USPS®Chart Smart Course
Chart Smart is a course for all USPS Boat
Smart Course or America's
Boating Course (ABC) graduates who are interested in information
on compasses, charts, and plotting courses. It builds upon the knowledge
gained in Boat Smart or America's
Boating Course by covering subjects typically introduced in
the The Squadron
Boating Course:
- Mariner's Compass
- Charts
- Aids to Navigation
- Plotting a Course
- Distance, Speed, Time
- Determining Position
The purpose of Chart Smart is to teach the techniques to determine position when you are within the sight or near proximity of land. This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the subject known as Piloting. As such, it may also appeal to squadron members as a refresher prior to taking the Advanced Grade course of Piloting.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.
While the content of this 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 to follow this brief and basic course with additional boating education such as the courses offered to members of the United States Power Squadrons. Your instructor can give you information about these advanced courses.
There are also two courses available for home study. The on-line America's Boating Course,, a joint effort between USPS and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, includes an interactive computer CD-ROM that serves as a "virtual" instructor with audio and video clips. Most states recognize ABC as meeting their education requirements. If you prefer video learning, you can obtain the USPS Video Boating Course by contacting our Education Officer, Mike Fontaine.
To find out when this course is scheduled see our Online Schedule or contact our Squadron Education Officer, Mike Fontaine.