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FREE INSTRUCTION! The Basic Boating class is free and open to the public - there is a nominal charge for course materials. The course runs for nine weeks. Please contact Ron Slocum (education@sbpss.org) for more details.
The following classes are open to Members only (learn how you can become a Member)
The Seamanship class began on January 12, 2010.
We are pleased to announce that we will be offering the Piloting course soon after the Seamanship class ends in early March.
The description of the Piloting course follows:
The Piloting course is the first in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation, covering the basics of coastal and inland navigation. This all-new course focuses on navigation as it is done on recreational boats today and embraces GPS as a primary navigation tool while covering enough of traditional techniques so the student will be able to find his/her way even if their GPS fails. The course includes many in-class exercises, developing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Topics covered include:
The next Navigation class began in September and is scheduled for their open book exam in mid-February. Gordon Specht is the instructor and he has already begun distributing course material to students. Contact Gordon for more information.

Vessel Safety Check is prevention through education and outreach designed as a joint program with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to help recreational boaters to assure that their boats are legally equipped and safe to operate.
Santa Barbara Sail and Power Squadron now has 3 Vessel Examiners to give Vessel Safety Checks. We are pleased to announce that members Lt. Alvin Rice, P, Lt. Steve Hodges, JN and Dan Collie, N have been certified as USPS Vessel Examiners or VE. Please contact Alvin, Steve or Dan to have your vessel checked.
In addition to examining the legally required items for your boat, the inspector will discuss boating safety and those items, although not legally required, make boating more pleasant and safe. For more information about this program, and a list of items inspected and discussed, see the Boater's Pre-Departure Checklist.