The United States Power Squadrons Certifier Training Seminar

The United States Power Squadrons Certifier Training Seminar August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 1

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 3

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 August 2015 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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 5

Certifier Seminar Modules 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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 6

Module 1 Introduction to Boat Operator Certification (BOC) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 7

USPS On-the-Water Programs On-the-Water Guides Practical On-the. Water Training Boat Operator Certification August 2015 Training First, then Certification! USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 8

On-The-Water Guides �Extends existing classroom with relevant exercise 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 ABC 3 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 9

Practical On The Water Training (POTW) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 10

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/seminars‐ featured/hands‐on‐skills/practical‐on‐the‐water‐training August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 11

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 12

Boat Operator Certification �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: �Inland Navigator (Seamanship) �Coastal Navigator (Piloting) �Advanced Coastal Navigator (Advanced Piloting) �Offshore Navigator (Junior Navigator and Navigator) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 13

BOC General Requirements �USPS Membership � 16 years of age �Mentally and physically capable of operating a boat safely �Sufficient visual and auditory sensory ability August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 14

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 15

Module 2 Passport, Wallet Card, and Certificate August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 16

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 17

Candidate’s Passport August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 18

Candidate’s Passport August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 19

Candidate’s On-Line Passport § A Certifier creates the on‐line Passport 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 HQ 800 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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 20

Wallet Card and Certificate �When application is approved, member receives wallet card & certificate August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 21

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 22

Module 3 BOC Certification Levels August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 23

Levels of Certification Offshore Navigator (ON) Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN) Coastal Navigator (CN) Inland Navigator (IN) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 24

Inland Navigator (IN) Skill Demonstrations: § Basic Powerboat Handling (BPH) Skill Demonstration § Fire Extinguisher Skill Demonstration Classes: § § NASBLA approved Boating Course (such as ABC 3) Seamanship Engine Maintenance Marine Electrical Systems Seminars: § § 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) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 25

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 26

Levels of Certification Offshore Navigator (ON) Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN) Coastal Navigator (CN) Inland Navigator (IN) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 27

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) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 28

Levels of Certification Offshore Navigator (ON) Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN) Coastal Navigator (CN) Inland Navigator (IN) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 29

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: § § Emergencies on Board (EO) Marine Radar Recommended But Not Required § August 2015 CPR/AED (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 30

Levels of Certification Offshore Navigator (ON) Advanced Coastal Navigator (ACN) Coastal Navigator (CN) Inland Navigator (IN) August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 31

Offshore Navigator Skill Demonstrations �Offshore Navigator Boat Handling Skill Demonstration Courses: �Junior Navigation �Navigation Seminars – N/A August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 32

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 33

Module 4 Equivalencies and Endorsements August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 34

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 35

BOC Course Equivalents August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 36

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 37

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 38

Module 5 Certifier Duties, Responsibilities, and Policies August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 39

“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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 40

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: § August 2015 We want our members to succeed in BOC, but ‐ must be reasonable, ‐ encouraging and helpful USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 41

BOC Depends on Certifiers § Success of BOC largely depends on Certifiers § Your enthusiasm will be contagious § Certifiers are the: § § § Cheerleaders Sales force Promotion team Implementers Teachers Administrators § Your energy and talent will create success August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 42

BOC Organizational Structure § NEO – oversees the USPS 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 Regional Directors Assistant Regional Directors Certifiers August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 43

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 44

Eight BOC Regions Northwest Midwest Northeast Mid Atlantic Southwest & Pacific Isl. Mid Southeast August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 45

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. USPS Hands‐on Training and August 2015 Certification 46

BOC Certifier Requirements 1) A USPS member 2) Nominated by RD, ARD, Certifier, SEO, 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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 47

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 48

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 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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 49

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 50

Certifier’s Duties �Cooperate with and take direction from Regional 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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 51

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 52

Certification Policies § § § § 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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 53

Module 6 Conducting Skill Demonstrations August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 54

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 55

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 56

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 57

SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY! August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 58

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 59

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! August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 60

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 61

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 62

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 63

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 64

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. August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 65

Module 7 The Boat Operator Certification Website August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 66

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http: //www. usps. org/cgi-bin-nat/eddept/pages. cgi? tools/BOC/index: Y August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 69

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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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 76

Module 8 Insurance, Equipment, and Logistics August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 77

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 78

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 79

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 80

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 81

Location and Conditions § Choose training locations that meet the needs of the exercise § § 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? August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 82

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 83

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 August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 84

Questions ? … Comments August 2015 USPS Hands‐on Training and Certification 85