America's Boating Club Oceanside

09/03/2026

It can be hard to tell what another boat is doing in crowded harbors, shipping lanes, or foggy weather. With an Automatic Identification System (AIS), you’ll know what all commercial vessels and many private boats are doing—even before you can see them.

Our online seminar, AIS Electronics for Boaters, can help you decide if AIS is right for you. You’ll learn
✅how AIS works
✅how you can use it to navigate more safely
✅how AIS and radar differ
✅how to integrate AIS with your current electronics

Improve your ability to avoid a collision; take AIS Electronics for Boaters today! https://bit.ly/ABCAISforBoaters

Avoid collisions with other boats. AIS will show you where other vessels are and how close they will come. How to integrate AIS with radar and other marine electronics.

09/01/2026

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08/27/2026

Need emergency help while boating? Or do you simply need to get your dock assignment from the marina? Whatever the situation, you need a good marine radio and the knowledge to operate it effectively.

Learn which VHF marine radio best fits your boating style and how to operate it with confidence. Take our online seminar All About Marine Radio today!

https://bit.ly/AllAboutMarineRadio

Marine radio is a lot more reliable than cellphones on the water. Learn how radios work, which channels to use, correct procedures, and how DSC can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

08/12/2026

https://youtu.be/NH3pKxuamu8?si=gGOfMfgsZrmhSxVw

Enjoy the many benefits of becoming a member of United States Power...

08/06/2026

Docking can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Take our online seminar, Confidence in Docking and Undocking, to take the mystery out of docking. You'll learn how to maintain control of your boat at slow speed in close proximity to other boats and fixed objects.

With the knowledge gained from this online seminar, coupled with your on-the-water practice, your confidence in docking will increase, and your boating will be both safer and more enjoyable.

With this class, your confidence in docking will increase, and your boating will be both safer and more enjoyable. Sign up today! https://bit.ly/ABCDocking

The dock is near but have no fear! Leave the anxiety on shore and learn to handle your boat slowly, safely, and confidently in tight quarters. Then practice, practice, practice!

07/27/2026

Did you know there's an easier way to stay connected to your boat's engine cutoff switch without being tethered by a lanyard?

America's Boating Channel® has released a new video explaining cordless (wireless) engine cutoff switch systems—how they work, their benefits, and why using an engine cutoff switch every time you operate your boat can help prevent runaway vessels and save lives.

Whether you're considering upgrading to a wireless system or simply want to learn more about this important boating safety technology, this short video has you covered.

▶️ Watch now and share it with your fellow boaters!
https://youtu.be/EVAwXn64PlY

The video discusses the advantages and limitations of cordless syst...

07/23/2026

Know where you are and where you are going. By taking our seminar, How to Use GPS, you'll learn how to:

✅how to use waypoints, build and execute routes, and monitor progress
✅how to interpret location information and tracking data
✅how GPS integrates with your boat’s electronic systems

You'll also get tips on connecting your GPS to your VHF marine radio—opening up a new world of digital hailing and distress signaling.

Make the best of your GPS and take How to Use GPS today! https://bit.ly/ABCHowtoUseGPS

Car and marine GPS aren’t the same. Learn how to choose a chart plotter and use this tool to create waypoints, build and execute routes, and check your progress along the way.

07/21/2026

While sailing to Cape May, one boater encounters deteriorating weather on the water.

In 1992, I headed north for the summer aboard my sailboat, SMAY. After traversing the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, I emerged into the top of Delaware

07/21/2026

Watch America's Boating Channel latest video on chart plotting apps to understand how they can enhance situational awareness while navigating on the water. The video covers essential features of chart plotting apps, including GPS positioning, electronic nautical charts, route planning, waypoint creation, speed and course monitoring, and real-time navigation.

With thousands of boating apps to choose from, this video highlight...

07/20/2026

Members of districts 22 and 28 traveled to Madrid for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise on Portugal’s Douro River.

In May 2025, 12 friends from districts 22 and 28 traveled to Madrid for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise on Portugal’s Douro River. After a three-day stay at

07/19/2026

Calculated risk is a worthy method to achieve success in dangerous situations, but confirmation bias while boating can sway you to make bad decisions.

Calculated risk is the process of evaluating potential losses and rewards to make an informed decision. When a task is challenging, calculated risk can

07/18/2026

Having a well-stocked marine first-aid kit on board can help you render immediate emergency care and even save a life.

07/11/2026

Learn to Use a Chart and get you California Boaters Card at the same time.

05/28/2026

Here are some tips on how to protect your vessel during a hurricane:

1️⃣ Strip the Deck 🌬️
Remove all canvas, cushions, and sails. In hurricane winds, these act like giant parachutes that can rip cleats right out of your deck. If it’s not bolted down, it’s a projectile!

2️⃣ Double Lines + Chafe Gear 🧵
Use oversized nylon lines for extra stretch. Most importantly, add chafe gear (like a heavy-duty hose) wherever lines touch the dock. Friction from a storm surge can melt a bare rope in minutes.

3️⃣ Center the Boat (The Spiderweb) 🕸️
Don't tie it tight! Use long spring lines to center the boat in the slip. This allows the boat to rise with the storm surge without getting pinned against the dock or pulled underwater.

4️⃣ Clear the Drains 🌧️
Hurricane rain is relentless. Ensure your scuppers (deck drains) are crystal clear. If they clog with debris, your cockpit fills like a bathtub, adding thousands of pounds that can swamp the boat.

5️⃣ Grab the "Go-Bag" 📸
Take your electronics and paperwork home. Pro Tip: Take "before" photos of your expert tie-down job. It’s your best evidence for insurance if the dock itself fails.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and watch the weather! 🌀💪

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸⚓️

As we gather with friends and family on the water this holiday weekend, let’s carry their legacy with us by being responsible, safe, and respectful mariners. 🌊

Pause: Take a moment for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time.

Honor: Fly your ensign with pride and respect.

Protect: Look out for your fellow boaters and keep our waterways safe.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to summer, and that means the waterways will be busy! 🇺🇸🚤
A little prep goes a long way in making sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.

Here are our top tips for a safe and stress-free weekend out on the boat:

Assign a "Sober Skipper" 🍺🚫 – Designate someone to stay 100% sober to navigate. BUI is just as dangerous as DUI, and the heat and sun can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Check the Crowd 👥 – Busy holiday weekends mean lots of wakes and new boaters. Keep your eyes on a swivel, maintain a safe speed, and be extra patient at the fuel dock and boat ramp.

Audit Your Life Jackets 🛟 – Ensure you have enough Coast Guard-approved vests for everyone on board, and make sure they are easily accessible (not locked in a cabin!).

Weather Watch ⛈️ – Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly. Check the forecast before you leave the dock and keep a weather app handy.

File a Float Plan 📝 – Let someone on land know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. It’s the easiest way to ensure help can find you if you have mechanical trouble.

Fuel Up Early ⛽ – Avoid the holiday morning lines at the marina by fueling up a day or two in advance.

Let's honor the weekend by looking out for one another. See you out there! ⚓️✨

05/18/2026

Looking for a fresh way to grow your Squadron? 💡

Check out this idea: Host a "Paddle Smart" Community Day! 🛶✨

Paddle sports are booming, and many new kayakers and SUP enthusiasts are looking for a community just like ours. Hosting a relaxed, fun-filled Paddle Smart event is the perfect "soft opening" to introduce your Squadron to a whole new generation of water lovers.

Why this works for your Squadron:

- Low Barrier to Entry: It’s less intimidating than a full navigation course and brings people right to the water’s edge. 🌊

- Showcase Your Expertise: Simple demos on life jacket fit or "how to stay visible to powerboats" prove our value immediately. 🛟

- Fun Recruitment: It’s easier to talk about the perks of membership while hanging out at the beach or a local launch ramp! 🤝

What a "Paddle Smart" day could look like:

- The "Cool Gear" Station: Show off the latest safety courses and equipment 🔦

- The Re-entry Challenge: A fun, wet demo on how to get back on a board or kayak. 💦

- Social Paddle: End the day with a group sunset paddle to build those community ties. 🌅

Let’s bridge the gap between power, sail, and paddle! It’s a great way to keep our traditions alive while welcoming new faces into the America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons family. ⚓️🙌

Share your ideas below! 👇

05/16/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The National Safe Boating Week Kickoff is here (May 16th–22nd).

This is the perfect time to refresh your skills and get your vessel summer-ready before the Memorial Day rush. 🌊⚓️

Here’s what’s happening during this safety campaign:

Life Jacket Check: Ensuring the whole crew has a proper fit. 🛟

Vessel Safety Checks: Get a free inspection for your peace of mind. ✅

Float Plans: Learn why "telling someone where you’re going" is a lifesaver. 📝

Skill Sharpness: From engine cut-off switches to navigating weather changes. 🚤

Safe boating isn't just a week, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s start the 2026 season on the right note!

05/12/2026

Nothing beats the adrenaline of a ride like this! 🍌🌊 At America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, we’re all about maximum fun on the water.

Towing friends and family is a blast, so here’s how to keep the good times rolling:

- The Dedicated Spotter 👥 – Always have an observer facing aft. The captain watches the path ahead; the spotter watches the riders!

- Life Jackets are Non-Negotiable 🛟 – High-impact sports require properly fitted, high-visibility vests for everyone on the towable.

- Master the Signals ✋ – Ensure riders and the crew know the hand signals for "Faster," "Slower," and "I’m OK" before hitting the throttle.

- Kill Switch Ready 🔌 – Always use your Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS). If the captain leaves the helm, the boat needs to stop instantly.

- Watch the Prop 🚤 – Never board or exit while the engine is in gear. Keep it in neutral or OFF when swimmers are near the platform.

We love the thrill of the ride as much as you do! Stay smart so the smiles stay big. ⚓️✨

What’s your favorite towable? Tell us below! 👇

05/08/2026

This , we’re taking a deep dive into history with this classic, monochrome shot of the original United States Power Squadrons emblem. ⚓️📰

Established in 1914, our mission of safe boating and nautical education has spanned generations of mariners. It’s a powerful reminder of how long we’ve been dedicated to making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. What was your first USPS course?