PYC Marine Navigation Course

This Spring Portland Yacht Club is pleased to offer an in-depth evening course in Marine Navigation, presented in partnership with the local chapter of United States Power Squadron. The Marine Navigation course is an in-depth presentation of the tools and techniques needed to safely pilot the coastal waters of Maine, using both electronic navigation and traditional piloting skills for “when the electronics fail.” Successful completion of the course earns a USPS certificate that qualifies for a marine insurance discount with most insurers. This is the first of two navigation courses offered by USPS, with the follow-on course planned for the Fall of 2020.

The classes will be held at Portland Yacht Club starting Wednesday March 11, 2020, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, for 9 sessions with a take-home exam. Signing up for the class is a simple process: register using the attached form, and mail in with the class fee. Questions ? Contact PYC sailor and USPS Instructor Bill Conners, cell 207-841-8534, connersme@comcast.net, or Rob Whitehouse, cell 207-208-7343, whitehouseusps@gmail.com.

This course requires navigation tools - a chart plotting tool, a set of dividers, a number 2 or 2.5 pencil and a good eraser. Boat owners who already own tools may bring their own; the instructor will also have tools available at a reasonable price on the first day of class.

Payment: The fee for the class is $125, not including navigation tools. The attached entry form and payment should be mailed no later than 10 days before the start of class. Make checks payable to Wawenock Sail & Power Squadronand send to:

Wawenock Sail & Power Squadron

C/O Rob Whitehouse, ASEO

304 Princes Point Road

Brunswick, Maine 04011.

Informational Note: The US Power Squadron is also pleased to offer its entry-level “America’s Boating Course” (ABC) this Spring, to prepare your boat, your equipment and yourself for the coming season. The ABC course is being offered in a single day 8-hour format at the Yarmouth Town Office building on Saturday May 09, and is also offered as a regular weekly class starting Tuesday April 7^thfor 5 weeks. Find and register for these and other classes of interest to the boating community at the link below.

USPS Course Registration:

https://www.americasboatingclub.org/find-a-course-near-you?zip=04011&range=50 

(scroll down to find your class, and Click To Register).

Wawenock Sail & Power Squadron

America’s Boating Club of Mid Coast Maine

United States Power Squadrons

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Marine Navigation (Piloting) – Spring 2020 (Mar 11 – May 06)

Marine Navigation is the first of the navigational courses focusing on techniques for piloting a boat in coastal and inland conditions. The course emphasizes planning and checking along with the use of GPS for determining position, and introduces digital charting along with traditional charting, compass and dead reckoning skills. Piloting, labeling, use of the compass, aids to navigation and a host of related topics are included in this approach to coastal and inland navigation.  Taught by experienced US Power Squadron instructors. Course length is 9 weeks, with a take-home exam.

Advanced Marine Navigation (Advanced Piloting) – planned for Fall 2020

This course continues to build on the base knowledge developed in the Marine Navigation course, and includes practical use of additional electronic navigation systems and other advanced techniques for finding position. Among topics covered are finding position using bearings and angles; collision avoidance using GPS and radar; what to do when the electronics fail; tides, currents and wind and their effect on piloting; and electronic navigation. Taught by experienced US Power Squadron instructors. Approximately 9 weeks with take-home exam.

Also offered by USPS – One day class, Saturday May 09 at Yarmouth Town Office – America’s Boating Course (ABC)

This is USPS’s entry level course to get your boat, your equipment and yourself ready for safe boating this summer. The knowledge gained will reduce your risk of accidents and injuries, and save you money on boat insurance. The course includes a comprehensive introduction to boat types, boating laws and regulations, with an in-depth knowledge of boating safety equipment, and the dos and don’ts of boater safety. The course covers an introduction to navigation charts and rules of the road, handling emergencies and mechanical problems on the water, and the basics of towing and trailering. Presented by experienced US Power Squadron instructors, in four two-hour segments.

Attachment: Registration Form