Our History

The Oyster Bay Power Squadron (OBPS) was founded in September 1971 by a group of Manhasset Bay Squadron members who saw the need for a separate squadron in the important boating center of Oyster Bay. The new squadron proudly took its place among the, then 450, USPS Squadrons from coast-to-coast.

OBPS strongly pledges, in alliance with the national organization United States Power Squadrons®, (USPS®), that "Boating is fun, safe boating is more fun." In its over thirty years of existence, the OBPS has trained over 2000 local men, women and children in safe boating procedures through its public Boating Courses. Consequently, members of the squadron continue their own boating education by taking advanced grades and elective courses given by the Education Department.

The Squadron now boasts that 60% of our membership seek and advance grades:
19% have taken Piloting; while 22% of our members have taken Advanced Piloting
12% are Junior Navigation and 1% have taken and completed Navigation and
8% of our members have been awarded full certificates (after having successfully completed
every course offered by USPS®)

Although the youngest of the 19 squadrons of District 3, OBPS has won many prizes and trophies for the achievements of its members and community service projects, thereby making the OBPS a leader in the United States Power Squadrons® throughout district and the community.

Over the years, OBPS has participated in many community events including Operation Sail-1976, when members ferried town officials to the visiting sailing vessels in Oyster Bay Harbor of tall ships that visit our harbors.

In 1986, the OBPS, participated in the Statue of Liberty Centennial by volunteering to aid in the transportation of workers, reporters and celebrities to and from various locations in New York Harbor. In 1987 and 1988, the OBPS offered its services to the Metropolitan area by taking part in the Around Manhattan Island Swim Marathon.

Over the years, the OBPS has been honored with many awards and trophies. Among the honors to date are the Haedrich Memorial Trophy awarded in 1972,1978,1979,1980, 1988 and 2003. This award is given for the greatest rate of increase in, and retention of, membership as well as for advancement in academic rating. The Prince Henry Trophy was awarded to our Squadron in 1979, and 1982, for the achievements of our members in attaining advanced grades. The Jerrad Memorial Trophy (for the outstanding teaching) was awarded 1973. In 1974-75 the District Course and Rendezvous Trophy have been awards received by the OBPS. OBPS was proud to accept the District Award for Cooperative Charting (2001) in the Oyster Bay Area.

Our Squadron plays a major role in boating activities in the Oyster Bay area. As pleasure boating gains in popularity, bringing with it increased harbor congestion, the value of the Squadron's Basic Boating Course teaching over 2,000 individuals in the over 30 years of community education programs, as well as its intensive educational program for members, has become increasing important in promoting boating safety and competent boat handling. OBPS joins happily with Friends of the Bay in promoting Safe and Clean Boating in our Long Island waterways.