The Starpath School of Navigation (www.starpath.com) offers one in
Seattle.  They also sell a PC- based radar simulator.  I have not tried
either one of these, but they do seem like a good idea.

Best,

Steve

Steve Dubnoff
Nauticat 40 M/S, Pyxis, in Washington
sdubnoff@circlesys.com

At 02:37 PM 12/12/2001 -0800, Garrett Lambert wrote:

Anyone have any ideas who might offer radar classes to the general public?
(The Power Squadron doesn't, and that's a subject for the other thread.)

REPLY
Both CPS and USPS  have embarked on a program of  changing the  long
classes  covering a multitude of subjects into short modules focussed on
specific  topics.

I wrote  several short  modules  on Loran, GPS Radar and depth sounders
for CPS.
These have been available  from  Headquarters for many years now but local
squadrons are unwilling to use them or do not know about them.    Garrett's
experience of being told  no such thing  exist  highlights this fact.

I worked closely with my opposite number  in USPS  while developing  course
material.  We have a reciprocal agreement  which allows each to use the
other's  course material  if we find it suitable.
USPS  actually started  developing modular course material  before CPS did.
However, opposition from  the "old guard "  at the local squadron level has
often proven to be a bigger impediment than  actually  finding willing and
qualified  technical writers  to develop  course material.

As an example  The GPS course which I developed for CPS was seen  by the
USCG  Aux Chief Commander  at the USPS national conference.  As a result
they purchased  4000 copies from CPS for use in  all local  Aux  units for
training theie own people.
I had to  change some  material which was too  specific to Canadian
conditions and  alter the wording  in other places to make it more
universally  applicable.
However, in my own squadron someone  who had decided to make a name for
himself refused to use the CPS material and instead offered  his own
version of a GPS seminar.  ( go figure!)

Despite having this material  available  many squadrons  still do  not
offer a separate GPS seminar.
I have heard that  this sort of thing also happens in some USPS squadrons.
So please do not generalize about all Power Squadrons  just because you
have had a poor  experience  with one local unit.
In many urban areas there are  often  more than  one squadron to choose
from.  If the  personality of one doesn't suit you take a look at the next
one.
Finally,  if the  local squadron  doesn't live up to your expectations,
have a looka t  what you can contribute  to make it better.

Teaching  safe boating is the raison d'etre but the social events are the
glue we use to  keep the volunteers  together  through thick and thin;
good timesd and bad.
This year I earned my life member award.  I wouldn't have stayed around if
it wasn't fun!

I know of some squadrons which have developed  special interest  classes
for their local needs.  It may not fit with the national  perspective but
locally these have proven a great success.
So forget the uniform.  Wear jeans and loafers; but come out to class and
share you  knowledge, experience and  have fun!
There are students taking squadron courses  outside of  the continental
north America.
A buddy of mine took his Boating class in Saudi Arabia while  working there
for 18 months.
There are also  correspondence  courses available.  CPS now has a full
certificate  member  in the high arctic. The man is a priest  in a local
parish.  Took the course for interest sake. , The nearest squadron to him
is 1000 miles away.

Cheers
Arild Jensen
The Electronic  Navigator

From: "Arild Jensen" elnav@uniserve.com

So you're the guy!!  That's a very good unit.  We not only use it for member
training, but also offer one-day GPS seminars along with our other Public
Education offerings.  We've gotten a good response, and very positive
feedback.  Thanks, Arild!

Regards,

John Gaquin
FC, 01N0502
USCGAux