United States Power Squadrons

1
United States Power Squadrons
Certifier Training
gtgt
2
Seminar Purpose Scope

• This seminar provides training for all
  certifiers, including
• Master Advanced certifiers, who also teach Safe
  Powerboat Handling (a US Sailing program)
• Regional certifiers and their assistants, who
  also complete an additional module of training

3
Becoming a Certifier

• To become certifier
• Meet all requirements
• Be nominated by SEO or DEO
• (Or other BOC personnel)
• Be approved by regional certifier
• Complete this seminar

4
Certifiers Manual

• Explains BOC program
• Includes
• Procedures Policies
• Checklists and forms, filled-out samples
• Certifier qualifications duties
• Reference material

gtgt
5
CD-ROM Content

• Seminar slides (PPT)
• Overview presentation on BOC (PPT)
• Forms checklists (Word PDF)
• Certifiers manual (PDF)
• Seminar pre-reading file (PDF)
• Manual cover graphics (PDF)
• Templates for name badges CD-ROM labels (MS
  Word), sign, etc.

gtgt
6
Seminar Modules

• BOC description
• Certifier role, duties qualifications
• Detailed look at Inland Navigator
• Skill demonstrations waivers
• Policies, equivalences references
• Regional certifiers

7
Module 1
BOC Description
8
Motivation for BOC

• USCG request to set recreational boat operator
  proficiency standards
• UN Resolution 40

9
BOC Objectives

• Certify recreational boat operators at various
  levels of proficiency
• Provide internationally recognized credential
  (all levels UN 40 compliant)

10
Advantages to Members

• Public recognition of skills is beneficial when
• Chartering, renting, leasing, esp. outside USA
• Competing
• Speaking in public, testifying as expert witness
• Lobbying
• Serving on advisory panel
• Being quoted in media

gtgt
11
BOC Highlights

• Four levels of Certification
• Requirements
• USPS membership
• Physically capable
• Complete selected USPS courses
• Complete certain seminars (some non-USPS)
• Demonstrate skills (some non-USPS)
• Documents certificate and card

gtgt
12
Exclusions

• We will not certify operations in certain extreme
  conditions, including
• Arctic or Antarctic regions
• 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 above rapids

13
Levels of Certification

• Each higher level certifies member for more
  challenging conditions
• Each level builds on previous (both requirements
  and conditions covered)
• Thus all lower levels are prerequisites for a
  given level.

gtgt
14
Levels of Certification
15
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.
• Boat Type Type of propulsion

gtgt
16
Endorsements

• Regional type
• CAN Canadian waters
• CAR Caribbean waters
• EURO European waters
• IW Inland Waterways (i.e. locks,canals,
  rivers)
• MEX Mexican waters

gtgt
17
Endorsements

• Boat type
• PAD Paddle boating
• SA - Sail boating (two levels)
• More endorsements to come

gtgt
18
Preliminary Fee Schedule

• Inland Navigator - 30
• Coastal Navigator - 30
• Advanced Coastal Nav. - 30
• Offshore Navigator - 30
• Endorsements - 10 ea

19
General Requirements

• 16 years of age
• Mentally and physically capable of operating a
  boat
• Sufficient visual and auditory sensory ability
• ____________
• UN resolution 40 requirements (a drivers license
  will suffice to certify meeting these)

gtgt
20
Level Conditions Limits
21
Level Course Requirements
Advanced Grades
22
Level Course Requirements
Elective Courses
23
Level Seminar Requirements
24
Level Seminar Requirements
25
Level Skill Demonstrations
USS US Sailing Program
26
Courses Skills Required for Endorsement
Course requirements
Skill demonstration requirements
_______________________ BB US Sailing
Bareboat Cruising program OS US Sailing
Offshore program
27
Seminars Required for Endorsements
28
The Certifier
Module 2
29
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

30
Certifiers Keystone of BOC

• You must balance your roles as
• 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, so
  you must be reasonable, encouraging and helpful
• Your resource person regional certifier
• Rank neither certifiers nor regional certifiers
  hold a rank

31
CERTIFIERS
Certifiers Role

• Observe and certify skill demonstrations
• Manage Applications Waivers
• Promote BOC serve as a BOC resource
• Train other certifiers
• Serve in a region

32
BOC Regions
33
BOC Regions
34
Regions - Members

• Caribbean 856
• Mid Atlantic 8910
• Mid South 3901
• Midwest 7653
• Northeast 8755
• Northwest 2538
• Southeast 9871
• Southwest Pacific Islands 2596

35
Regions District Assignments

• Caribbean (Puerto Rico US Virgin islands) D/33
• Mid Atlantic D/2, D/5, D/6, D/7, D/11
• Mid South D/15, D/17, D/21, D/31
• Midwest D/9, D/10, D/20, D/24, D/29, D/30
• Northeast D/1, D/3, D/4, D/12, D/14, D/18, D/19
• Northwest D/16, D/32
• Southeast D/8, D/22, D/23, D/26, D/27
• Southwest Pacific Islands D/13, D/25, D/28

36
District Regional Assignments
37
Organizational Structure
38
Certifiers by Region
39
Certifiers Duties

• Certifiers shall
• Meet all 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

gtgt
40
Certifiers Duties

• Certifiers 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 waivers

gtgt
41
Master Adv. Adv. Certifiers Duties
Certifiers shall

• Maintain competencies in areas certifying
• Ensure skill demonstrations are done safely
• Promptly submit skill demonstration documentation
  via online database
• Sign members passport
• Maintain records of skill demos (paper or
  computer image)

gtgt
42
Master Advanced Certifiers Duties
Certifiers shall

• Teach members who do not pass skill demo
• Train other certifiers, as needed
• Be certified through ACN by 2011

gtgt
43
Certifiers Duties
All Certifiers shall

• Cooperate with and take direction from regional
  certifier
• Follow all certification polices
• Master Advanced certifiers all of above plus
  teach US Sailing on-the-water Safe Powerboat
  Handling

gtgt
44
Certifiers Qualifications

• Certifier Must
• Be a USPS Member
• Be nominated by the SEO or DEO
• Be approved by the regional certifier
• Be a USPS Certified Instructor
• Be an AP or above to certify IN, CN or ACN
• Be an SN to certify ON level
• Complete certifiers seminar
• Be actively boating

gtgt
45
Certifiers 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
• OTW skills will be documented by MC or ACs
• Have Internet access an e-mail address

gtgt
46
Level 1Inland Navigator
Module 3
47
Inland Navigator (IN) Certification Limits

• Rivers, canals, sm. Lakes, 2 nm of shore
• Boat up to 8M (28 ft), within endorsements
• Fair weather, good visibility, daylight
• Force 4 winds (16 kt, 18 mph)
• Waves, 1 meter (3 ft.)
• Endorsements IW, PAD, SA

gtgt
48
Inland Navigator (IN)

• A Caveat
• The boat operator is responsible for determining
  if he/she can operate safely based upon
• Operators skills experience
• Seaworthiness of boat
• Capabilities of crew

gtgt
49
Inland Navigator (IN)

• Course Requirements
• Boating course (NASBLA APPROVED)
• Seamanship
• Engine Maintenance
• Marine Electrical Systems (currently ME 101)

gtgt
50
Inland Navigator (IN)

• Seminars requirements
• How to Use a Chart
• Onboard Weather Forecasting
• Using GPS
• Using VHF-Radio - DSC/VHF Radio

gtgt
51
Inland Navigator (IN)

• Skills demonstrated to a Certifier
• US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling or
  complete an on-the-water skill demonstration
• Use of Fire Extinguishers

gtgt
52
Inland Navigator (IN)

• Recommended Endorsements
• Inland Waterways
• Optional Endorsements
• SA Sail or Sail 101 Sail 102 courses
• PAD Paddle Smart

gtgt
53
Checklists

• Checklist in the Candidates Guide for each level
• Helps candidate plan and track all requirements
• Passport documents completed items checklist for
  members use to plan

54
Inland Navigator (IN)

• If a member has equivalent
• Experience - consult the Waiver Processes
  (Section 18)
• Courses - see Course Equivalency (Section 19)
• External programs or licenses - see External
  Programs (Section 20)

gtgt
55
Passport

• Each completion should be entered in members
  passport
• SEO, instructor or certifier signs, as
  appropriate
• Submitted with certification application

56
Passport
57
Passport
58
Documentation for IN

• When application is approved, member receives
  card certificate from HQ

59
Skill Demonstrations and Waivers
Module 4
60
Skill Demonstrations Instructions

• If boat type unfamiliar, may suggest another
  certifier
• Candidate should have instructions in advance
• Equipment needed
• Know what is expected
• Discuss with candidate beforehand

gtgt
61
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

gtgt
62
Skill Demonstrations Instructions

• Some demos must be done ashore
• Fire extinguisher
• Distress signal
• On the water
• Candidate must have competent crew member(s) to
  be responsible for safe boat operation while
  skipper is demonstrating NAV skill
• If candidate cannot complete BPH skill demo,
  refer him to an Master Advanced Certifier to take
  the US Sailing SPH program or equivalent

gtgt
63
Skill Demonstrations FAQs

• FAQ
• Q How do I decide when 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.

gtgt
64
Skill Demonstrations FACs

• FAQ
• 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, or in the case
  of the BPH skill, direct the member to an Master
  Advanced Certifier to take US Sailing SPH.

gtgt
65
Skill Demonstrations FACs

• FAQ
• 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, candidates
  performance, etc. and reschedule when
  appropriate.

gtgt
66
Skill Demonstrations Record

• Form ED-C1 Skill Demonstration Record
• Section 17
• Use to record data during demo
• Form has instructions
• See sample filled-out form
• Submit to HQ via On line upload, if demo
  successful

gtgt
67
Waivers Equivalencies

• Experienced boaters or those with other training
  may apply for a waiver
• Section 18 describes the waiver process for
• Skills
• Seminars
• Sections 19 20 getting credit for equivalent,
• Courses
• USCG (Commercial) Licenses

gtgt
68
FAQs Skill Waivers

• Q How do I decide if a waiver for a skill should
  be approved?
• A There are criteria for approving waivers in
  Section 18. However, you must exercise good
  judgment in determining whether the experience
  described is sufficient to waive a skill
  demonstration. You do not want to be
  unreasonably strict, but neither do we want to
  certify a member to do something beyond his or
  her experience. Feel free to consult with other
  certifiers or your regional certifier.

69
Module 5
Policies, Course Equivalencies References
70
Certification Policies

• Certifiers are volunteers
• No one can certify himself or herself
• If certifiers seminar is completed but a
  qualification is not met, the certifier candidate
  will be certified upon completion of requirement
  (6-month limit) (i.e. Inst. Cert. expired)
• Must be SN to certify ON level
• Must be AP to certify all other levels

gtgt
71
Certification Policies

• 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
• We will not certify for operating in certain
  extreme conditions

gtgt
72
Certification Policies

• Skill demonstrations must be done in good weather
  and during daylight
• On-the-water demos must be done on boat provided
  by candidate

gtgt
73
Certification Policies

• Waivers may be granted for
• Some skills, based on experience
• Seminars, based on courses or experience
• Course credit may be granted for approved courses
  or licenses

gtgt
74
Certification Policies

• Certain skill demos must be done ashore
• An assistant regional certifier may act for the
  regional certifier, if
• Regional certifier is unavailable
• Assistant has been delegated to act

gtgt
75
Certification Policies

• Manual Forms will be on web site
• Certifier can certify any member in his region
• Certifiers must maintain their USPS Instructor
  Certification
• Recertification of certifiers every 5 yrs

gtgt
76
USPS Course Equivalencies
gtgt
77
USPS Course Equivalencies
gtgt
78
Useful References in Manual

• Document history Section 1 verify your manual
  is up-to-date
• Candidate guides Sections 7 10 each dedicated
  to one level contain checklists
• Section 21 tabular summary of level
  requirements
• Section 22 tabular summary of endorsement
  requirements

79
Questions ? Comments
gtgt
80
Regional Certifier
Module 6
81
Regional CertifiersLeaders of BOC

• The success of BOC largely depends on the
  certifiers
• Your leadership will ensure
• Certifier efforts are well directed
• Program and standards are uniform across the
  organization
• Certifiers are well motivated
• District leadership is involved

82
Regional CertifiersLeaders of BOC

• For certifiers, you serve as
• Selector/recruiter
• Trainer
• Motivator
• Information source
• You are certifiers primary resource on BOC -
  become an expert!

83
REGIONAL CERTIFIERS
Regional Certifier Role

• Recruit train one or more assistants
• Work with SEOs DEOs to identify recruit
  capable, dedicated certifiers
• Goal at least 1 certifier per squadron this
  year
• Train and motivate certifiers
• Review approve certification applications
  and waiver requests
• Promote BOC to district leaders in your region

84
BOC Regions
85
Regions - Staffing
86
Regions District Assignments

• Caribbean (Puerto Rico US Virgin islands) D/33
• Mid Atlantic D/2, D/5, D/6, D/7, D/11
• Mid South D/15, D/17, D/21, D/31
• Midwest D/9, D/10, D/20, D/24, D/29, D/30
• Northeast D/1, D/3, D/4, D/12, D/14, D/18, D/19
• Northwest D/16, D/32
• Southeast D/8, D/22, D/23, D/26, D/27
• Southwest Pacific Islands D/13, D/25, D/28

87
Lead Certifiers by Region
88
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Meet all certifier qualifications
• Make leadership of districts squadrons aware of
  program and benefits
• Encourage district squadron leaders to be
  certified (set example)

gtgt
89
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Become experts on the program
• Serve as resources to certifiers in their region
• Stay on national e-mail list to stay up-to-date

gtgt
90
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Respond promptly to requests for advice or
  assistance from certifiers
• Review approve certification applications and
  waivers (or return with explanation)
• Promptly submit certifications to HQ via special
  workbook upload

gtgt
91
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Enter waived seminars and skill demos via on-line
  workbook
• Train assistant(s) and share duties with them so
  they are prepared to assume regional certifiers
  job at any time

gtgt
92
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Be certified through ACN level by 2009
• Select recruit certifiers (use SEOs DEOs)
• Run periodic certifier training seminars at
  district meetings in your region

gtgt
93
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Cooperate with and take direction from the NEO,
  ANEO or their delegate
• Follow all certification polices
• Note regional certifiers may also act as
  certifiers, as needed

gtgt
94
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Verify candidates from certifiers training
  seminars
• Pre-approved by regional certifier
• Meet qualifications
• Forward lists of trained certifiers to Ed Dept
  IT Rep. for addition to e-mail list.

gtgt
95
Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers shall
• Inform trainer if candidates were deleted from
  the list (this should never be necessary)
• Maintain list of certifiers in your region
• Submit certifiers for merit marks, as appropriate
• Maintain records or waivers and certifications on
  paper or via computer images.

gtgt
96
Assistant Regional Certifiers Duties

• Assistant regional certifiers
• Learn all the duties of the regional certifier
• Perform any regional certifier duties delegated
  to them
• Act in the absence of the regional certifier
• Succession plan assistant replaces regional
  certifier at terms end

gtgt
97
Assistant Regional Certifiers Duties

• Regional certifiers may wish to split
  responsibility with their assistants based on
  function or district
• As the regional certifier nears the end of his or
  her term, all duties shall be gradually delegated
  to the succeeding assistant

gtgt
98
Regional Certifiers Qualifications

• Regional certifiers must
• Be a member of a squadron in their region
• Be nominated by the DEO approved by the NEO
• Be a USPS Certified Instructor
• Hold the grade of SN
• Complete the regional certifiers seminar
• Have substantial and verifiable on-the-water
  experience

gtgt
99
Regional Certifiers Qualifications

• Regional certifiers must
• Have some experience with night operations or
  operating in restricted visibility
• Have strong presentation skills
• Be willing to train their assistants and
  certifiers
• Be able to exercise good judgment, especially
  regarding waivers

gtgt
100
Regional Certifiers Qualifications

• Regional certifiers must
• Be familiar with BOC
• Requirements policies
• Forms documents
• Procedures
• Be willing and able to serve up to 3 years
• Have Internet access and an e-mail address
• Assistant regional certifiers qualifications same
  as regional certifiers

gtgt
101
Additional Study

• Sections 3 4 to understand regional certifiers
• Qualifications
• Duties
• Also learn the process of nominating certifiers
  (form instructions in Section 4)

102
Questions ? Comments
gtgt