Jana

Take the Power Squadron long course. I took it when I was getting my first boat and it's excellent. You can then join the Squadron and take advanced grade courses that build on that, as well as courses on weather, engine maintenance, marine electronics, etc.
What Kelley said about the cards is true. Our Squadron gave us small ones and it seemed to help in my encounter with the watercops.

Milord

Take the power squadron course, you'll learn something for sure and it's good for the insurnance break. Up here in Canada it is 13 weeks, 1 night a week.

DJD

I have a 100 Ton USCG Master Capt. license & highly recommend you take either Power Squadren or USCG course. After that, take a Capt. license prep course. You will learn everything you needed to know and then some.

Luxy60

I'm signing up for the next USPS course. I've heard mostly positives about this course and there's a local squadron close by.

Mfb, I'm about an hour north of the Cape. Never heard of the outfit in Hyannis you mention. I do have a few buddies that graduated from Mass. Maritime. DJD, I'd like to go for the Captains prep course but one step at a time. Just wanted to see what courses/ training other folks have taken. The insurance break will be another nice side benefit...

BTW, as mentioned, Chapman's is a great reference book for any boater.

Luxy