What is a Power Squadron?

The United States Power Squadron, organized in 1914, is a private, non-profit, non-governmental and non-military organization of United States citizens, men and women who have a common love and appreciation for power and sail boating. Boat ownership is not a requirement for membership. Objectives of the organization are self-education, civic service, and social activities. Nationwide, USPS has more than 70,000 members of over 450 Squadrons which are organized into 33 districts in the US and overseas.

The Potomac River Power Squadron, founded in 1915, is composed entirely of volunteers, and no member is paid for any activity he or she performs. All activities, service, education, and social activities center around boating. Our principal aim is to promote boating safety and we put special emphasis on boating education. We have 10 membership meetings per year from September through June at which we offer boating related programs. During the boating season, we have both on and off water events such as cruises, rendezvous, and social gatherings at various locations in the metropolitan Washington DC area. Between September and June we offer boating courses for the general public and advanced courses for members. We also perform many civic service jobs such as teaching, assisting NOAA in locating bench marks and conducting vessel safety examinations.