Membership

The United States Power Squadrons ® (USPS) is the world's largest private and fraternal membership organization dedicated to the education of sail and power boaters. Membership is the foundation of USPS. We need a strong, active, involved membership to be able to continue our work in education, in promoting boating safety, and in service to the public to which we are dedicated.

Each of the 8 squadrons in District 12 need members to staff and attend our educational courses. We need capable, involved, and dedicated members to form and chair our committees and provide the leadership for all of our efforts to ensure a bright future for USPS.

The following paragraphs outline how to join one of our Squadrons and some of the many benefits of membership.

How to Become a Member

Becoming a member of one of District 12's Squadrons is quite simple. Locate a squadron near where you live, contact the chair of the Membership Committee, and submit your application. The squadron’s Executive Committee will review your application and decide if you meet the requirements for membership. What are the requirements?

• You must be willing and able to contribute time, energy, and skills to the objectives of USPS.
• You must meet USPS educational requirements for membership.
  Typically, this has been satisfied by completion of one of our public boating courses. However, a number of additional courses have been recognized as meeting this educational requirement.
  Most recently, the membership has elected to allow squadrons to waive the educational requirements for experienced boaters.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.

If you have any questions or need help in finding a Squadron,

Benefits

Membership brings numerous benefits, both implicit and explicit. These include opportunities for self-education and personal growth, community service, information resources and defined discount programs, in addtion to the friendship and camaraderie of Squadron, District and National events.

Education
One of the main goals of USPS is “boating safety through education”. Educational programs include classroom courses and seminars, on-line programs and on the water training:

• America's Boating course is an in-depth boating safety course, intended for the boating public, that meets states basic boat licensing requirements and most boat insurance companies requirements for premium reductions
• Seminars that address specific topics and boating skills such as an introduction to GPS, VHF and VHF/DSC radio or Anchoring
• A range of courses on seamanship and navigation (non-members must meet prequisites).
• Courses on a range of boating related enhancement topics such maintenanace, weather and cruise planning

See Advanced Grades and Elective Courses for more information on USPS courses.

Kids are also included in the educational program with the Water Smart from the Start CD, a collection of learning activities that when viewed on a computer, help children of all ages familiarize themselves with boating rules and boating safety. For more information, see usps4kids.org

Information
USPS members enjoy access to a wealth of information resources that help make boating safe, enjoyable and fun. Some of these resources are also developed and/or supported by members. A partial list:

• Sharing experiences with other members
• USPS Port Captains program to provide local boating advice and assistance to members
• USPS Publications: Ensign magazine and Compass Newsletter

Civic Service
USPS teaches boating basics to the general public in their Public Boating Course and BoatSmart programs. USPS also provides accurate updates to the nautical, aeronautical, and geodetic charts used by NOAA, a government agency. USPS members in partnership with the U. S. Coast Guard and U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary perform Vessel Safety Checks for boat owners. Many districts and squadrons have adopted community civic service projects as a way of helping out their own areas.

Discounts
USPS has expanded services for its members over the years. One of the most important enhancements to your membership today is our boat insurance program (See below). Other benefits include discounts for airline reservations, auto rentals, Dell computers and on various software packages to name a few. There is also a USPS credit card for members who enjoy using that convenience. Long-term Care Insurance is also available to USPS members.

USPS Boat Insurance — Special terms, coverage for older boats, and personal service are just some of the benefits of the USPS Insurance Program. Our exclusive boat insurance for members provides broad coverage at competitive rates with further benefits given with the more advanced boating education a member receives. Personal Watercraft Insurance is also available for our members as well.

For more information, check out the USPS Member Benefits Page

Fun
Last, but not least, membership is fun. We provide a variety of social and boating activities for our members. Squadron based activities include guest speakers, dinners, summer water rendezvous, picnics and cruises. At the district and national level, conferences provide opportunities for learning, sharing of experiences and social activities.