Monterey Bay Sail and Power Squadron

These courses allow members to expand their understanding of the marine environment and to better prepare them to perform routine maintenance for the overall safety of the vessel and crew.
Elective Courses are designed to enhance members’ boating experience.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Cruise Planning (CP) is organized as an Introduction to Coastal Cruising module (CP101) and a Long Distance Cruising module (CP102). CP101 focusses on the dependent cruise, and assumes the need to put in for fuel, food or other shore based services at reasonably frequent intervals. Generally, the boat is anchored or docked at the end of each day. CP102 focusses on the independent cruise, assuming long distances without shore-side support.  Vessels are normally larger and are often sailboats. The module reviews considerations that must be given to crew selection, standing watch, menu planning, spare parts inventory, medical preparedness, navigational planning, customs regulations and preparing to leave one’s home for extended periods.

Engine Maintenance (EM) is a two module course. The first module provides information about marine propulsion systems, covering basic engine principles and components; controls; instruments and alarms; steering systems; marine maintenance and winter storage.  The second module delves into cooling and exhaust systems; lubrication, fuel and induction systems; ignition systems; electrical and starter systems; power trains; troubleshooting.  It concludes with a chapter on emergency repairs afloat.

Instructor Development (ID) focusses on adult learning theory and communication technique.  The emphasis is on an organized, interactive approach through the creation, use and modification of lesson plans, teaching aids and multi-media. It is of benefit to all who wish to learn to communicate effectively.

Marine Electronics (ME) teaches essential knowledge about a boat’s electrical and electronic systems including: proper wiring; grounding; corrosion and electrolyisis control; batteries and their maintenance; depth finders; marine radiotelephones; radar and loran; GPS and other electronic positioning systems.

Sail (Sa) is organized into two modules.  Sa101, Basic Sail, teaches the elements of sailing includingterminology; sailboat rigs and sail plans; boat design and hull types; sails, standing & running rigging; boat, true and apparent wind; leaving and returning to a dock; sailing upwind and downwind; marlinespike for sailors; and basic sailing rules.Sa102, Advanced Sail, teaches forces, stability and balance; sail trim; tuning a rig; steering & helmsmanship; spinnaker handling; heavy weather sailing; survival in storm conditions; safety procedures; racing & race management; and navigation rules for sailboats.

Weather (We).  The two modules, Wx101 and Wx102, will provide basic and advanced weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating.  The student will learn to make weather predictions based upon observations of the sky, barometer and wind information, as well as data provided by maps, satellite images and radio and TV broadcasts.  Both modules use The Weather Book, from USA Today, as the textbook together with a USPS supplemental manual.

Marine Radar (MR).  This is a short duration class that deals with the installation and use of Marine Radar. The student learns how to mount the antenna for the most effective operation and how to read the radar echoes effectively. Considerable time is spent covering the various types of information available on the radar display and how to adjust the display for the best results during the current weather conditions.  This class would make a great companion to the Weather Class.