Frequently Asked Questions
in the
Educational Department

Following are some questions that are frequently asked of the Educational Department:

1.  QUESTION: My wife and I are interested in joining USPS. If we were to join, can we take member classes at any squadron location?

ANSWER: Yes, members of one squadron may take courses with another squadron. You may need to check with individual squadrons to determine when specific courses are offered and if they will accept students who are members of other squadrons, but it may be done according to USPS policy. See Educational Department Manual I, Squadron Organization, Section 5, paragraph 61 for details.

2.  QUESTION: Do seminar instructors need to be USPS-certified?

ANSWER: No, seminar instructors do not have to be USPS-certified. Certification only applies to those instructing our public boating safety courses. However, USPS encourages all instructors to be certified. See the USPS certification policy page for more informationon.

3. QUESTION: I have taken and passed the USCG Auxiliary advanced course on piloting prior to joining the Power Squadron. How do I receive credit for that knowledge?

ANSWER: As of December 2007 a new policy for recognizing USCG Auxliarists both as members and for grade recognition was passed. Full details are contained in EdDept Notice (EDN89) which can be found under the EdDept Info dropdown menu on this page. Have your squadron submit a written request to USPS Headquarters, accompanied by copies of all pertinent USCGAux Certificates.

4.  QUESTION: Where can I find the USPS On the Water Policy that was approved by the Governing Board?

ANSWER: The latest On-the-Water Policy is on the Law Committee page.

5.  QUESTION: What constitutes a passing grade on an Educational Department exam?

ANSWER: Eighty percent (80%) of the questions must be answered correctly to pass any USPS Educational Department exam.