Click here to register for the Squadron Boating Course or ABC (America's Boating Course). For any questions not covered on this page, see our FAQ.

Member Squadrons of the USPS offer boating safety courses for the public throughout the year. Since the organization of the USPS in 1914, more than 3,000,000 boaters have completed safe boating courses taught by Squadrons of the USPS. These courses are open to all members of the public, boat owners or not, sail boaters, power boaters or personal watercraft operators, and people of all ages. Courses are meant to be of interest to the entire family, and for younger boaters, there is a Children's Safety Class geared specifically for them.

Both the Squadron Boating Course and America’s Boating Course (ABC) are part of the Public Boating Program. The Squadron Boating Course is a longer course than ABC and includes subjects such as chart reading and beginning piloting.

Squadron Boating Course

The Squadron Boating Course is the preferred class if you plan on taking more advanced classes, or if you are planning on boating on inland coastal waters such as Puget Sound.

This course meets the educational standards of the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and includes a proctored examination as by many states and insurance companies. Instruction is free but there is a nominal charge for course material and facility rental.  Successful completion of this course entitles the student to apply for membership in any USPS Squadron within the US.

Subject matter which is covered during this course includes the following:

Additional requirements specific to Washington State are also covered and a few additional questions specific to Washington State are included in the exam.

Classes are held for seven consecutive weeks (changes will be announced to students during class) including a closed book exam during the seventh week. Each session will include two guest lecture sessions of approximately 55 minutes each.

Boaters who plan on taking their boats offshore, or just want more boating knowledge, are encouraged to join a Power Squadron and take more advanced courses.

America’s Boating Course (ABC)

Click here to register for the ABC course. ABC is a short course of four (2) hour sessions over 2 weeks, with a test during the last session. It also meets the Washington State requirement for certification for licensing (coming in 2006) and for insurance reduction purposes. This course is our recommended course if you are planning on boating on inland lakes such as Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish.

The course includes subjects such as introduction to boating, boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating practices, introduction to navigation, boating problems, trailering-storing-protecting your boat, hunting and fishing, water skiing and river navigation.

Successful completion of this course entitles the student to apply for membership in any USPS Squadron within the US.