Currently Scheduled Seminars

Are you a crew member or passenger who has no idea what's going on during a boat trip? Learn the essential skills you will need to help the skipper safely operate a recreational boat, including how to respond in an emergency. You'll become an asset on board with Partner in Command.

The Partner in Command seminar includes an introduction to boating, understanding anchoring, docking, and navigation, preparing for bad weather, first aid and on-board emergencies, and more.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

• Full color Student Guide

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Welcome to the world of paddlesports, the fastest growing part of boating!

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks and canoes accounted for some 54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000 crafts.

Kayaking, canoeing or rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the process. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.

Lt/C Julian Fiander, SN

Learn how, when, and why to use an Automated External Defibrillator – an essential first aid skill that can help save a life.

USPS members from other squadrons:
Please contact us for your discounted rate.

Lt/C Linda Downie, S

Are the winds too strong? What is a small craft advisory? The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent.

This seminar, a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course, will help you answer these questions and gain an understanding of the forces acting on your boat. Understand the forecast and know what to expect, whether you're in a kayak, trawler, sailboat, or schooner.

This seminar presents a complex subject in a way that is both understandable and useful.

Each seminar participant receives a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes written especially for the seminar. An optional waterproof McGraw Hill Captain’s QuickGuide – Onboard Weather Forecasting – designed for onboard and field use is also available.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Are the winds too strong? What is a small craft advisory? The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent.

This seminar, a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course, will help you answer these questions and gain an understanding of the forces acting on your boat. Understand the forecast and know what to expect, whether you're in a kayak, trawler, sailboat, or schooner.

This seminar presents a complex subject in a way that is both understandable and useful.

Each seminar participant receives a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes written especially for the seminar. An optional waterproof McGraw Hill Captain’s QuickGuide – Onboard Weather Forecasting – designed for onboard and field use is also available.

P/C Robert Blau, SN

If you live in the border states, you can cross international borders and visit our neighbors to the north or south. But what do you need to know? This seminar explains the immigration and customs process and the programs that enable boaters to easily cross into Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas. Be prepared by having the correct documents; we can help you get there. Each student receives a full color Student Guide especially written for the seminar.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Learn how to depart, dock, and handle different types of boats while looking like a pro. Learn the different types of propulsion, steering, and trimming so you can develop proficiency in handling your vessel in rough seas and maneuvering in close quarters. The seminar materials include a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes.

A copy of the waterproof Captain's QuickGuide Boat Handling under Power is available.

P/C Tom Smith, SN

Do you want to learn practical techniques to plan, navigate, and check your progress on the water? It's not that hard, and modern marine electronics like GPS and Chartplotters make it even easier.

This seminar will introduce you to using nautical charts to determine safe routes, creating waypoints in your Chartplotter and other GPS devices, and basic electronic navigation and planning using the free downloadable OpenCPN software. This seminar is a great foundation for advanced courses that teach piloting and celestial navigation skills.

The student kit includes the Introduction to Navigation booklet with integrated discussion to the instructor PowerPoint classroom presentation, including directions to download navigation charts and the OpenCPN software application.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

• Nautical charts
• Waypoint navigation using a chartplotter
• Navigation planning using OpenCPN software
• Navigation while underway
• What to do when things go wrong

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Don't drift! Understand the issues and problems involving anchoring, such as anchor types and sizes. Learn proper anchoring techniques for your area. By understanding anchoring conditions and situations, you'll protect your boat and get a good night's sleep on the water. The seminar materials include the Anchoring Seminar booklet and an optional Anchoring QuickGuide.

• Anchor chains
• Holding power
• Anchor types
• What size anchor
• Anchoring
• Tips and tricks
• Buying an anchor
• Where common anchors work best
• How much line or chain to use
• Anchor lines

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Learn how to depart, dock, and handle different types of boats while looking like a pro. Learn the different types of propulsion, steering, and trimming so you can develop proficiency in handling your vessel in rough seas and maneuvering in close quarters. The seminar materials include a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes.

A copy of the waterproof Captain's QuickGuide Boat Handling under Power is optionally available.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

Lt/C Paul Loock, JN

Get familiar with your boat's VHF marine radio in just two hours. Experienced instructors teach you how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new digital selective calling (DSC) rescue feature.

You'll also get tips on purchasing and installing VHF to get the most out of your investment. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's QuickGuide Using VHF is optionally available with essential information that you should have aboard. This QuickGuide explains to anyone on your crew how to use the radio, a real benefit if you’re unable to help in an emergency.

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Get familiar with your boat's VHF marine radio in just two hours. Experienced instructors teach you how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new digital selective calling (DSC) rescue feature.

You'll also get tips on purchasing and installing VHF to get the most out of your investment. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's QuickGuide Using VHF is optionally available with essential information that you should have aboard. This QuickGuide explains to anyone on your crew how to use the radio, a real benefit if you’re unable to help in an emergency.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Sure, GPS can get you where you need to go, but did you know you can use it to steer your boat accurately?

Enhance your boating experience by getting the most out of today's feature-packed GPS devices.

Learn how to store and use waypoints, build and execute routes, and monitor steering. You can also get tips on connecting your GPS to your VHF marine radio, which opens up a new world of digital hailing and distress signaling.

A waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s QuickGuide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS, is optionally available.

P/C Robert Blau, SN

Don't leave the dock without knowing the rules of the road. This seminar simplifies the sometimes complex U.S. Inland Rules and International Rules, or COLREGS, for the recreational boater. Through examples, you'll discover how to avoid collisions in various situations, the differences between power and sailboat rules, and the special rules for fishing vessel. This seminar includes Student Notes with slides.

The downloadable US Coast Guard's Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook is the supporting text. This seminar is also a starting point for study preparation for the USCG License examination.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

• Avoiding collisions
• Meeting head on
• Crossing
• Overtaking
• Sailing vessels
• Vessel responsibilities
• Fishing vessels
• Lights and shapes on vessels
• Sounds signals
• Restricted visibility
• Distress signals

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN

Don't drift! Understand the issues and problems involving anchoring, such as anchor types and sizes. Learn proper anchoring techniques for your area. By understanding anchoring conditions and situations, you'll protect your boat and get a good night's sleep on the water. The seminar materials include the Anchoring Seminar booklet and an optional Anchoring QuickGuide.

As a courtesy, GLYC members receive our member rate.

• Anchor chains
• Holding power
• Anchor types
• What size anchor
• Anchoring
• Tips and tricks
• Buying an anchor
• Where common anchors work best
• How much line or chain to use
• Anchor lines

P/R/C Don Fiander, SN