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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 P/C Lisa
Hirschfeld, AP at (973) 398-7262
or lisah101@optonline.net.
What community and civic services does United States Power Squadrons perform:
Lake
Hopatcong Sail & 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 check our online
schedule or call toll-free 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777).
For Lake Hopatcong, please click here: PUBLIC
COURSES
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
P/C Joseph A. Gibbons, JN (908) 835-1898
or joegibbons84@comcast.net.
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.
Lake Hopatcong Sail & Power Squadron
Webmaster
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Disclaimer
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Statement | Trademark
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® United States Power Squadrons,
USPS, the USPS Ensign, and the Trident Design
are Registered Trademarks of United States Power Squadrons, Inc.
Copyright © 2009 Lake Hopatcong Sail & Power Squadron, Inc.
Last Updated September 28, 2009
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