Sail and Power Boating
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Membership  |
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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 Lt/C David Duggan at (401) 683-6175 or e-mail him. |
| What civic services does the Newport Sail & Power Squadron perform? |
| The Newport Sail & Power
Squadron is a local unit of USPS and 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. We also offer free courtesy vessel safety examinations like those formally offered only by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. While these examinations do not grant you immunity from Coast Guard boardings, they make the boardings less likely and when boardings do occur, they are a more pleseant experience. A third civic service is our Cooperative Charting Program. By reporting changes in, under and around our navigational waters, we help NOAA keep our navigational up to date. |
| What educational courses are available to NSPS members? |
| NSPS and every other USPS squadron offer many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, GPS, Celestial 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. |
| 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 boaters, 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? |
| We welcome persons who already belong to either of these organizations you do not have to pass a USPS course to become a member if 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. Watch our website and those of other squadrons for announcements or 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
Cdr Bill Loeseke at (401) 847-0053 or e-mail him.
. Call today. Boating is fun. Safe Boating is more fun. |
| What else is 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, GPS 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, navigational charts, computers and software: There are many companies which provide discounts to USPS members, especially those who complete advanced boating courses. This savings can be significant. Details 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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