See and Be Seen on the Water

Title: AIS Electronics for Boaters
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2027
Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Where: Via Zoom, Login information provided after registration
Materials: Provided through emails
Cost: Free to ASPS Members - $10.00 to All Others. 
Instructors: P/C John Wesley Nash, SN-IN & Lt/C Michael Maszczenski, Jr., N

With the Automated Identification System (AIS) for marine vessels, you can avoid collisions in crowded waters by knowing the name and locations of other boats and ships, how close they will come, and when to act. Many AIS systems also broadcast your boat’s information to other boats so they can also make better, safer boating decisions.

Our AIS Electronics for Boaters seminar can help you decide if an Automatic Identification System is right for you and show you how AIS and Radar differ. AIS electronics are not just for commercial vessels and more recreational vessels are employing this technology for safer cruising.

What You Will Learn:

•     What does AIS do and how does it work?
•     Do I need an AIS System?
  
•     How does AIS different from Radar?
  
•     How to use AIS to navigate more safely?
  
•     How to integrate AIS with my vessel's existing electronics?

Click Here to Register - Or use the QR code shown below:

For Questions or Additional Information: Email seo@aspsmd.org, or call 410-739-7800

Preparation for Handling Common Problems

Title: Emergencies on Board
Date: Thursday, December 03, 2026
Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Where: Via Zoom, Login information provided after registration
Materials: Provided through emails
Cost: Free to ASPS Members - $10.00 to All Others
Instructor: P/D/C Jeff McKinney, SN-CN

No one wants to think about it, but emergencies happen on boats. Be prepared for a variety of boating mishaps, medical emergencies, and other crises!

Prevention and preparation make all the difference.  This seminar will prepare you to handle common emergencies that can happen when you are on your boat and away from the dock, whether you venture out for the day or are leaving on a longer cruise.  You will learn how to deal with them as they occur and especially when the skipper is unable to respond.

Upon completion of this seminar, you will have gained an understanding of the most common types of vessel emergencies and how to deal with them, how to handle onboard fires, how to recognize and prepare for medical emergencies and how to communicate with crew, other boats, and first responders.

Click Here to Register - Or use the QR code shown below:

For Questions or Additional Information: Email seo@aspsmd.org, or call 410-739-7800

Reliable Power for Starting, Cruising, and Life Onboard

Title: Introduction to Marine Batteries
Date: Thursday, Novenber 19, 2026
Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Where: Via Zoom, Login information provided after registration
Materials: Provided through emails
Cost: Free to ASPS Members - $10.00 to All Others. 
Instructors: Stf/C John Locke, SN-ACN

Sooner or later, you will need to replace the 12-volt batteries used to start your boat engine and run your onboard electronic systems. This seminar is intended to help you get longer, more reliable service from your current boat battery and to familiarize you with the options available when it comes time for an upgrade or replacement.

Topics include:

• Battery Specifications
• Batteries for Different Loads
• Battery Chemistries
• Onboard Charging Systems
• Maintenance & Testing
• Battery Replacement

Special attention is given to lithium batteries and the items you need to consider if you are thinking of a lithium upgrade.

Click Here to Register - Or use the QR code shown below:

For Questions or Additional Information: Email seo@aspsmd.org, or call 410-739-7800

Hear & Be Heard

Title: All About VHF/DSC Marine Radio
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2027
Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm
Where: Via Zoom, Login information provided after registration
Materials: Provided through emails. Optionally Available - QuickGuide Using VHF & DSC Simulator on CD - Cost TBD
 Cost: Free to ASPS Members - $10.00 to All Others. 
Instructors: P/C John Wesley Nash, SN-IN & P/C Ron Ricketts, AP 

Get familiar with your boat's VHF marine radio in just two hours.  Experienced instructors teach you how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new digital selective calling (DSC) rescue feature.  You'll also get tips on purchasing and installing VHF to get the most out of your investment. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's QuickGuide Using VHF is optionally available with essential information that you should have aboard. This QuickGuide explains to anyone on your crew how to use the radio, a real benefit if you’re unable to help in an emergency.

What's Included?

• How VHF radios work and their controls
• Using the correct channels
• Using correct procedures and terminology
• Advanced methods of communication
• How digital selective calling (DSC) equipped radios work and their controls
• Practice DSC calls using the included DSC simulator on CD

Click Here to Register - Or use the QR code shown below:

For Questions or Additional Information: Email seo@aspsmd.org, or call 410-739-7800