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Becoming
a Certified Boat Operator
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What
is a Certified Boat Operator?
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The
USCG has mandated that it wants the boaters on U.S. waters to be
proficient at handling, navigating and maintaining a boat. It is
moving towards a requirement for all boaters to have a Boating
License.
This may
take two to
ten
years
to happen.
Three
states already have Licensing Requirements.
In
the meantime if you want to rent, charter or lease a boat, especially
in another country this certification is valuable to you. Becoming
a USPS Certified Boat Operator provides International Recognition
by complying with UN Resolution 40.
Canada
has a license requirement for all of its boaters
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| Are
there various levels of Certification? |
There
are four levels of Certification provided by the USPS. They are:
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Inland
Navigator
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Local:
rivers, small lakes, bays |
Coastal
Navigator
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Local:
coastal waters |
Advanced
Coastal Navigator
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Extended
coastal cruising |
| Offshore
Navigator
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Global |
Currently
the only level available locally for District 30 is
Inland
Navigator
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What
are the requirements for an Inland Navigator?
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USPS Membership *
Physically capable
Complete selected USPS courses
Complete certain seminars (some non-USPS)
Demonstrate skills (some non-USPS)
Documents: certificate and card
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Courses:
Seamanship
Marine Electrical
Engine Maintenance
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Seminars:
Use a Chart
Using GPS
Using VHF
Onboard Weather (Wx) |
Skills
Demonstration:
Powerboat
Handling
Firefighting
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| Are
their waivers I can apply for for any of these requirements? |
Yes,
some of this material can be waived if you have taken equivalent training.
Details of these options are explained in Section 18, 19 & 20 of
the BOC Manual. A waiver application would have to be submitted by
the
applicant,
signed
by
the Certifier and then submitted to the Regional Certifier for approval.
Talk to your certifier first.
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| What
kind of skills will I be asked to demonstrate? |
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| Leaving
the Dock |
Using
the throttle control |
Avoidance
Turn |
| Back-away
Departure |
Stopping |
High-Speed
Turn |
| Departure
using Directed Thrust Steering and/or |
Coasting
Stop |
Driving
Backwards |
| Departure
using Rudder Steering and Prop Walk |
Quick
Stop |
Backing
towards the Wind |
| Straight-Ahead
Departure |
High
Speed Stop |
Backing
Downwind |
| Spring
Line Departure |
Holding
a Position |
Returning
to a Dock |
| Springing
off with an Aft Spring Line |
Holding
Bow into Wind |
Small
Angle Approach |
| Springing
off with a Forward Spring Line |
Holding
Stern into Wind |
Small
angle approach with Prop Walk |
| Doubling
a line |
Turning
Maneuvers |
Large
Angle Approach |
| Leaving
a Slip |
Low-Speed
Turn |
Spring
Line |
| Departure
using Directed Thrust Steering and/or |
Pivot
turn using directed thrust and/or pivot turn |
Docking – Downwind
Docking |
| Departure
using Rudder Steering and Prop Walk |
Using
rudder steering and prop walk |
Close
Quarters Docking |
| Starting |
Sharp
Turn |
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| What
kind of boat will I need for the skills demonstration ? |
A
powerboat is needed. It should have a maximum length of 23 feet.
It can have an outboard, inboard or I/O. It must have wheel
steering (no tiller).
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Are
there any other requirements for the boat ? |
The
boat must have a current Vessel Safety Check Sticker
on it.
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| Can
I get additional Endorsements with my Certification? |
Yes,
Several Endorsements are available right now and more are being considered.
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| Boating
in Canadian Waters |
Boating
in Mexican Waters |
Boating
in European Waters |
| Inland
Waterways (locks, canals & rivers) * |
Paddle
Boat * |
Sail
Boat * |
*
These are the only ones available for Inland Navigator
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| Are
there fees involved ? |
| Yes,
each level of certification is $20. Endorsements are $10 each |
For
more information contact:
Gus
Elia @ 636-462-4655 or by e-mail
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