HOUSTON SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON PUBLIC COURSES

Houston Sail and Power Squadron offers three types of public courses:
1. BoatSmart - a one day overview of boating safety
2. Seminars - a series of two hour discussions on particular boating topics
3. Squadron Boating Course - a four week course (meets once per week)

The “Squadron Boating Course” is for those interested in learning about boating in more depth than can be offered in a short overview class. The initial four week course was to start on Saturday, September 13, 2008 when hurricane Ike hit. It was was cancelled and will be rescheduled. The course is from 8:00 am until 12:30 pm each Saturday, and is conducted at the Squadron’s Home Port in Bellaire. Although the course covers the same topics as those described for BoatSmart, it covers them in more detail. For more information, call 281-638-5582.

Houston Sail and Power Squadron is now also offering to general public and our membership a series of short seminars—see USPS University. The cost for each seminar is $35, payable on arrival. Reservations are requested.

The Squadron also offers to the general public a one day boating safety course titled “BoatSmart.” BoatSmart covers seamanship, required equipment, regulations and rules of the road, emergency procedures and much more.  It covers just about everything you need to get started, and is a great refresher for the more experienced boater. For more information about the content of BoatSmart, click here.

Click on this link for the latest public course schedules and locations. Reservations for BoatSmart are required.

Registration for BoatSmart starts at 8:30 a.m. and the course lasts until approximately 4:30 p.m.  The cost is $20.00 for the book and the first family member. One book can be shared with other members of your family. An additional $10.00 is charged for each family member. There is a separate charge of $10.00 for each person taking the Texas Parks and Wildlife certification test. (Certification at this time is required for anyone under the age of 18 operating a boat or jet ski, but is encouraged for everyone.)

There is also a course available for home study.  The on-line America's Boating Course (ABC), 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.

Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public.  There are also advanced courses for our members.