3 3.0 Course Content
3.1 Existing and Past Course Material
One of the best sources of ideas is the material currently being taught, if it exists. Additionally, there may be earlier versions of the same course which may be mined for ideas. The National Office may have some support material and old course books on file. Comments and corrections to the present material may also be available at the National Office or from previous Committee Chairs.
This material must be reviewed thoroughly, and obsolete material removed. When changes are made, ensure that the illustration and chart numbers used still agree with the text.
References that point to other sections within the material must be checked for accuracy, e.g., ‘Refer to Section 15.1’ should lead to the correct section.
3.2 United States Power Squadrons (USPS) Course Material
CPS-ECP has a reciprocal agreement with USPS, permitting use of each other’s material without acknowledgement.
Try not to include American practices that differ from Canadian; but if they must be used, identify them as such.
3.3 Textbooks and Magazine Articles
Great care must be exercised in using published material. It must be assumed that such material is covered by copyright. It is not CPS-ECP’s policy to quote published material, even if the source is identified. Ensure that all members of the committee are aware of this. If part of an article is retyped and submitted, the National Office may publish it in good faith, and subsequently be sued for plagiarism. Refer to Section 7.1 regarding pictures which are not original.
In particular:
- Avoid the use of brand names when describing various items used aboard a vessel.
- Photographs and illustrations should not show brand names.