August 2015
USPS Hands-on Training and Certification
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Welcome and Thank You!
 Welcome Aboard!
 You are joining a hard working team of BOC Certifiers,
Certifier Trainers, and Certifier Instructors
 We’re very thankful that you’ve made the decision to
become an integral part of the team
 You will find Boat Operator Certification challenging
but also very rewarding
 The team is available to assist you to get started
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Objective of This Seminar
 This seminar is an introduction
to the USPS Boat Operator
Certification program and the
role of the Certifier
 Full details on the program are
contained in the Certifier’s
Manual on the USPS website
 http://www.usps.org/national/ed
dept/boc/files/boc_material/boc
_manual.pdf
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USPS Hands-on Training and Certification
Certifier’s
Manual
8 Dec 2013
4
You Probably Have Questions
 What is the BOC Program?
 What is a “BOC Certifier”?
 What responsibilities does a BOC Certifier have?
 What resources and tools are available?
This seminar is designed to answer
those questions.
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1 Introduction to Boat Operator Certification (BOC)
2 Passport, Wallet Card, and Certificate
3 BOC Certification Levels
4 Equivalencies and Endorsements
5 Certifier Duties, Responsibilities, and Policies
6 Conducting Skill Demonstrations
7 The Boat Operator Certification Website
8 Insurance, Equipment, Logistics
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Introduction to Boat Operator Certification (BOC)
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USPS On-the-Water Programs
On-the-Water
Guides
Practical On-theWater Training
Boat Operator Certification
August 2015
Training First, then Certification!
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On-The-Water Guides
 Extends existing classroom with relevant exercise
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on the water
Participation is optional, and not required for
course completion
Framework developed by the BOC Committee
Individual guides created by each Education
Department Committee
Guides are downloadable from the Committee
Pages on the National web site
Guides available for Advance Grade courses,
Sailing, and ABC3
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Practical On The Water Training (POTW)
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Practical On The Water Training
 A seminar for teaching basic skills to new boaters
 Open to members and non-members
 Covers the same skills (Basic Powerboat Handling) as the
BOC Inland Navigator program
 Classroom may be taught by any ID qualified USPS
instructor
 On the Water is taught by a BOC Certifier, either an IN
Certifier or a POTW Certifier
 http://www.usps.org/index.html/index.php/seminarsfeatured/hands-on-skills/practical-on-the-water-training
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Training vs. Certification
 POTW is a training program - students are there to
learn new skills.
 There is no expectation the student will master the
skills during the training
 Completion of seminar gets the student a certifiate
and credit for the seminar
 If the student demonstrates satisfactory skills, the
certifier can grant credit for the Basic Powerboat
Handling skill
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Boat Operator Certification
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A Credentialed Program
Recognizes education and boating skills of USPS members
Incorporates Courses, Seminars, and Skill Demonstrations
Skill demonstrations are verified by BOC Certifiers
Four BOC skill levels:
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Inland Navigator (Seamanship)
Coastal Navigator (Piloting)
Advanced Coastal Navigator (Advanced Piloting)
Offshore Navigator (Junior Navigator and Navigator)
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BOC General Requirements
 USPS Membership
 16 years of age
 Mentally and physically capable of operating a
boat safely
 Sufficient visual and auditory sensory ability
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Advantages of Certification
 Credentials that recognize knowledge and skill
 Reducing some boating insurance rates
 Speaking in public
 Testifying as an expert witness
 Serving on an advisory panel
 Being quoted in the media
 Being introduced in a public setting
 Publishing articles or books
 Build your confidence in your own abilities
 First step in learning to teach others OTW
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Passport, Wallet Card, and Certificate
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The BOC Passport
 The candidate receives a Paper Passport for each BOC
level purchased.
 This passport serves as the candidate’s receipt and
personal record.
 A signed copy of the passport must be sent to the RD
or ARD as proof of purchase – this may be done at any
time.
 Certifiers will record skill completions in the online
system. A current record of all course completions and
certifications is available online.
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Candidate’s Passport
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Candidate’s Passport
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Candidate’s On-Line Passport
 A Certifier creates the on-line Passport
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for the BOC Candidate
Course s and
Seminars
Certifiers record skill demonstrations in
the BOC system
BOC Skills
Proof of
Completions
Payment
Course and seminar information is
imported from the USPS Education
database – seminar completions must be
Online
recorded in the HQ800 system
Passport
The RD or ARD records proof of
payment by the candidate
Upon request, the RD or ARD will perform a Candidate Review – if all
requirements are completed for a given level, certification is granted.
The RD does not receive notice of course completions, so the
process is not automatic. A candidate review must be requested.
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Wallet Card and Certificate
 When application is
approved, member
receives wallet card
& certificate
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Certificate Fee Schedule
 Cost for each BOC level is $40
 Purchased in a BOC “Kit” through the USPS Education
Department
 Cost to the squadron plus handling and shipping and
squadron markup
 Includes the cost of the certificate and initial
endorsements.
 Guides and other materials are available free online
 No cost for endorsements applied for when a
certification is achieved
 Endorsements applied for individually cost $10 each
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BOC Certification Levels
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Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator (ON)
Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN)
Coastal Navigator (CN)
Inland Navigator (IN)
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Inland Navigator (IN)
Skill Demonstrations:
 Basic Powerboat Handling (BPH) Skill Demonstration
 Fire Extinguisher Skill Demonstration
Classes:
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NASBLA approved Boating Course (such as ABC3)
Seamanship
Engine Maintenance
Marine Electrical Systems
Seminars:
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How to Use a Chart (or Piloting Course)
Onboard Weather (or Weather Course)
Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio
GPS (or 2004 Piloting or 2006 Advanced Piloting)
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Inland Navigator
 Recommended Endorsements:
 Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes
(Inland Waterways)
 Optional Endorsements:
 SA: Sail or Sail 101 &
Sail 102 courses
 PAD: Paddle Smart
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Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator (ON)
Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN)
Coastal Navigator (CN)
Inland Navigator (IN)
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Coastal Navigator
Skill Demonstrations:
 On-the-Water Navigator Skill Demo (NAV)
 Pyrotechnic Distress Signal Skill Demo
Courses:
 Piloting
 Weather
 Marine Communication or Marine Radio Comm. (ME 102)
Seminars:
 Anchoring
 Rules of the Road
 Mariner’s Compass
 Tides and Currents (or AP)
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Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator (ON)
Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN)
Coastal Navigator (CN)
Inland Navigator (IN)
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Advanced Coastal Navigator
Skill Demonstrations:
 Advanced Coastal Navigation Boat Handling Skill Demo – (ADN)
 First Aid (FA ‐ American Red Cross or American Heart
Association)
Courses:
 Advanced Piloting
 Marine Navigation Systems or (ME 103)
 Cruise Planning
Required Seminars:
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Emergencies on Board (EO)
Marine Radar
Recommended But Not Required
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CPR/AED (American Red Cross or American Heart
Association)
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Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator (ON)
Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN)
Coastal Navigator (CN)
Inland Navigator (IN)
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Offshore Navigator
Skill Demonstrations
 Offshore Navigator Boat Handling Skill Demonstration
Courses:
 Junior Navigation
 Navigation
Seminars – N/A
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Additional Information
 See the BOC pages on the USPS website for more
information on the skills tests
 Students may work towards more that one level at a
time
 Certification for one level may only be granted after
certification at a previous level has been achieved
 In some cases, a student may be allowed to take a
higher level skill test before achieving a lower level
certification
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Equivalencies and Endorsements
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USPS Equivalencies
 The USPS Education Department sets criteria for
recognizing course equivalencies:
 US Coast Guard Licenses – EDN-89
 USCG Auxiliary Courses - EDN-89
 Others by petition to the NEO
 The BOC Program is solely responsible for
performing skill certifications.
 Formal training from outside organizations are recognized
for First Aid, CPR/AED, and Fire Extinguisher
 No equivalencies are granted for OTW skills – they must
be demonstrated to a certifier
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BOC Course Equivalents
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Endorsements
 Endorsements can be added at any certification
level (there are some exceptions)
 There are two types of endorsements:
 Regional: for a geographic region; covers radio
regulations, rules of road, charts, aids to
navigation, customs & immigration regulations,
etc.
 Boat Type: power boat or sail boat
 Refer to the BOC Endorsement Handbook:
http://www.usps.org/eddept/boc/files/boc_material/endorse_hndbk.pdf
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Endorsement Acronyms
 CAN – Canadian regulations
 EURO – European regulations (under
development)
 IW – Inland Waterways
 PAD – Paddle boats (canoes & kayaks)
 SA - Sailboats (two levels)
Inland Navigation and Coastal Navigation
2. Advanced Coastal Navigation and Offshore Navigation
1.
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Certifier Duties, Responsibilities, and Policies
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“Certifier” - What it Means
 The Certifier is the backbone of the BOC
program
 Responsibilities include:
 Evaluating candidate skills
 Approving credentials
 Sharing knowledge
 Maintaining the standards and integrity of the
program
 Serves as an Instructor , Evaluator and Mentor
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Dual Role of the Certifier
 You must balance your roles as:
 Standard Bearer and Gatekeeper:

Do not certify someone who is not competent,
- for his/her safety and
- the integrity of the program
 Advocates:
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August 2015
We want our members to succeed in BOC, but
- must be reasonable,
- encouraging and helpful
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BOC Depends on Certifiers
 Success of BOC largely depends on Certifiers
 Your enthusiasm will be contagious
 Certifiers are the:
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Cheerleaders
Sales force
Promotion team
Implementers
Teachers
Administrators
 Your energy and talent will create success
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BOC Organizational Structure
 NEO – oversees the USPS
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Education Department
R/C BOC – oversees the BOC
Committee and supervises the
Regional Directors
BOC Committee – Develop
curriculum and programs
RD – Oversee the certifiers in
their region, appoint assistants as
needed, approve certifications
ARD – Assist regional directors,
typically at the district level
Certifiers – Perform training and
conduct skills demonstrations
National
Education
Officer
R/C BOC
Committee
BOC
Committee
Regional
Directors
Assistant
Regional
Directors
Certifiers
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Regional BOC Administration
 Regional Director (RD)
 One per Region (there are 8 Regions)
 Responsible for BOC program within Region
 Record Processor
 Assistant Regional Director (ARD)
 Number of ARDs depends on size of Region
 Duties same, as assigned by RD
 May be assigned to support a specific district
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Eight BOC Regions
Northwest
Midwest
Northeast
Mid Atlantic
Southwest & Pacific Isl.
Mid South
Southeast
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Certifier Types
IN Certifier
Trainer
IN Certifier
POTW
Certifier *
Certifier
Trainer
Instructor
CN Certifier
Trainer
ACN
Certifier
Trainer
ON Certifier
Trainer
CN Certifier
ACN
Certifier
ON Certifier
 Certifiers – trained to evaluate and certify specific skills
 Certifier Trainers – trains and approves Certifiers for specific skills
 Certifier Trainer Instructor – trains and approves Certifier
Trainers across all skill sets
 * Note: The POTW Certifier is trained in BPH Certification like the
IN Certifier, but is limited to POTW instruction only.
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BOC Certifier Requirements
1) A USPS member
2) Nominated by RD, ARD, Certifier, SEO, ASEO, ADEO or DEO and approved
by the RD or ARD.
3) Current USPS Certified Instructor when appointed and maintain that status
4) Completed the BOC Level (e.g. IN, CN, etc.) they will be certifying
5) Grade of AP or above (SN is required for ON level)
6) Completed the Certifier’s Seminar
7) Substantial and verifiable on-the-water experience
8) Specifically trained for the level they are certifying
9) Has Internet access and an e-mail address
10) Boating experience with night or restricted visibility (ACN and ON)
11) Willing to observe on-water skill demonstrations
12) Uses the electronic database system
13) Maintains CPR/FA certification (for CN and above)
14) Experience in both power and sail boats is a plus
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POTW Certifier Requirements
 Exactly like BOC-IN certifier except:
 Grade of AP is not required
 BOC-IN certification not required
 Must complete NASBLA-approved course,
Seamanship, and BPH skill
 Essentially the same as a BOC-IN certifier with
Seamanship-level course completion
Bothe POTW and BOC-IN Certifiers may teach
the hands-on component of POTW
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Becoming a Certifier
 To become a Certifier, you must:
 Meet all requirements

Refer to BOC Certifier’s Manual for details
 Be nominated by a Certifier, the RD, ARD, SEO
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or DEO, or their Assistants
Be approved by Regional Director or Assistant
Complete this seminar
Receive instruction from a Certifier trainer
Be observed by a Certifier Trainer while serving
as a Certifier during a training event
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Maintain Your Certification
 To maintain your Certifier credentials:
 Must be an active Certifier (certify others)
 Periodic Recertification training

Every 4 years
 Random sampling of Certifier performance
 Maintain Instructor Certification
 Maintain CPR/FA for CN Certifier and above
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Certifier’s Duties
 Cooperate with and take direction from Regional
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Director and Assistant Regional Directors
Follow all certification policies and procedures
Stay on national e-mail list to stay up-to-date
Respond promptly to requests for certifying
If unable to certify, identify another Certifier who can
Help prepare & process certification applications and
Equivalencies
Promote the program at the squadron and district level
Assist with BOC Schools in your area
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Certifier’s Manual
 Explains BOC program
 Includes:
 Procedures & Policies
 Certifier qualifications & duties
 Available online
 Updated frequently
 A must-have for Certifiers
Certifier’s
Manual
8 Dec 2013
http://www.usps.org/eddept/boc/files/boc_material/boc_manual.pdf
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Certification Policies
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Certifiers are volunteers
No one can certify himself or herself
USPS membership must be maintained
Members are responsible to periodically recertify themselves for
non-USPS capabilities (e.g., CPR/AED, First Aid) to maintain
qualifications
Certifiers must maintain their USPS Instructor Certification
On water skill demonstrations must be performed in good
weather and during daylight except for any specifically required
nighttime components
On-the-water demonstrations are normally done aboard a boat
provided by the BOC Candidate
An Assistant Regional Director is authorized to perform the
functions of a Regional Director, within their District or as
otherwise authorized
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Conducting Skill Demonstrations
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Candidate’s Role
 Should obtain a passport for the specific skill level
 Should understand what is required for each Skill
 Should prepare before the skill demonstration
 Should follow the directions of the Certifier
 For on-the-water skills, the candidate (skipper)
and crew must handle the boat and navigate safely
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Certifier’s Role
 Conduct the certification exercise in accordance
with the Guide for each BOC Level
 Demonstrate proper execution of the skills where
necessary to show what is required
 Determine with reasonable confidence the skill
can be repeated by the candidate on their own
 Record completion once the skill is demonstrated
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Certifier’s Role
 If the candidate is unable to perform the skill:
 Provide additional instruction (if time permits), or
 Suggest practice/experience, or
 Refer Candidate to another Certifier or CT
 The Candidate must perform the skills without
assistance to pass the skill.
If at any time, or for any reason, the certifier feels a
dangerous situation is developing, the certifier has
the authority to terminate the demonstration.
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SAFETY
IS OUR #1 PRIORITY!
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General Safety Considerations
 OTW demonstrations inherently have more hazards
than classroom instruction
 Each exercise begins with safety requirements
 Candidates demonstrate – and Certifiers verify:
 Weather conditions are acceptable
 Everyone is wearing life jackets
 The boat has a Vessel Safety Check
 All passengers are prepared for each maneuver
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General Safety Considerations
 Maneuvers can throw people and equipment around -
everyone needs to be seated or holding on, and all
equipment stowed.
 Backing maneuvers can cause water to backwash over
the stern.
 Body parts need to be kept inside the boat.
 A lighter load generally will handle better
Remember to maintain a proper lookout at all times!
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Boat, Equipment, and Crew
 The boat must be appropriate for the exercise and
conditions
 If the boat type is unfamiliar to you, you may suggest
another Certifier should be used
 Candidate should have instructions in advance
 Equipment needed
 Know what is expected
 Discuss with Candidate beforehand
 If there are multiple candidates, they may act as crew for
each other. Otherwise the candidate must provide any
necessary crew.
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Tracking Candidate Progress
 Keep track of the candidate’s
progress by initialing the
candidate’s checklist
 A skill demonstration is
unsuccessful, if there is:
 Accident
 Dangerous action
 Repeated inability to perform a
step
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Skill Demonstrations FAQ
Q: How do I decide when the skill demonstrated is
acceptable?
A: Although there are some criteria given,
sometimes this is a judgment call; you want to
maintain the integrity of the program so the
certification is an achievement member can be
proud of; however, must be reasonable in allowing
for conditions.
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Skill Demonstrations FAQs
Q: What do I do if it becomes clear candidate cannot
perform the skill acceptably?
A: If time and conditions allow, you should take the
opportunity to do some teaching and suggest the
candidate practice and then reschedule the
demonstration.
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Skill Demonstrations FAQs
Q: What do I do if I feel an unsafe condition is
developing?
A: As a Certifier, you have the authority to end the
demonstration for safety reasons at any time based on
weather, boat condition, candidate’s performance,
etc., and reschedule when appropriate.
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The Boat Operator Certification Website
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http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin-nat/eddept/pages.cgi?tools/BOC/index:Y
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Web Site Addresses
 Education Department Home Page
http://www.usps.org/national/eddept/main.htm
 Ed Dept BOC On-the-Water Training Com
http://www.usps.org/eddept/boc/main.htm
 Ed Dept BOC Tools Page
http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin-nat/eddept/
pages.cgi?tools/BOC/index:Y
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Insurance, Equipment, and Logistics
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USPS Insurance
 General liability (on land)
 Marine liability (docks, piers, and wharves)
 On-the-water liability
 Covers Teaching OTW
 Includes hull damage
 $250 Deductible
 Primary when first student or instructor boards the vessel
 Does not cover getting vessel to location
See the Treasurer’s Department page on the USPS
Website for details on insurance coverage
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Qualifying for USPS Insuarnce
 Plan and document the training prior to the event
 Executive Committee Minutes
 Squadron officer emails
 Newsletter
 Follow an approved on-the-water curriculum or guide
 Vessel Safety Check
 Life jackets worn at all times
 Weather check
 Dockside safety briefing
 Note: Member boats should always be insured, but USPS
insurance will become primary during BOC certification
exercises
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Life Jackets
 Life Jacket are required to be worn by everyone –
no exceptions
 They must be worn on the dock and on the boat,
unless below deck
 Required for insurance
 Sets a good example
 It’s the smart thing to do!
 Inflatables are recommended for comfort and
convenience
 Don’t forget the throwable Type IV
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Equipment
 Support Equipment (as required)
 Docking lines, spring lines, boat hook
 Anchor and rode
 Charts, compass, GPS
 Clipboard, Checklists
 Distress signals, Radio, Cell phone
 Water, food, appropriate clothing
 Slalom Buoys
 Simple, Tested in area, Spares on hand
 Yellow for easy recognition
 Instructions can be found on the BOC website
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Location and Conditions
 Choose training locations that meet the needs of the
exercise

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
Waters Appropriate for the exercise
Docks and cleats in good condition
Appropriate shore facilities, restrooms
Nearby classroom (if necessary)
 Evaluate the water conditions before the event
 Review an up-to-date chart and Local Notice to Mariners
 Check depth, hazards for course and surrounding area
 Current and wind – will course markers stay in place?
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Managing BOC Events
 Individual Certification Exercises
 Arranged between the certifier and the candidate
 BOC “Schools”
 Scheduled training events with multiple students
 May cover multiple levels of training
 May also include certifier training
 BOC Events can be managed in different ways
 The event may be sponsored by a Squadron, a District, or by
the BOC Committee
 The sponsor will manages the overall event
 Certifiers are responsible for planning and conducting the
skill demonstrations
 The RD or ARD can assist in locating qualified certifiers
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Equipment and Logistics
 Certifier Must follow up with Each student
 Individually assess qualifications & “extras”
 Input candidate completions in BOC Tools to maintain
record of progress
 Share any documentation by email – avoid paper
 Verify student receives certification
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Questions ? … Comments
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