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Sail and Power Squadron

Becoming a Member


Benefits of Membership

  • A great variety of courses to choose from:
    As a USPS member, you and your family can enroll in a great variety of advanced grade 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, raftings 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.


Requirements for Membership

Membership is by application and is for anyone who shares our common love of boating, has met the requirements below, 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.

Active members must be at least 18 years of age; there are no age considerations for family members

One of the following requirements must be met:

  • Successfully complete either the USPS Boating Course or the USPS Boat Smart Course with Minuteman or any other Squadron.

  • Complete the self-study America's Boating Course and pass the examination. The examination can be arranged through Minuteman or any other Squadron

  • Satisfy one of the alternatives:

    • Show successful completion of a boating course from one the following states:
      • Arizona
      • Connecticut (proctored exam)
      • Delaware, Boating Basics (proctored exam)
      • Louisiana, Boat Louisiana © 2002 (proctored exam)
      • Illinois
      • Massachusetts, Boating Basics Course © 2000
      • New Hamphire, Boating Basics Course
      • New York, New York Safe Boating Course
      • North Carolina, Boater Education Course © 2000 (proctored exam)
      • Ohio, (proctored exam)
      • Pennsylvania, (proctored exam)
      • Texas, Boat Texas © 2002
      • Virginia, (proctored exam)
      • Wisconsin

    • Show successful completion of courses from:
      • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boating Skills and Seamanship or Sailing and Seamanship
      • Canadian Power Squadrons, Boating Course
      • American Sailing Association, Basic Keelboat Sailing Course (proctored exam)
      • U.S. Sailing, Basic Keelboat Certification Course
      • U.S. Sailing, Keelboat Instructor Course
      • U.S. Sailing, Small Boat Instructor Course

    • Other acceptable qualifications:
      • U.S. Naval Academy Graduates
      • U.S. Coast Guard Academy Graduates
      • Merchant Marine Academy Graduates, Deck Officer
      • U.S. Coast Guard, License to carry 6 passengers, or greater


If you would like to join, please contact:

P/C Donald G. Vonada, JN Membership Chairman 978-897-9037

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