Staying Safe on the Water: Courses for Novice and Experienced Boaters

Whether you are a novice boater or someone who has been on the water for years, you can surely learn something new from the Power Squadron’s Safe Boating Courses. The US Power Squadrons offer online and classroom courses and seminars for both novice and experienced boaters on a variety of topics-from basic seamanship and boat handling to boat systems maintenance to piloting and navigation. The two-hour seminars focus on a range of skills, and best of all, you can mix and match the courses to suit your needs. There are also courses for more comprehensive and in-depth, building a natural progression of knowledge. The courses typically run between 6 and 8 weeks.

Certifications

The Boat Operator Certification (BOC) Program certifies USPS members at various levels of proficiency.Each level requires achievement of prior levels, completion of seminars, and the demonstration of essential skills on the water.The skilled certifications are conducted by qualified certifiers from the USPS. Certifications may save you money on insurance premiums and are a great way to establish your boating credentials if you want to run a charter.

Mansfield’s Power Squadron

Our local power squadron is an active member in District Seven of the United State Power Squadron. The fraternal boating club offers boating classes to the public, conducts free safety vessel checks for boaters, and promotes safe boating in every way possible. The local club is offering America’s Boating Course and advanced courses in the classroom beginning in September 2017.

Boating Safety for Kids

The Spirit of America offers youth education programs for middle school aged kids. Blending the fun of safe boating with educational opportunities, the unique program provides participants experiential learning on the water. There are summer programs right here in Mansfield the week of July 24, 2017 at the Mansfield Sailing Club on Clear Fork Lake for children in grades 6-8. Students will receive hands on instruction in power boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and personal watercraft after completing the Ohio Boating Education course. Cost of the program is $50.00.