United States Power Squadrons
Certifier Training
>>
1
BOC Overview
Module
Title
1 Introduction to BOC
2 Certification Levels & Endorsements
3 Passport, Wallet Card, Certificate
4 Skill Demonstrations & Equivalencies
5 The Certifier
6 BOC Policies
7 Skill Demonstration Instructions
8 BOC Website
9 Insurance, Equipment, Logistics
2
Module 1
Introduction to BOC
3
BOC Objectives


Certify recreational boat operators at
various levels of proficiency
Provide internationally recognized
credential (all levels UN 40 compliant*)

* requires European rule training for full
compliance
4
Advantages of BOC

On-the-water (OTW) training adds a
new dimension to USPS training.



Imagine as a new boater, instead of just
learning boating in a classroom, you can also
have a qualified person come on board your
boat and teach you skills in the environment
you will be operating in!
What if you want to improve your skills for
coastal or offshore boating?
Or charter a boat in a foreign country?
>>
5
Advantages to Members










Obtaining insurance
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
>>
6
General Requirements*

16 years of age

Mentally and physically capable of
operating a boat safely

Sufficient visual and auditory sensory
ability
________ * Same as for driver’s license.
>>
7
Certifier’s Manual


Explains BOC program
Includes:


Procedures & Policies
Certifier qualifications &
duties
Certifier’s
Manual
©2007- 2011 United States Power
Squadrons
>>
8
Module 2
Certification Levels
and Endorsements
9
Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Coastal Navigator
Inland Navigator
10
Endorsements


Endorsements can be added at any
certification level (some exceptions)
Regional type: for a geographic region;
covers radio regulations, rules of road,
charts, aids to navigation, customs &
immigration regulations, etc.
>>
11
Endorsements






CAN – Canadian regulations
EURO – European regulations
IW – Inland Waterways
MEX – Mexican regulations
PAD – Paddle boats (canoes & kayaks)
SA - Sail boats (two levels)



Inland Navigation and Coastal Navigation
Advanced Coastal Navigation and
Offshore Navigation
More endorsements to come
>>
12
Seminars Required for Endorsements
Seminars
Endorsements (Any Level)
CAN (Canada)
CAN (Canadian regulations)
EURO (European)
EURO (European regulations)
BRLL
IW (Inland Waterways - Boating
on Rivers, Lakes and Locks)
MEX
MEX (Mexican Regulations)
PAD
PAD (Paddle Boats)
13
Module 3
Candidate's Passport,
Wallet Card, and
Certificate
14
Candidate’s Passport
15
Candidate’s Passport
16
Candidate’s Passport



Each completion should be entered
in members passport
SEO, instructor or certifier signs, as
appropriate
Submitted electronically using BOC
Tools
17
Wallet Card & Certificate

When application is
approved, member
receives wallet
card & certificate
18
Module 4
Skill Demonstrations
& Equivalencies
19
Candidate’s Role
For on-the-water skills, the
candidate (skipper) and crew
must handle the boat and
navigate safely.
20
Certifier’s Role
 If the skipper is not able to demonstrate the
skill, the certifier can provide instruction.
 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.
 The Certifier may teach or instruct during
the skill demonstration, but the candidate
must perform all the skills without
21
assistance.
Certifier’s Role
 Skill criteria is in each guide
 Reasonable confidence the skill can be
repeated when requested or needed




If not able to perform the skill;
Instruct or
Suggest practice/experience or
Refer to another certifier
22
Module 4 (Cont.)
Certification Levels
Detailed
23
Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Coastal Navigator
Inland Navigator
24
Inland Navigator
Skill Demonstrations:


Power Boat Handling Skill Demonstration
Fire Extinguisher Skill Demonstration
Classes:
 NASBLA approved Boating Course
 Seamanship
 Engine Maintenance
 Marine Electrical Systems
25
Inland Navigator (cont.)
Seminars:
 How to Use a Chart (or P)
 Basic Weather and Forecasting or Onboard
Weather Forecasting (or Weather Course)
 Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio
 GPS (or new - 2004 P or 2006 AP)
26
Inland Navigator (cont.)
Limitations



Boat operations on saltwater bays, rivers, canals, small
lakes, and protected waters within 2 nm of shore
Boat provided by the member less than 26 feet long
(preferred: an open boat under 19 feet).
Training



during daylight hours with good visibility and fair weather
Winds not to exceed Force 4 (11kt or 13 mph)
Waves not to exceed 0.5 meter (≈1.5 Ft.)
27
Inland Navigator (cont.)

Recommended Endorsements:

Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes
(Inland Waterways)

Optional Endorsements:


SA: Sail or Sail 101 &
Sail 102 courses
PAD: Paddle Smart
>>
28
Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Coastal Navigator
Inland Navigator
29
Coastal Navigator

Candidates having an IN Passport and having
completed the on-the-water skill demonstration
may participate in Coastal Navigator
on-the-water skill demonstrations

Inland Navigator Certification must be
completed before Coastal Navigator
Certificate is granted.
30
Coastal Navigator (cont.)







Boat Handling Skills (see guide & checklist)
Spring Lines
Tides & Currents
Taking Bearings
Traditional (Paper) Plotting
Time-Speed-Distance (60 D Street)
TVMDC
31
Coastal Navigator (cont.)
Skill Demonstrations:
 On-the-Water Navigator Skill Demo
 Pyrotechnic Distress Signal Skill Demo
Courses:
 Piloting
 Weather
 Marine Communication or Marine Radio
Communications (ME 102)
Coastal Navigator
Seminars:
 Anchoring
 Rules of the Road
 Mariner’s Compass
 Tides and Currents (or AP)
Optional Seminar:
 Marine Radar
Coastal Navigator
Limitations
 Navigation Limits:
 Within range of a VHF shore station – not
farther than 20 nautical miles offshore.
 Limited to daylight hours with good visibility and
fair weather
 Winds not to exceed Force 5 (21 Kt or 24 mph)
 Waves not to exceed 1.8 meters (≈6 Ft.) (or
less, depending on the capabilities of the boat
and crew).
Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Coastal Navigator
Inland Navigator
35
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Skill Demonstrations:
Advanced Coastal Navigation Boat Handling
Skill Demonstration – Under Development
Classes: (subject to change):


Advanced Piloting
Marine Electronics 103 or new course
Seminars: TBD
Limitations: TBD
36
Levels of Certification
Offshore Navigator
Advanced Coastal Navigator
Coastal Navigator
Inland Navigator
37
Offshore Navigator
In development - may include the following:


Offshore Navigator Boat Handling Skill
Demonstration
Classes: (subject to change):



Junior Navigation and Navigation
Seminars : TBD
Limitations: TBD
38
USPS Equivalencies

Schools and Associations


US Coast Guard Licenses


NEO Recommendation & USPS BOD Approval
Refer to EDN-89
USCG Auxiliary Courses

Refer to EDN-89
39
BOC Course Equivalents
Requirement
Course Equivalents
Completion of a NASBLA
i.e. ABC, Boat Smart, The Boating Course
approved boating course
S
S 101 + S 102
Piloting (2004 and later) or old edition plus
P
GPS seminar
Adv. Piloting (2005 and later) or old edition
AP
plus GPS seminar
JN
JN (any edition)
N
N (any edition)
Engine Maintenance
EM 101 + EM 102
ME
ME 101 + ME 102 + ME 103
ME 101
Marine Electrical Systems
ME 102
Marine Communications Systems
ME 103
Marine Navigation Systems
Sa
Sa 101 + Sa 102
W
W 101 + W102
40
BOC Equivalencies (Cont.)

Not encouraged, but
Those with other training may apply for an
equivalency

Equivalency process for:



Skills – use ED-C2 and follow instructions
 OTW skills must be demonstrated
Seminars – use ED-C3 and follow instructions
>>
41
FAQs – Skill Equivalencies
Q: How do I decide if an Equivalency for a skill should be
approved?
A: Acceptable Equivalencies will be approved by the NEO or
designee. The Equivalency must be submitted to the
Assistant or Regional Director who will submit to the R/C
BOC&OTW COM for consideration of approval.
Feel free to consult with other certifiers or your
Regional Director.
42
Checklists (all levels)



Checklists are in the Candidate’s
Guide/Manual for each level
Helps candidate plan and track all
requirements
Passport documents completed items;
it’s a checklist for members planning
43
Module 5
The Certifier
44
USPS Organizational Structure
NEO
ANEO
R/C BOC&OTW
Tr.COM
Regional Director
Assistant
Regional Director
Certifier Trainers
IN, CN, ACN
and ON Certifiers
Certifier
45
Eight BOC Regions
Northwest
Midwest
Northeast
Mid Atlantic
Southwest & Pacific Isl.
Mid South
Southeast
Caribbean
46
Regional BOC Administration

Regional Director (RD)



Responsible for BOC program within region
Record Processor
Assistant Regional Director (ARD)

Duties same, as assigned by RD
47
Types of Certifiers

All Certifiers


IN, CN, ACN or ON Certifier



Had BOC Seminar, Cheer Leader, Can sign academic
verifications on Passports
One For Each of 4 Certification Levels
Specially trained to Witness & Evaluate OTW Skill Demos
Certifier Trainer

One for Each Certification Level (4)
48
What it means to be a Certifier

If you make the grade:

You are the face of USPS
Personable
 Standard bearer





Competent
Steadfast
Fair
Instructor and evaluator
49
Certifiers – Keystone of BOC



Success of BOC largely depends on certifiers
Your enthusiasm will be contagious
You are the:







Cheerleaders
Sales force
Promotion team
Implementers
Teachers
Administrators
Your energy and talent will create success
50
Certifiers – Keystone of BOC

You must balance your roles as:
 Standard Bearer and Gatekeepers:


Do not certify someone who is not competent,
- for his/her safety and
- the integrity of the program
Advocates:

Want our members to succeed in BOC,
- must be reasonable,
- encouraging and helpful
51
Becoming a Certifier

To become a certifier:
 Meet all requirements
BOC Candidates Guide for each level
 BOC Manual for Certifiers

Be nominated by Certifiers, the RD,
SEO or DEO, or assistants
 Be approved by Regional Director



(or assistant)
Complete this seminar
52
Certifier Requirements
Certifier (all levels) must:
• Be a USPS Member
• Be nominated by the RD, Certifier, ASEO, SEO or
ADEO or DEO
• Be approved by the Regional Director or Assistant
• Be a USPS Certified Instructor (current ID)
• Be an AP or above to certify IN, CN
• Complete certifier’s seminar
>>
53
Certifier’s Qualifications
Certifiers Must:
• Have on-the-water experience
• Have operated at night or in restricted visibility
• Have passed the courses or completed seminars
covering the material they are certifying
• Know the requirements & procedures to certify skills
• Be willing & able to observe & document skill demos
• Have Internet access & an e-mail address
• Be willing to travel at own expense
>>
54
Maintaining Certification

To maintain your certifier credentials:
Active Certifier
 Periodic refresher training



Possible update training


every 5 years
Most likely read and sign
Random sampling of certifier performance
55
Certifier’s Duties
Certifier (all levels) shall:





Serve as local experts
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
>>
56
Certifier’s Duties (Cont.)
Certifiers (all levels) shall:





Meet all applicable certifier qualifications
Make members aware of availability to certify
Make members aware of program and benefits
Encourage members to be certified
Become thoroughly familiar with program
>>
57
Certifier’s Duties (Cont.)
Certifiers (all levels) shall:


Cooperate with and take direction from
Regional Director (and Assistant Regional
Director)
Follow all certification policies
>>
58
Certifier’s Duties (Cont.)
IN, CN, ACN and ON Certifiers shall:
Maintain competencies in areas certifying
 Ensure skill demonstrations are done
safely
 Promptly submit skill demonstration
documentation via online database
 Sign member’s passport



Maintain records of skill demos (paper or
computer image)
Teach members who do not pass skill demo
- to a reasonable extent
>>
59
Certifier’s Duties (Cont.)
IN, CN, ACN and ON Certifiers may:

Teach members who do not pass
skill demo - to a reasonable extent
>>
60
Certifier Trainer’s Duties
Certifier Trainers shall:

Train OTW Certifiers, as needed
>>
61
Module 6
BOC Policies
62
Certification Policies

Certifiers are volunteers

No one can certify himself or herself

If certifier’s seminar is completed but
a qualification is not met, the candidate
will be certified upon completion of
requirement
>>
63
Certification Policies (Cont.)


Members are responsible to periodically
recertify themselves for non-USPS
seminars (e.g., CPR/AED, First Aid) as
required by offering organization
USPS membership must be maintained
>>
64
Certification Policies (Cont.)


Skill demonstrations must be done
in good weather and during daylight
except for overnight components
On-the-water demos are normally
done on boat provided by candidate
>>
65
Certification Policies (Cont.)


Certain skill demos must be done ashore
An Assistant Regional Director is
authorized to perform the functions of a
Regional Director, within their District or
as otherwise authorized.
>>
66
Certification Policies (Cont.)



Manual & Forms are on web site
Certifier can only certify member in
his/her region (exceptions may be
granted)
Certifiers must maintain their USPS
Instructor Certification
>>
67
Module 7
Skill Demonstrations
Instructions
68
Skill Demonstrations Instructions
SAFETY
IS YOUR #1 VALUE
AND PRIORITY!
>>
69
Skill Demonstrations Instructions


OTW demonstrations inherently have
more hazards than classroom instruction
Students should:




Ensure boat is loaded within capacity
Ensure all equipment is stowed
Ensure passengers have life jackets on
Ensure passengers are prepared for
maneuvers
>>
70
Skill Demonstrations Instructions




Maneuvers can throw people and
equipment around or even out of the boat
so everyone needs to be seated/holding on
and ‘stuff’ needs to be stowed/secured.
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
>>
71
Skill Demonstrations Instructions
If the students do not take the appropriate
safety measures, the Certifier needs to
teach the appropriate safety aspects of
boating
>>
72
Skill Demonstrations: Instructions


If boat type unfamiliar, you may
suggest another certifier
Candidate should have instructions in
advance



Equipment needed
Know what is expected
Discuss with candidate beforehand
>>
73
Skill Demonstrations: Instructions

Keep track of the candidate’s progress
by initialing the candidate’s checklist
>>
74
Skill Demonstrations Instructions


Skipper & crew handle the boat; certifier
only gets involved in an emergency
Demo is unsuccessful, if:



Accident
Dangerous action
Repeated inability to perform a step
>>
75
Skill Demonstrations Instructions

Some demos must be done ashore, e.g.



Fire extinguisher
Distress signal (pyrotechnics)
On the water:


If candidate cannot complete BPH skill demo,
recommend additional practice
Candidate must have competent crew member(s) to
be responsible for safe boat operation while skipper is
demonstrating Coastal Navigator skills
>>
76
Skill Demonstrations FAQs
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.
You need reasonable confidence the candidate can
consistently repeat the skill.
>>
77
Skill Demonstrations FAQs
Q: What do I do if it becomes clear
candidate cannot perform the skill
acceptably?
A: You should take the opportunity to do
some teaching and suggest the
candidate practice and then reschedule
the demonstration.
>>
78
Skill Demonstrations FAQs
Q: What do I do if I feel an unsafe
condition is developing?
A: 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.
>>
79
Alternate Skill
Demonstrations Record


Form ED-C1 Skill Demonstration Record
 Use to record data during demo if original
Passport or checklist is not available
 Form has instructions
 See sample filled-out form
Submit via BOC Tools
(with successfully completed demonstration)
>>
80
Module 8
BOC Website
81
Education Website
82
BOC Website
83
BOC Tools Website
84
Certifier
85
Candidate Review
86
Skill Completion
87
Certification Application
88
Passports
89
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

90
Seminar Modules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BOC description
Certifier – role, duties & qualifications
Detailed look at IN and CN plus
Overview of other levels
Skill demonstrations & Equivalencies
Policies, Equivalences & references
Insurance, Equipment and Logistics
91
Exclusions
We will not certify operations in certain
extreme conditions, including:

Arctic or Antarctic regions





Only between 70 N and 70 S Latitude
Areas with large icebergs or ice fields
Waters near or in tidal bores, whirlpools or
waterfalls
Waters where currents approach the cruising
speed of the boat
Class III or higher rapids
92
Certificate Fee Schedule

Current Cost for IN or CN Kit is $40
(cost to the squadron)



Includes the cost of the certificate and
initial endorsements.
Future endorsements cost $10
ACN and ON TBD
Note: Cost of materials at HQ less shipping handling & squadron
markup
93
Module 9
Insurance,
Equipment & Logistics
94
Insurance
As BOC Certifiers, USPS provides extensive
insurance coverage:









General Liability
Liquor Liability
Marine General Liability
Marina Operators Legal Liability
Hull/Protection and Indemnity
Directors and Officers Liability
Umbrella and Bumbershoot policies
Media Liability
Professional Liability
95
Insurance
For District and Squadron Event Insurance
http://www.usps.org/x/x.pl/x/x.cgi?natsec/ins
urance.htm
Mr. Steve Prime, CIC, VP
Tel: (401) 846-5130
stevep@gowrie.com
Ms. Mary Diaz
Tel: (800) 262-8911
maryd@gowrie.com
96
Equipment and Logistics
Life Jacket on everyone – no exceptions
 Life Jackets are absolutely required for
all USPS sanctioned events.
 Insurance Reasons
 Set an example
 Just the smart thing to do!
97
Equipment and Logistics

Support Equipment


Buoys



Buoys, Docks, Boats, Photos
Simple, Tested in area, Spares on hand
Discrete Recognition colors
Ground Tackle

Simple, Scope
98
Equipment and Logistics

Safe Water



Check depth, hazards for course and
surrounding area
Current and wind – will course markers
stay in place?
Boat and conditions compatible?
99
Equipment and Logistics

Staffing

Consider additional staff to support
paperwork, transportation, boat
launching, etc.

Right Level of Certifier

Student to Certifier ratio
Allow 2 hours OTW per student for IN skill
demos
 4 Hours for CN OTW per student

100
Equipment and Logistics

Food and water

Communications

Cell and VHF preferred

Restrooms

Each student has their checklist
101
Equipment and Logistics



Registrar w/ Checklists pre-prepared
Access to DB2000 or BOC Tools at
Registration for Education Equivalencies
Document all Additional Qualifications
102
Equipment and Logistics

Certifier Must follow up with Each student

Individually assess qualifications & “extras”

Distribute ED-C1,2,3,4,5 as required

Verify student receives certification
103
Questions ? … Comments
>>
104