Classroom instruction is an important part of learning, but as any boater knows, until you actually operate a boat in the water it’s hard to truly understand how a boat handles. This new on-the-water training and certification brings a unique and valuable opportunity to Lake Lanier which will help develop and test our boat handling skills.

Our first Inland Navigator powerboat handling skills training and assessment took place on April 24 at the Young Deer Creek park area. Despite a cold snap and brisk wind that morning, two certifiers, two candidates, two Department of Natural Resource rangers, several members of the press, and a group of ASPS members gathered to participate and view the skill demonstration.

The day began as a Vessel Safety Check was performed on the boat that was used for the certification. After launching the boat into the waters of Lake Lanier, buoys were set to mark the course and our candidates and their certifier took to the task at hand. Each candidate exhibited skills in handling the power boat, including navigating through a slalom course, leaving and returning to dock, backing maneuvers, minimum speed control, collision avoidance, controlled high speed turns, anchoring and more. The trained certifier assessed the candidates’ proficiency, as well as provided instruction as needed, always ensuring that safety is the primary concern.

Boat Operator Certification provides boaters with an extra level of confidence on the water, discounts on their boat insurance, and many other benefits. It is also a fun hands-on experience! Whether you are new to boating or honing old skills, BOC on-the-water training and certification is an excellent way to make sure you are fully prepared to handle your vessel. This certification is provided in conjunction with classroom training available through ASPS, and United States Power Squadron membership is required. Just another benefit of membership!

Check out this article from the Forsyth County News’ coverage of our event on their website or as a BOC news release.

You need to have taken the basic GPS USPS seminar in order to be ready for this course.  The course goals and objectives as well as target audience and course materials are located here (PDF).  Make sure to RSVP for this class below as size is limited to the first 12 that sign up.

In addition to the GPS file for the Gulf ICW cruise,  the student will have created an electronic set of enhanced charts for the Squadron’s cruise between Apalachicola Florida to Gulf Shores Alabama. These charts may be printed off and used on the cruise.

Look forward to seeing you on April 14,

Douglas Townes,
GPS Instructor

RSVP

WHERE: Four Points Sheraton, 1000 Glenn Hearn Blvd. SW, Huntsville, Al 35824

RESERVATIONS: (Call hotel front desk) Ph 256 772-9661 mention “USPS District 17 Conference”, or on line at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/uspsd17

COST: $80 + TAX per night … for those wishing to come early, play free golf at the Sunset Landing Golf Course, see the sights or just hangout the “Special conference room rate of $80 + TAX” is available the day before the conference.

PARKING: Complimentary in the designated hotel parking area for the hotel at the airport. Guests must have their parking ticket validated at the hotel’s front desk.

ENTERTAINMENT: Friday evening – Doctor Osborn’s MAGICAL, Newfangled Medicine Show?? Comedy, Magic, Juggling…Come see a real Rocket Scientist!

FRIDAY EVENING THEME: It’s an Irish Celebration , laddies and lassies take note: we’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, so the wearing of the green will be color of choice. Leprechauns are welcome! Bring Pattie and come roll her over in the clover! Now, now… !

MEALS: Complete the MEALS RESERVATIION FORM provided herein and mail it with your check made out to “USPS District 17” D/Lt/C John Miller at 9578 Curtis Road, Athens, AL 35614. This form is also posted on the D 17 website.

AUCTION: To help defray some of the cost of this conference there will be an auction of a new, full size, inflatable canoe, donated by Lloyd Cox. Great for hunting or just paddling around for exercise and fun. At a $1.00 a chance you’ll want to buy plenty of chances.

WHY: Come and greet and meet new and old friends. Hear the news from the USPS Jacksonville Conference and enjoy great breakout sessions such as “WEATHER FROM INSIDE A HURRICANE” by our own hurricane chaser, Commander John White, AP. and give your affirmation and support to your new D17 Bridge for 2012.