USPS®'s 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
providing an excellent entry to Piloting and Advanced Piloting:
 | 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 calling 1-888-FOR-USPS or (919) 821-0281.
Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public. There are also advanced courses for our members. Click here to view or print an Adobe PDF copy of our member courses.