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Learn Boating Skills & Safety

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Engage in the Fun

Connect

Connect with our Columbus Boating Family

Cruise Planning

Cruising & Cruise Planning

There is something very special about the thrill of cruising in new waters and the sense of accomplishment upon completing an extended cruise. To go beyond what most boaters do on a weekend overnight or even a week or so marina hopping requires boaters to leave their normal cruising areas and comfort zones.

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The Cruising and Cruise Planning course focuses on the planning and preparation necessary for safe enjoyable extended cruises on both inland and coastal waters.

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Designed for members who cruise on either a sail or powerboat (owned or chartered).

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A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• Cruise planning & preparation

• Boat and Equipment

• Anchors and Anchoring

• Security

• Chartering

• Cruising outside the US

• Crew selection & Provisioning

• Voyage Management

• Communications & Navigation

• Weather

• Emergencies

Engine Maintenance

Engine Maintenance

The Engine Maintenance stresses the diagnosis of modern systems, while also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation.

Gasoline inboards, outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that reinforces the common aspects of how engines work.

Modern engines offer high reliability and good performance through the use of computerized systems for fuel delivery and engine timing. Most of these systems are “black boxes” that can no longer be serviced by weekend mechanics with ordinary tools.

The course covers those repairs that do-it-yourselfers can still perform, teaches how to diagnose problems that might be beyond your ability to fix, and how to share information with your mechanic so the right repairs get performed. It also covers basic mechanical systems such as drive systems (propellers), steering systems, and engine controls.

The last chapter discusses solutions to problems that could occur while afloat and away from a repair facility. Gasoline, diesel, and outboard engines are treated independently in this chapter.

A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• Basics of engine layout & operation

• Diagnosis of modern systems

• Gasoline & diesel engines

• Outboards, inboards, I/O

• Repairs

• Steering, propellers, controls

• Spare parts & tools

Marine Electrical Systems

Marine Electrical Systems

The Marine Electrical Systems course is presented in seven chapters that start with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems.

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The course includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring circuits, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat electrical system.

A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• Properties of Electricity

• Boat Electrical Wiring Practices

• Direct Current Power

• Alternating Current Power

• Galvanic and Stray Current

• Lighting Protection

• Troubleshooting

Marine Communication Systems

Marine Communication Systems

An in-depth, nine chapter review of those systems available to the recreational boater, or to those with whom he/she shares the water. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn, to choose the best communications method for his/her situation.

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One chapter is devoted to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and another to FCC Rules and regulations to set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures (both voice and digital messaging are covered).

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The remaining chapters cover High Seas radio (MF/HF and satellite communications) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers.

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There is also a chapter on troubleshooting of radio installations.

A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• Radio History

• Frequency Spectrum

• VHF Communications

• GMDSS

• FCC Rules & Licenses

• Radio Frequency Plan

• Operating Procedures

• Long Range Communications

• Maintenance

Electronic Navigation

Electronic Navigation

Electronic Navigation introduces GPS technology from the most basic receiver to chart plotter systems for navigation on board. The process of navigating by establishing waypoints and routes, and then running the planned courses, is demonstrated.

Further, electronic charting software for the desktop computer is examined, with the creation of waypoints and routes on the desktop and subsequent download to the on-board unit. Despite differences among the various manufacturers' offerings, a thorough discussion of the features being made available is included.

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Special attention is paid to apps for tablets and smartphones that provide the electronic navigation function at the helm, for relatively little cost.

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Students should be familiar with basic charting concepts such as latitude, longitude, compass, course-plotting, and time/distance calculation, to get the most out of the course.

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The student materials include a soft-bound course text and a Windows-compatible CD for electronic content.

The course menu provides all the class presentation PowerPoints, an interactive homework tool, hands-on exercises on the PC that simulate GPS function, as well as the Maptech Chart Navigator software and a chart plotter emulator from Standard Horizon.

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This course omits Radar and Depth Sonar technologies, however, Appendix 8 of the course text on Automatic Identification System (AIS) is presented and made part of the examinable material for USPS course credit.

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Successful completion of this Electronic Navigation course from CPS will earn MNS credit toward a full certificate.

A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• GPS Technology

• Chart Plotters

• Navigating by Waypoints & Routes

• PC Creation & Download to Device

• Device Features

• Tablet & Smartphone Nav Apps

• Maptech Chart Navigator Software

• Standard Horizon Emulator

Sail

Sail

Sail is a course created to serve the needs of the novice and experienced sailor, as well as the non-sailor, for basic skills and knowledge.

The course starts with basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging, safety, and sail processes and then tackles the physical aspects of sailing forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsman ship and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing. Appendices provide an introduction to sailboat racing and sailing in Canadian waters.

The course menu provides all the class presentation PowerPoints, an interactive homework tool, hands-on exercises on the PC that simulate GPS function, as well as the Maptech Chart Navigator software and a chart plotter emulator from Standard Horizon.

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A closed-book exam is administrated at the last class and is mailed to America's Boating Club Headquarters for grading.

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Course Covers:

• Basic sailboat designs

• Nomenclature unique to sailing

• Rigging

• Safety

• Sail processes

• Physical aspect of sailing

• Forces and techniques

• Marlinespike

• Helmsmanship

• Difficult sailing conditions

• Navigation rules

Weather