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How to Become a Member
Membership
is by application and is for anyone who shares our common love of
boating, has passed one of our public boating courses, either the
Squadron Boating Course or Boat Smart (or equivalent), and who is
interested in advancing the objectives of the organization: the
education of members, participation in civic programs, and the creation
of an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie among members. For
information on membership and dates and locations of boating classes,
please contact Robert A. Pardi at
rapar1@juno.com.
What communityand civic
services does United States Power Squadrons perform:
Greenwich
Bay Power Squadron, the local chapter of USPS, offers
boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our community.
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.
Successfully completing a USPS boating safety course meets the
educational requirements for boat operation in all states and is a
requirement for squadron membership.
What
educational courses are available to USPS members:
Every
squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like
Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting and Position Finding, Junior
Navigation, Navigation Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine
Electronics, Sailing, and Weather. These courses are taught by
experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are
recognized.
What social activities
do members enjoy:
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.
Frequently Asked
Questions:
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 your
area is to call toll-free 1-888-FOR-USPS
(1-888-367-8777).
What about the person who
cannot take an evening Boating Course?
America's
Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United
States Power Squadrons and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is
available as an internet home study course for individuals who cannot
attend traditional class room courses. A CD and a manual are provided
as part of the course. USPS has a 80-minute video Boating Course which
can be taken at your own leisure. For information see our menu above or
call William Gates at 401-884-1109. Call today. Safe Boating
is more fun.
What's in it for you?
A great
variety of courses to choose from: As a USPS member, you and your
family can enroll in a great variety of advanced grades and elective
courses which are only available 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.
Meeting with other boaters in your area: As a member of a local
squadron (and there are approximately 450 squadrons throughout the USA,
including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) you
will join with other knowledgeable boaters in your area who are
familiar with the local waters, the best anchorages, and marinas and
boat repair shops.
Participation in a variety of on water activities: As a USPS member
you're automatically invited to join in the squadron and district
cruises, rendezvous, predicted log contests, rafting and other on-water
activities.
Savings on Boat Insurance: There are many marine insurance companies
which provide discounts to those who complete advanced boating courses.
This savings can be significant.
USPS Networking with other members throughout the USA, Canada and even
more distant areas: Thinking of boating in a river, lake or ocean far
from your home? USPS has a Port Captain program which will provide
names and telephone numbers of local USPS members who know the
territory.
Receive the official USPS magazine THE ENSIGN.
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