Schedule - Course Descriptions
The USPS® Boating Courses
Below are the course descriptions followed by the dates they start and an email button specific to each course. If no start date appears with a course then it is currently scheduled. Please email your interest in a course not scheduled. Your input will help form the class.
To get further information or to register for ANY of the BBSPS courses, contact Dick Moore (BBSPS Education Officer) at (508) 888-8238 or E mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The USPS Americas Boating Course is a traditional civic service of theUnited States Power Squadrons organization. Since 1914 local squadrons have presented the course to anyone who wished to attend - to date more than 3 million people. Learning to boat safely is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.
There are now three courses:
The Americas Boating Course (ABC) 8 hour version
The Americas Boating Course (ABC) 12 hour version
These two classroom courses are designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat and to paddle water sports.
The ABC 8 hour course is a shorter form of the Americas Boating Course. It teaches the basics of boating safety, boat handling, regulations, and rules of the road. It adds a section on Personal Watercraft, kayak and canoe water sports. It does not cover piloting. We present this course in four two hour sessions meeting twice per week.
The ABC 12 hour course provides a broad base of information including all the topics in the 8 hour course and basic piloting. We present this course in six two-hour sessions meeting twice a week. This is the course to take for a basic understanding of those things you need to know to venture out on our local waters.
America's Boating Course Self Study Computer Class
The classroom experience is invaluable and you get to meet new friends and fellow boaters, ask questions and discuss your issues. However, not all of us are able to attend the classroom sessions. For you, we have America's Boating Course. This offering enables you to use your computer with excellent material and animated graphics to learn basic boating material similar to the ABC classroom course . A representative of the Squadron will assist you with the State material, answer questions and provide the required proctored exam to get your certificate.
boaters are subject to nautical rules and regulations. Skippers should learn and respect traditional boating courtesies. The courses are meant to be of interest to the entire family; children are welcome - we recommend age 10 or higher. We encourage your family to attend as a group. For youngsters ages 12-15, these courses are approved by the State of Massachusetts to get your boating certificate needed to operate a powered boat.