Grand Traverse Bay Sail and Power Squadron A Unit of the United States Power Squadron®
Revised 10/17/07 Home What's New USPS Web Site District 9 Who Are We Safe Boating Course How to Join GTBay Squadron GTBay 45th Parallel GTBay Activities GTBay Bridge GTBay Course Offerings GTBay Members Roster Vessel Safety Checks Boat & Equipment Ads Coop Charting Links of Interest
	How Do I Join the GTBay Power Squadron? What is the USPS? United States Power squadron (USPS) is a nonprofit, non-governmental, and nonmilitary organization of adult boaters and their families. Men and women who are socially compatible and have a common love and appreciation for the sport of boating. There are no barriers to membership on the basis of race, religion, or ethnic background. The national organization is comprised of some 60,000 members in approximately 450 squadrons in most states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and distant areas where there are Americans. Organized in 1914, USPS is the world's largest private boating organization. It was original founded in 1913 as a club within the Boston Yacht Club. Although the name may say "Power Squadron," sailors are welcome and 40% of our members are sailors. Our Purpose: To educate each other in all aspects of boating. To promote safe boating through classes offered to the public at a nominal book fee, to assist the National Boating Service, perform Co-op charting functions for NOAA, and to promote safety awareness. To enjoy social camaraderie on-water and on-land. USPS Membership Benefits: Save money, up to 26% on your Boat Insurance (23% based on courses completed and another 3% for a Vessel Safety Check) Enjoy Special Organizational Discounts on valuable services including Sea Tow Membership, Vessel Assist Membership, Boat/US Membership, and more. Members Helping Members through a Port Captains Program that includes cruising/travel tips based on local information Opportunities to have FUN that include land based as well as on-the-water recreational and civic service activities Organized Cruises & Rendezvous with special friends that are suitable for the entire family Social events, potluck dinners, picnics, parties and interesting meetings with special guest speakers on topics of interest to boaters GTBay Activities GTBay Member Course Offerings Membership Qualifications: To qualify for active membership in the United States Power Squadron, you must: Be able and Willing to Contribute Time, Energy, and Skills to the Objectives of USPS Be Accepted by The Squadron Executive Committee Be at least 18 years of Age Have Paid All Applicable Entrance Fees and Dues Membership Types: ACTIVE MEMBER - $88.60 Takes courses Attends meetings Votes Holds elected or appointed offices Earns merit marks Receives The ENSIGN ADDITIONAL ACTIVE MEMBER - $33.80 Takes courses Attends meetings Votes Holds elected or appointed offices Earns merit marks FAMILY MEMBER - $24.80 Takes courses Attends meetings Earns merit marks Receives The ENSIGN APPRENTICES/SEA SCOUT MEMBER - $12.00 Takes courses Attends meetings Earns merit marks Receives The ENSIGN Application for The United States Power Squadron Ø Open the application Ø Print the application form Ø Completely fill out the application Ø Mail the completed application and check for the proper amount to P/C Lee Nowak (make checks payable to GTBPS) P/C Lee Nowak, SN 9941 E Harbor Hills Traverse City, MI 49684 231-947-1961 E-mail - leedia@chartermi.net