HINGHAM , MASSACHUSETTS
A
Unit of United States Power
Squadrons®
A
Unit of United States Power
Squadrons®
Frequently Asked Questions
About USPS®
Q. What is United States Power Squadrons ?
A. 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.
Q. What are the activities of USPS?
A. Each squadron's activities involve the three primary
objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying
the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members.
Q. What community and civic services does USPS perform?
A. 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.
Q. What educational courses are available to USPS members?
A. 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.
Q. What social activities do members enjoy?
A. 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.
Q. Can sailors become members?
A. 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
power boat 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.
Q. Is USPS a part of or supported by the U.S. Government?
A. 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.
Q. How does one become a member of USPS?
A. Active membership in USPS is open to those 16 years and
over who have passed the USPS Boating Course or Boat Smart
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. Check our
online membership
information or call toll free 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777).
Q. What if you're already a member of the Canadian Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?
A. 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.
Q. How do you enroll in a USPS boating course?
A. 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. Some squadrons
offer courses during the summer. 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 will be offered in the Greater Boston and
South Shore area is to check our
online schedule
or call toll-free 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777).
Q. What about the person who cannot take an evening Boating Course?
A. USPS has a 80-minute video Boating Course which can be
taken at your own leisure. For information see our
online information
or call 1-888-FOR USPS (1-888-367-8777). Call today. Safe Boating is more
fun.
Q. Why should I become a Member of USPS ?
A . A great variety of
courses
to choose from: As a member of a USPS local Squadron, you and your
family may enroll in a great variety of Advanced Grade and elective courses
which are available only to USPS members. These courses include Seamanship,
Piloting, Celestial Navigation, Weather, Sail, Engine Maintenance, Marine
Electronics and Cruise Planning. In addition, USPS offers more than two dozen
self study courses on such subjects as the Water Sports, Boat Insurance,
Oceanography, Introduction to Sailing, Preparation for Coast Guard Licensing,
and much more. Five other good reasons to join USPS are listed
below:
The USPS course is also available for home study on a video. If you want to obtain the Boating Course Video and Plotting Kit call 1-888-FOR-USPS or (919) 821-0281.
Additional USPS Educational Materials are available to the public.
Press here to return to Bare Cove Home Page
Winter BOATING
COURSE SCHEDULE, PRESS
HERE
For a Winter Boating Course Advance Registration, press here
(you may copy and download the
form)
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING THE BARE COVE SAIL and POWER SQUADRON,
PRESS HERE
For more information about becoming a Member of Bare Cove Sail & Power Squadron,
please send your questions via e-mail to:
Membership
Chairman
BARE COVE SQUADRON