Descriptions of Offered Courses:
GPS for Mariners (GPSFM)
GPS for Mariners is a modern learning experience that focuses on the GPS equipment typically owned by the recreational boater. This course is the result of an exciting synergy between textbook's publisher, the book's author, and the Auxiliary.
The recommended presentation of the course involves inviting course participants who already own hand-held GPS units to bring them to the class, increasing interactivity of the educational experience and getting students more involved.
However, this class is so effective that even those not possessing handheld units will learn how to use a GPS for practical recreational boating.
Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC)
The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Personal Watercraft course is a very basic introduction to the safety issues involved when operating a PWC.
Because of its brevity, it is not approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) nor is it approved by most of the states which require formal instruction in order to operate a boat.
How To Read A Nautical Chart (HRNC)
A three hour seminar course unraveling the mystery of charts. When navigating on land you use a map. It depicts the various thoroughfares, their directions and names. Major areas such as parks, lakes etc. would also be noted. By selecting the prescribed route, you would be able to reach a desired destination.
At sea, there are no streets, no separate areas, and no differences from abutting or surrounding areas. With no land mass over the horizon, everything looks the same. For navigating at sea, we use a chart.