BOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

This site is intended for the use of United States Power Squadrons members in the Northwest who are or intending to be certifiers in our Boat Operators Certification Program(BOC).  Member that are lookng to recieve there BOC certification should contact their own squadrons SEO to start the process.

Mechanisms already exist for tracking member course and seminar completions at USPS HQ. However, the skill demonstrations require certifiers. The certifiers' key roles are to observe and certify demonstrations of skills and document them. Skill demos will be recorded both at Headquarters and on the member's BOC passport.

In some cases, credit may be given for skill demonstrations and seminars based on boating experience or other programs. Certifiers will assist in the preparation, processing and approval of such equivalencies. In addition, certifiers will also assist in the preparation, processing and approval of applications for certification. Certifiers will also serve as local experts and resources regarding certification for their own squadrons and districts, and will teach others how to perform the duties of a certifier.

Requirements

Certification at any level requires successful completion of all prescribed elements including:

• USPS courses - completions are tracked at USPS Headquarters
• USPS and/or non-USPS seminars - signed off by instructor and tracked at Headquarters
• Skill demonstrations on the water or, in some cases, ashore - signed-off by trained certifier and tracked at headquarters (some may be US Sailing programs)

To be certified, a member must be at least 16 years of age, be mentally and physically capable of operating a boat, and have sufficient visual and auditory sensory ability to do so. Holding a driver's license will suffice to certify meeting these requirements.