1. What is USPS®?

USPS® is a group of individuals (56,000) dedicated to improving Boating Safety through Public and Member Education, Vessel Safety Checks, and CoOp Charting efforts assisting NOAA in improving Nautical charts and Cruising Information.

2. What Is A Bridge Meeting?

RMPS conducts monthly Bridge Meetings at various sites, including member’s homes and local restaurants.  This is when  the organization’s executive committee and officers plan events for the coming months. All Bridge Officers are expected to attend and all members are invited to participate. The meeting is held on the third week of the month. Dates are adjusted to accommodate maximum attendance.

3. At Bridge Meeting and Family Night are the meals paid out of the dues or do the members pay?

In general members are expected to pay for their meals individually. The one exception is the Past Commanders’ Pig Picking. By tradition, this is funded by the Past Commanders.

4. Who can attend a bridge meeting?

All members are encouraged to attend. More membership involvement means better programs and more fun for all members to derive from their Squadron.

5. What goes on at a bridge meeting? Do you play cards?

Elected officers update the Bridge on activities for which they are responsible. The goal of the meeting is to plan squadron activities for the next few months. Your Bridge organizes Family Night programs, educational programs, cruises and rendezvous, boating safety, and CoOp Charting activities.

6. What is Family Night?

Family Night is an opportunity for fellowship and learning. Typically we have presentations at 6 to 8 of our family nights. The balance are dedicated to Social gatherings and one is the official Change of Watch where current officers are relieved and a new Bridge is installed, typically by the District 27 Commander.

7. Can spouses come to all meetings?

Yes. Spousal involvement is encouraged at all meetings. Many of the bridge officers’ spouses attend bridge meetings and enjoy the fellowship that grows through the years.

8. Can a spouse become a Power Squadron member?

Yes, but he or she must take and pass an approved USPS® examination and pay dues. This can be the Boating Course^SM, Boat Smart^SM, Jet Smart^SM, America’s Boating Course^SM, or an equivalent taught by the USCG/Aux.  The course may be taken at home using a computer, but the test must be proctored by an approved USPS® proctor. Family membership is also an option.  It is available without taking the exam and simply requires paying a reduced dues fee.  However, family members are not allowed to vote or hold a squadron office.

9.  How do you become an officer in the Power Squadron?

Let your Bridge know you are interested or simply attend regularly and you will be invited to participate in some capacity. RMPS is always looking for active members willing to serve.  We have many positions that need to be filled each year.

10.  Where do the dues go and what do they support?

Dues are split three ways. Currently National gets $30, District gets $10, and RMPS gets $30. National and district dues fund updates of the USPS® educational programs and the publishing and mailing of district and national newsletters. Local dues fund educational tools and mailings of the monthly newsletter. In addition, local dues go toward general expenses such as COW (Flags, Trophies etc) and gratuities to speakers when appropriate.

11. What is a Change Of Watch?  What is a Watch?

A change of watch, or COW as we call it, is the annual event that occurs when a new slate of officers, the Bridge, is installed. This event typically occurs in January or February and replaces the family night meeting for that month. District Bridge Officers do the installation.  It is a great time to meet and get to know these very interesting fellow members of the USPS®.

A watch is the one-year period that elected officers serve; it begins and ends at the COW.

12. How many boat courses do you have to pass to become a member of the Power Squadron?

The only requirement to join is to have passed an approved safety boating course of which we teach several (Boat Smart, America’s Boating Course, etc.) or to have passed a similar approved Coast Guard Auxiliary Course.

13. Where are the meetings held?

RMPS has no fixed venue for meetings. Family nights are typically held at a local restaurant. Bridge meetings may be in a bridge member’s home or at a local restaurant. We try to please everyone by having both variety in foods and locations. We have meetings in both Rocky Mount and Wilson and expect to have some in Tarboro.

14. Where can you order a nametag and what is the price?

Your Squadron Secretary is assigned the duty to get all new members and spouses a nametag. Sometimes this takes a month or two to accomplish. If you have attended two or more family night meetings following your induction and have not received a name tag or if there is an error in the one you received, please let your Squadron Secretary or Commander know and they will resolve the issue quickly. Replacement tags may be purchased at the Squadron’s cost.

15. Where can you purchase a shirt with the Power Squadron emblem?

Generally the Squadron Ship’s Store will be open at most family night meetings. Many clothing items are available.  If you have a special order, let your Squadron Secretary or any Bridge Officer know and they will see that your request is promptly processed.

16. What is Co-Op Charting?

CoOp Charting is a program in cooperation with NOAA. Charts are checked by USPS® members to insure that depths, navigational aids, and boating facilities are correct and current. USPS® members then input digital data to NOAA that is used to update and maintain nautical charts and cruising aids. CoOp Charting is also a contest and points are given to all who successfully participate. The squadron can make the annual Honor Roll if members are active. RMPS has made the Honor Roll for the past 25 years.

17. What are the benefits of joining the Power Squadron?

Membership benefits are many and vary according to individual expectations:

• Advanced nautical studies are available only to members.
• Discounts on insurance, Boat/US Membership, and TOWBoat / US.
• Fellowship with other members at meetings and on cruises.
• Having a buddy with whom to go boating.
• Certain tax deductions may be appropriate for some activities.
• Having fun on and off the water with a great group of people.

18. What is a boat cruise and who may participate?

RMPS has five or six cruises each year in which members gather with or without boats and meet at a specific time and place. All members, their families, and their friends are welcome. Social activities as well as boating are the order of the day. Eating is always a priority. Typical cruises include CoOp Charting, Goose Creek, Oriental, and Ocracoke Island.

19.  Is there help for beginner boaters who have purchased a boat for the first time?

Yes, indeed!  Experienced members are always willing to spend time with those who desire their advice and guidance. See any Bridge member if you need help and we will arrange for the appropriate assistance.

20.  What is a Merit Mark?

A Merit Mark is recognition to an individual for going the extra mile.  Only one merit mark may be earned during each fiscal year. Merit marks are granted by the Chief Commander of the USPS®. They are based on recommendations from the Squadron Commander, who in turn receive recommendations from all Bridge Officers and Committee Chairs. Examples of participation that are generally considered for merit marks:

• Teaching a course.
• Proctoring an examination or class.
• Hosting an event.
• Participating in CoOp Charting events.
• Participating in Boating Safety events.
• Supporting National Boating Safety Week squadron booths.

Please send comments to P/C James F. Dugan III, SN, Webmaster, at:  rmps@duganotero.com

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