Elective Courses
Available to USPS Members Only

Elective courses can be taken in any sequence and without prerequisites.
Cruise Planning

This course is preparation for a cruise, whether the cruise is for a day, a week, a month or longer. Whether you are going to cruise on rivers, lakes, the coasts, or across the oceans, very valuable information is provided by those who have been there. The topics discussed are: planning the voyage, financing the voyage, equipping the boat, crew selection, provisioning, voyage management, navigation planning, weather, communications, entering and clearing foreign and domestic ports, anchors and anchoring, emergencies afloat, medical emergencies and security.
Engine Maintenance 101/102

This course covers the general construction, operating principles, maintenance and repair of marine gasoline and diesel engines, cooling, electrical, fuel, and lubricating systems and associated propulsion components - clutches, shafting and propellers. Since one of the major objectives of the course is to help the student become more self-reliant afloat, trouble diagnosis and temporary remedies are emphasized along with safety measures. The course is intended to make you a more intelligent and more resourceful boat engine operator.
Marine Electronics 101/102/103

Essential knowledge about your boat's electrical and electronic systems is studied in this course. Proper wiring, grounding, electrolysis control, and batteries and their maintenance are included. Depth finders, marine radio telephones, radar, loran, GPS, and advanced systems for electronic navigation are also studied. Information is provided on FCC requirements for station licensing and operator permits for radio telephone.
Sail 101

This course module, Basic Sail, provides a through study of the terminology of sailing; as well as information on the following subjects: sailboat rigs, sail plans, boat design and hull types, sails, standing rigging, running rigging, wind, preparing to sail, sailing upwind, sailing downwind, docking and anchoring, marlinespike seamanship, navigation rules.
Sail 102

This course module, Advanced Sail, provides information on the following subjects: wind forces, stability, balance, sail shape, tuning the rig, steering and helmanship, spinnaker handling, heavy weather sailing, storm conditions, sailing safety, sailboat racing, race management, navigation rules.

Weather

Awareness of weather phenomena, how to read the weather map and the sky, and understand and anticipate weather developments for more pleasurable boating are the objectives of this course. Subjects studied include: characteristics and structure of the atmosphere, what weather is and its basic causes, normal development and movement of weather over the earth, and the factors considered in weather forecasting.

Observations that the skipper can make afloat include both instrumental and visual: cloud sequences and the weather they predict; air masses, fronts, storms, and fog; and the use of radio and television weather broadcasts. Throughout the course the student is encouraged to make observations and predications in order to gain experience in applying the principles taught and develop greater insight into weather phenomena.

 

Instructor Development

The development of practical skills and techniques used in preparing effective presentations for both classroom and meetings are the objectives of this unique course. The course focuses on adult learning and includes practice assignments in preparation and delivery of presentations, including the use of electronic and other aids. All types of aids that can enhance a presentation are studied and the student is afforded the opportunity to become familiar with their best use.

Please let us know what classes you are interested in so we may schedule them.

Courses Offered

Basic Boating

Advanced Grades

Electives

Home Study Course

Learning Guides


Educational Calendar

Course Calendar


Directions to Course Venues

Marina Community
Center

San Leandro Yacht
Club

Benicia Yacht Club

Coyote Point Yacht
Club