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1. What is the United States Power Squadrons®? Organized in 1914, USPS is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 60,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is the world's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
2. What are the activities of USPS? Each squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie on the water and off with our fellow members.
3. What community and civic service does USPS perform? Local squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our communities. These courses are open to the public and there is no age limit for participants. USPS® squadrons have offered these courses for over half a century and have educated more than 3 million boaters to date. Successful completing a USPS® boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states and is a requirement for squadron membership. Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.
4. What educational courses are available to USPS members? Every squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are recognized.
5. What social activities do members enjoy? Participating both on the water and off with fellow members who are skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests and even fishing derbies. Activities ashore include meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.
6. Can sailors become members? Of course. More than 40% of our members are sailors. The term "Power Squadrons" in our name dates to our founding in 1914 by the powerboat division of the Boston Yacht Club. Following the First World War, our ranks broadened to include all types of boats, and sailors have been a major part of USPS ever since.
7. Is USPS a part of or supported by the U.S. Government? No. While we have many joint programs with the United States Coast Guard, the CG Auxiliary, and the National Ocean Services division of NOAA, USPS® is a private, totally self-supporting organization.
8. How does one become a member of USPS? Active membership in USPS® is open to those 16 years and over who have passed the USPS® Boating Course or BoatSmart® examination, the CPS (Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons) Boating Course examination, or the USCGAux Boating Skills and Seamanship or Sailing and Seamanship examination and who are able and willing to contribute time, energy, and skills to the objectives of USPS®. If you're interested in joining, please contact Norm Pennington.
9. What if you're already a member of the Canadian Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? If you already belong to either of these organizations you do not have to pass a USPS® course to become a member because you have already completed a qualifying course.
10. How do you enroll in a USPS boating course? Every USPS® squadron teaches at least one or two such courses every year. Some squadrons teach many more. The courses usually begin in September or October, then again in January or February. The courses are publicized in local newspapers, on posters, at marinas, and at various other locations. The easiest way to determine when the next course offered by the Peralta Squadron is to check the USPS® website.
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