USPS now offers a series of short courses covering specific topics of interest to boaters. These courses are offered through the University of West Florida. They vary in duration, and can be started at any time.

2013 Schedule

Advanced Boat Handling (4 Weeks)
Anchoring (1 Week)
Basic Weather and Forecasting (1 Week)
Boat Handling Under Power (1 Week)
Boat Security (1 Week)
Crew Overboard (2 Weeks)
Cruise Planning (1 Week)
Emergencies on Board (1 Week)
How To Use A Chart (1 Week)
Knots, Bends and Hitches (1 Week)
Navigation Rules of The Road (1 Week)
Partner In Command (2 Weeks)
Sail Course (8 Weeks)
Sail Trim (1 Week)
Seamanship Course (8 Weeks)
Tides and Currents (1 Week)
Trailing Your Boat (1 Week)
Using GPS To Navigate (1 Week)
Using VHF and VHF/DSC Marine Radio (1 Week)
Weather Course (8 Weeks)

Registration and detailed course information

University of West Florida Continuing Education, Recreational Learning, Maritime Education Online

A full list of seminars and their course descriptions are on the United States Power Squadrons website and the USPS America’s Boating Course website.