Abbreviations, abbreviations.. what’s up with all the abbreviations?

Those members who have been in USPS for a few years tend to get pretty good at reading the “alphabet soup” but we all recall how confusing this could be to us as a new member. Although sometimes one cannot stand on too many formalities, some of these abbreviations are nautical tradition and expected of us in formal communication, such as in our newsletter, “Twin Lights”. Once you understand their meaning, you may find that they do communicate some information.  Hopefully this will help.

Cdr - Commander

Lt/C - Lieutenant Commander: the Executive, Administrative, Educational Officers as well as the Secretary and Treasurer serve with this rank.

P/Lt/C - and informal designation showing that a member has served on the Bridge as Executive, Administrative, Educational Officer, Secretary or Treasurer for 3 or more years.

 1st Lt - First Lieutenant:  Assistant Squadron Educational Officer (ASEO), and Assistant Secretary and an Assistant Treasurer serve with this rank.

Lt – Lieutenant: The various chairmen serving under the Lt/C’s. 

USPS - United States Power Squadrons ®

SPS - Shrewsbury Power Squadron

D\4  - District 4 consisting of the area covering  New York Power Squadron, Shrewsbury Power Squadron down to Barnegat Bay Squadron.

D/C - District Commander

R/C  - Rear Commander – a position on the National level.

P/C - Past Commander , an informal designation showing who has previously served as a Commander. A Junior Past Commander is the most recent Commander to leave office.

S – Seamanship

P – Piloting

AP -  Advance Piloting

JN - Junior Navigation

N – Navigation

EM - Engine Maintenance

CP  - Cruise Planning

SA – Sail

VSC - Vessel Safety Check

N or SN - a Senior Navigator an individual who has completed all of the USPS classes offered. Is also referred to as a Full certificate.

Can you think of any others?

 If so, submit them to BonnieRGingras@aol.com for inclusion in the next edition!