America's Boating Course (ABC)    $0  (+$10 for Boater Education Card)

ABC is the U.S. Power Squadron’s basic boating course for new boaters.  It covers all the basic information needed to operate a power boat or sailboat of any size, as well as specific activities such as trailering, fishing, hunting, and personal watercraft.  Topics include boat nomenclature,  safety gear and practices, rules of the road, WA state and federal regulations, adverse conditions and emergencies, communications afloat, anchoring, docking, trailering, nautical charts, plotting a course, and tides and currents.  ABC is also a great refresher course tor those who have boating experience, but have not been on the water recently.

ABC is taught by experienced boaters with local knowledge.  Specific topics (e.g., communication, knots, trailering, anchoring hunting and fishing) are taught by instructors who have many years of experience with their subject matter.  As much as possible, instructors discuss local boating areas and conditions to illustrate course material, thereby providing students with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of boating in the Salish Sea.  Safety is the major priority in all discussions.

Upon request, our ABC Course offers an optional On-The-Water component at no additional cost.  Students are taken to a marina, where they see different types of boats and equipment, and where they have an opportunity to go out on the water and experience what they learned in class.

Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the ABC Course and to members of NOSPS/USPS.  Check out our Member Benefits.