Definitions of Terms
These are definitions of abbreviations of Rank/Positions (jobs), Grades, and Achievement which are used by USPS. Those which do not have official sanction are so indicated below.
Rank/Positions
USPS Members are allowed to display their rank before their name, and to fly a flag denoting their rank or position. Those positions (jobs) without an official rank have a "X" in the Pos column.
View Officer's flags
| Abbr | Title | Pos |
| Cdr | Squadron Commander | |
| Lt/C | Squadron Lieutenant Commander | |
| 1/Lt | Squadron First Lieutenant | |
| F/Lt | Squadron Flag Lieutenant | X |
| Lt | Squadron Lieutenant | |
| P/C | Squadron Past Commander | |
| P/Lt/C | Squadron Past Lieutenant Commander | |
| D/C | District Commander | |
| D/Lt/C | District Lieutenant Commander | |
| D/1/Lt | District First Lieutenant | |
| D/F/Lt | District Flag Lieutenant | X |
| D/Lt | District Lieutenant | |
| D/Chpln | District Chaplain | X |
| Aide/DC | Aide to District Commander | X |
| P/D/C | Past District Commander | |
| P/D/Lt/C | Past District Lieutenant Commander | |
| C/C | National Chief Commander | |
| Aide/CC | Aide to Chief Commander | |
| V/C | National Vice Commander | |
| R/C | National Rear Commander | |
| N/F/Lt | National Flag Lieutenant | |
| N/Chpln | National Chaplain | |
| Stf/C | National Staff Commander | |
| P/C/C | Past National Chief Commander | |
| P/V/C | Past National Vice Commander | |
| P/R/C | Past National Rear Commander | |
| P/N/F/Lt | Past National Flag Lieutenant | |
| P/Stf/C | Past National Staff Commander | |
There are three different Ranks for members: Current Rank, Past Rank, and Squadron Rank. Current Rank is based on the highest position currently held by a member. Past Rank is based on the highest rank ever held by a member. Squadron Rank is set for a member by their squadron Roster Update Contact.
For more information on Ranks View how Ranks are determined and displayed.
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Grade
USPS members are allowed to display their grade after their name, and to wear the appropriate insignia on a uniform.
View grade descriptions, designations and insignia
| S | Seaman - Completed Seamanship Course |
| P | Pilot - Completed Piloting Course |
| AP | Advanced Pilot - Completed Advanced Piloting Course |
| AP* | Advanced Pilot - with Educational Proficiency |
| JN | Junior Navigator - Completed Junior Navigation Course |
| JN* | Junior Navigator - with Educational Proficiency |
| N | Navigator - Completed Navigation Course |
| N* | Navigator - with Educational Proficiency |
| SN | Senior Navigator - Educational Achievement - Completed N and 6 Elective Courses |
* The underbars used in this document with AP, JN, and N to indicate "Educational Proficiency" (see below) are not official designations.
The underbars are used on uniform insignia but are not used as part of the written grade designation.
For instance, the written grade for an AP with educational proficiency is AP not AP.
Certification Level
On the WebSite displays only those who have achieved a BOC certification level will have it displayed along with their grade. The grade is displayed followed by a "-" (dash) and one of the following.
| IN | Inland Navigator |
| CN | Coastal Navigator |
| ACN | Advanced Coastal Navigator |
| ON | Ocean Navigator |
Grade Displays
You may personalize how grades are displayed. You have three options: Basic (HQ) grade with no underbars; Grades with underbars; and Grades with underbars and certifier level. Grades with underbars and level is the default. See Manage your own display options.
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Achievement
USPS members are allowed to wear Achievement Recognition award insignia on a uniform. In addition, the following information is displayed as part of their membership profile and training history.
View Achievement Recognition awards
| Yrs | Number of Years for which dues have been paid |
| MM | Merit Marks: One for each year of significant contribution |
| Senior | Year Individual received 5th Merit Mark - Senior Member |
| Life | Year Individual received 25th Merit Mark - Life Member |
| Emeritus | Year Individual received 50th Merit Mark - Member Emeritus |
| Charter Member | One of the founding members of a Squadron |
| ED Pro | Educational Proficiency: Year Individual completed AP and 3 Elective Courses |
| ED Ach | Educational Achievement: Year Individual completed N and 6 Elective Courses |
| Chapman Award | A national award for Excellence in teaching |
| OT | Year Individual completed Operations Training |
| CI | Year Individual became a Certified Instructor - Year Certification Expires |
| VE | Year Individual became a Vessel Examiner |
| Port Captain | A Squadron Level Jobs |
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