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ROCKY MOUNT
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Best
known for the hundreds of public boating courses which local squadrons
offer
several times each year to approximately 40,000 men, women, and
youngsters,
USPS®, American’s largest and oldest nonprofit recreational boating
organization, celebrates its 93rd Anniversary in 2007. Since it was
founded
at the Boston Yacht Club in 1912 and chartered as a national
organization at the
New York Yacht Club in 1914, USPS grown to include more than 60,000
members in
some 450 squadrons in the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin
Islands, and Japan. USPS® also assisted in the formation of the
Canadian
Sail & Power Squadrons which has 35,000 members. Boat ownership is
not a
requirement of membership and USPS® member vessels include sail, power,
personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, and inflatables. The key to
the organization's longevity goes beyond the accolades it has garnered
from four
U.S. Presidents and the tens of thousands of boating safety courses
squadron
members have taught during its 93-year history. It stems from the
sincere belief
that boating is a great way to spend quality time with family and
friends.
Boating benefits the desire of consumers to seek recreation that keeps
them
close to their families while providing an escape from everyday stress
and
hectic lifestyles. Similarly, local squadrons also provide
opportunities for
more serious and adventuresome members to enjoy group cruises,
rendezvous,
sailing races, navigation contests, and a large number of advanced
courses such
as Piloting, Navigation, Sail, Weather, Cruise Planning, Engine
Maintenance,
Marine Electronics, and much more. Because boat owners are responsible for the safety of their own vessel as well as the safety of their passengers, USPS® began a joint effort three years ago with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to conduct courtesy boat examinations at public piers and marinas to verify the presence and operable condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Many trailerable boats can be inspected in ten minutes and all boaters receive a copy of the evaluation form at the end of the inspection. Boats that meet safety requirements receive a Vessel Safety Check decal to be displayed onboard. Of the more than 55,000 boats that were inspected since the joint program began, 21% did not meet the requirements to be classified as a safe boat. While there are no penalties for not successfully completing a Vessel Safety Check, the program may prevent many boating accidents by making the boat owner aware of potential safety hazards. There are benefits of
being a USPS® member that go beyond boating education,
camaraderie, and civic service opportunities. Members enjoy a variety
of
member-only benefits such as special towing and marine store discounts,
branded-credit card, and discounted travel opportunities. Not only is
the
organization's member-only boat insurance program competitively priced,
its
premium rate structure reflects the organization's history of being
safe
boaters. Members who have shopped around say they've found that the
USPS® Boat
Insurance Program is less expensive than other insurance programs. While the goal of USPS® has always been to promote public boating safety, produce exceptional member courses, and provide opportunities for camaraderie among its members, USPS® is poised for growth in the coming years by keeping its pulse on the ever changing wants and needs of the boating public.
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Please send comments to P/C Phillip A. Benson, JN, Webmaster, at: philbenson.phil@gmail.com Copyright © 1997 - 2007 Rocky Mount Power
Squadron, Inc. ® All Rights Reserved. Page updated 03 December 2007
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