Advanced Piloting

The objective of the Advanced Piloting Course is to provide a well-rounded background for safe piloting in open coastal waters as well as lakes and rivers. Presenting methods of piloting when navigating in impaired visibility, at night, or during extended cruising in unfamiliar waters, it teaches precise piloting methods for safe operation of boats, large or small.

Approximately 32 hours of classwork makes this one of the longer courses offered by USPS. Homework is intensive and often requires up to 3 hours for every hour spent in class.

Course Content:

Plotting and Labeling
Bearings and Other LOPS
Determining Deviation
Positioning
Tides and Currents
Tide Tables and Their Use
Tidal Current Tables and Their Use
Currents - Practical Applications
Electronic Navigation
Mercator Charts