
Americas Boating Course (ABC)
Materials Fee: $45
Dates: Mondays, April 10 - May 8, 2023
Time: 7:00 - 9:15 PM
Location: Virtual Classroom (Zoom)
This boating safety course is designed for boaters using all types of watercraft. Upon successful completion of the course and the exam, you will earn your state boating card.
This material covers:
- Rules of the road
- Required safety equipment
- Navigation aids
- Lights and sounds
- Anchoring
- Communications
- Adverse conditions
- Water sports safety
- Trailering
- Personal watercraft safety
- State and local regulations
- Knots and lines handling
For more information, contact education@minnetonkaps.org

Marine Navigation Course (Piloting)
Materials Fee: $95
Dates: Wednesdays, April 12 - June 7, 2023
Time: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
Location: Online with optional proctored classroom.
Marine Navigation, formerly Piloting, is the first course in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation, covering the basics of coastal and inland navigation. This course focuses on navigation as it is done on recreational boats today and embraces GPS as a primary navigation tool while covering enough of traditional techniques so the student will be able to find his/her way even if their GPS fails. The course includes many in-class exercises, developing the student’s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Ten classes of two hours each normally are scheduled for presentation of this course. In addition the students have seven days to complete the open book, take home exam.
Topics covered include:
- Charts and their interpretation
- Navigation aids and how they point to safe water
- Plotting courses and determining direction and distance
- The mariner’s compass and converting between True and Magnetic
- Use of GPS – typical GPS displays and information they provide, setting up waypoints and routes, staying on a GPS route.
- Pre-planning safe courses and entering them into the GPS
- Monitoring progress and determining position by both GPS and traditional techniques such as bearings and dead reckoning
- The “Seaman’s Eye” – simple skills for checking that one is on course.
For more information contact the Minnetonka Power Squadron Education Officer at education@minnetonkaps.org

Vessel Safety Examiner Certification
Members of America's Boating Club are encouraged to become Vessal Safety Examiners (VSC). The VSC program helps to boaters achieve voluntary compliance with federal and state recreational boating safety laws, particularly regarding helping ensure boaters have the necessary safety equipment. It also raises boaters' awareness of safety issues through one-on-one inspection of the owner's boat by volunteer vessel examiners. This service is a fundemental part of what our boating club is all about. If you are interested in becoming part of the Vessal Safety Examiner team, please the "Learn More" button below or contact the Minnetonka Power Squadron Administrative Officer at vsc@minnetonkaps.org to get more information.
Coastal Navigator Certification
Materials Fee: $50
Coastal Navigator (CN) is the second level of the BOC program. The focus is on coastal operation and coastal navigation. Inland Navigator certification is a prerequisite.
By registering (click the button below) you will receive the CN Starter Kit which includes a passport to record your progress towards the Coastal Navigator Certificate and a Marine Calculator. Your passport will be signed by your instructors as you complete a skill, course, or seminar.
Coastal Navigator Requirements
- Inland Navigator Certification
- Marine Communication Systems Course
- Marine Navigation (or Piloting) Course
- Weather Course
- Tides and Currents Seminar (or Advanced Marine Navigation course)
- NAV - On-the-Water Navigation
- PD - Use of Pyrotechnic Distress Signals
Please contact education@minnetonkaps.org for more information.
Inland Navigator Certification
Materials Fee: $50
Inland Navigator is the first level of the BOC program. The focus is on basic powerboat operation and general boating knowledge. The Basic Powerboat Handling skills are the same skills included in the Hands-On Training (HOT) program.
By registering (click the button below) you will receive the IN Starter Kit which includes a copy of "Start Boating Right" and a passport to recored your progress towards the Inland Navigator Certificate. Your passport will be signed by your instructors as you complete a skill, course, or seminar.
Inland Navigator Requirements
- Americas Boating Course
- Boat Handling (Seamanship) Course
- Marine Electrical Systems Course
- How To Use a Chart Seminar (or Marine Navigation Course)
- Basic Weather & Forecasting Seminar (Online)
- Using Your GPS Seminar (or Marina Navigation Course)
- Using VHF and VHF/DSC Marine Radio Seminar (Online)
- Basic Powerboat Handling (OTW Training)
- Use of Fire Extinguishers
Please contact education@minnetonkaps.org for more information.