more courteous boat operator
Laws and regulations to which you must adhere
The purpose of America's Boating Course is to teach introductory safe boating techniques. As an introductory course, ABC does not cover such topics as the use of a nautical compass or the techniques of plotting courses.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS and/or USCG-A instructors will provide ABC student support as a civic service. They will provide state specific information that the student is expected to know. Once the ABC student has mastered the course material and the state rules and regulations, the USPS or USCG-A instructor will make arrangements for the student to take a proctored exam, thus completing the course. Some states permit students to take an online, internet examination. Click here, and then select "Testing For Your State", to determine if your state permits the use of online practice and certification examinations. America's Boating Course may be purchased from USPS squadrons, USCG-A flotillas or by calling toll free 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222).
While the content of the ABC student manual serves as the basis for this course, it will also serve as a reference book in basic boating long after the course work is completed. USPS believes that the more educated a boater becomes, the more likely that boater will be a safe boater. Chart Smart is a continuation of boating education, and hopefully will encourage students to join USPS for additional boating courses such as those offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.