ANNAPOLIS, Md. – It's an important piece of equipment, able to get boaters safely home, to their favored fishing hole or weekend raft up spot. But if you've ever wondered about all of the features and functions on your boat's GPS or chartplotter, this is your chance to learn by taking the newest online course from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the United States Power Squadrons, "How to Use GPS." Available for a $30 course fee at BoatUS.org/gps, the course makes learning easy as it can be taken anytime – at home, office, or the boat. Course takers may stop and return as their busy schedules permit, and the course works well with any brand of GPS or chartplotter."Many boaters understand the basic functions on their chartplotter, but we wanted to create a course that would be like having a knowledgeable friend looking over their shoulder pointing out the GPS' features they might not be aware of, as well as explaining how the GPS can make their boating more safe and enjoyable," said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez. "This course is great for novice or experts with any size boat, and you don't have to be an experienced navigator to understand the material."
The course is divided into four chapters including and an introduction with sections on setting-up, using the GPS, and integrating electronics. Short quizzes throughout give you the opportunity to test your knowledge and then go back to review the material again. Some topics covered include:
- Basic functions of a GPS/chartplotter, including how to easily create waypoints and chart a route.
- The quick and easy way to see your position on GPS' display.
- Some common set-up up options, including recommended settings as well as how to set up your own user preferences, such as anchor alarms.
- Integration with other instruments, including radar, wind, speed, AIS and more.
- Ways to improve the convenience and safety of your chartplotter.
- Quick tips throughout the course to help you avoid trouble.
The course is just $24.00 for members of BoatUS, United States Power Squadrons, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Great Lakes Cruising Club. For more information on all online courses offered by the Foundation, go toBoatUS.org/courses.
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If you've ever wondered about all of the features and functions on your boat's GPS or chartplotter, this is your chance to learn by taking the newest online course from the BoatUS and the US Power Squadrons, How to Use GPS. Available for a $30 course fee at www.BoatUS.org/gps, the course makes learning easy as it can be taken anytime – at home, office, or the boat – and course takers to stop and return as their busy schedules permit. The course works well with any brand of marine GPS or chartplotter.
About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 350 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
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