Online Power Squadron courses

[sb in gp]

I took the basic Power Squadron course some years ago, and I was looking to take some more PS training to improve my knowledge.

The local Power Squadron has the "Piloting" and "Seamanship" courses, which appear to be the next logical courses. Problem is, I have other commitments on Tues and Thurs evening, and so I'd have to miss some classes.

I found that the University of West Florida offers the courses online. (http://uwf.augusoft.net/index.cfm?m...lay&int_category_id=4&int_sub_category_id=170)

Does anyone have any experience with these online versions?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[SCORPIO]

No experience with the online courses, but I have taken all those courses in the classroom and more, they are very useful. The navigation courses are also great, especially now that they changed to teaching electronic piloting. If you can't take the classroom courses, then I think the online version would be the next best thing. I wonder how they handle question and answer sessions? That's what I liked about the classroom, the interaction.

 

[Gofirstclass]

IMO the best part of taking any of the safety courses or piloting courses in the classroom is the exchange of information between the people in the class.

 

[PatSea]

I've taken Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting and have begun the Junior Navigation course. I agree with the posters above that the interaction in the classroom is as important as the presented material.

 

[1956olds]

I've taken Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting and have begun the Junior Navigation course. I agree with the posters above that the interaction in the classroom is as important as the presented material.

I have taken these courses also,I had pneumonia during the advanced piloting class for about five of the evenings and couldnt pass the final even though i had gone over the material at home.I dont think i could do the online ones,like everyone said participation is key especially when a question of local knowledge arises.

 

[suss1173]

I haven't taken any of the classes mentioned. However I have taken other online corses and the Q & A was done via email to the instructor. Like the others have stated, I think a lot can be gained via the classroom interaction (imo).

 

[HUMPH]

I am starting a course at the community college next week in Navigation. It's a 5-week course, one night a week (Part 1). I am hoping to take part 2 in the Spring!

 

[AMFM3]

I am both Commander and an Instructor for the Canadian Power Squadron. We use a lot of USPS material adapted for Canadian regs.

Online is ok. But classroom really helps learning, especially with charts and navigation. If you can find the time, do classroom. You'll make a bunch of new friends.

Mark