United States Power Squadron
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is United States Power Squadrons?

A. USPS is a private, non-profit, non-governmental and non-military organization of adult United States citizens, men, women and families who are socially compatible and have a common love of recreational boating. There are no barriers to membership on the grounds of gender, race, religion or ethnic background. USPS is comprised of some 50,000 members in approximately 450 local Squadrons in virtually all states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and more distant areas where Americans congregate. USPS is the world's largest private boating organization.

Q. What does "Power Squadron" mean?

A. USPS started in 1914 as an organization of power boaters but over the years has broadened its membership to include all boaters -- whether they use engines, sails or oars. Boat ownership, however, is not a requirement for membership.

Q. How did USPS begin?

A. In 1912, when gasoline-powered craft were first beginning to appear, Roger Upton, Rear Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club, formed a Power Squadron within the club. Its purposes were to provide instruction in power boat handling and to foster camaraderie among power boat members. The Power Squadron was immediately successful. In 1914, representatives from 70 East Coast yacht clubs and boating associations met at the New York Yacht Club and formed United States Power Squadrons. As the years passed, USPS expanded the geographical reach and scope of its activities. Boat ownership is not a requirement.

Q. What are the activities/objectives of USPS?

A. The activities of USPS and its local Squadrons revolve around the three objectives of the organization: the education of members, participation in civic programs and provision of an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie among members.

Q. What is your educational program?

A. Members are encouraged to improve their boating knowledge and skills. Local Squadrons offer many carefully planned courses in such subjects as Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance and Marine Electronics. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors. Grade and certificate designations are awarded to each member as he or she successfully completes various steps in the educational program.

Q. What are your civic contributions?

A. As a civic service, local Squadrons offer the USPS Boating Course on a regular basis to men, women and children who are not members of USPS. There is no age limit for participants. USPS has presented the course for over half a century, and more than 3 million people have taken it to date.

In 1962, USPS entered into a cooperative agreement with the chart makers of the federal government's National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. Since then, members have reported corrections and additions to nautical charts in the USPS Cooperative Charting Program. Tens of thousands of these reports have been incorporated in NOAA "roadmaps of the waterways." Additionally, USPS works with the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Red Cross, and other organizations in maintaining safety awareness during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year.

Q. What are your social activities?

A. Social activities are varied. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races and navigation contests. Activities ashore include meetings with programmed speakers and refreshments, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.

Q. How does one enroll in the USPS Boating Course?

A. Virtually all Squadrons offer the Boating Course at least once a year, and many offer it more frequently. Times, dates and locations of these courses are publicized locally in newspapers and other media. Information on classes outside Charlotte County can be obtained by dialing 1-888-336-FOR-USPS (367-87776), or by contacting USPS Headquarters in Raleigh, NC, at (919) 821-0281. Charlotte County class scheduled are posted on the Peace River Squadron Home Page.

Q. What is the significance of the uniform?

A. The USPS uniform is the traditional English yachting uniform adopted by the New York Yacht Club in 1844 and by all American yacht clubs thereafter. The USPS uniform has distinctive insignia designating educational achievement, rank and service to the organization. However, it is not necessary to have a uniform to participate in the events sponsored by USPS and local Squadrons.

Q. Are you affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard or any other governmental agencies?

A. No, but USPS does cooperate closely with federal, state and local government agencies that promote boating safety. In doing so, USPS is not involved with law enforcement or on-the-water patrols.

Q. Are you supported by the government?

A. No, USPS is a private, non-profit organization. It does not solicit or receive financial grants or aid from any government -- federal, state or local.

Q. Does your organization lobby?

A. No.

Q. How does one become a member?

A. Membership is by invitation only and is offered to friends and acquaintances of Squadron members who share a common love of boating and are interested in advancing the three objectives of the organization. Active members must be United States citizens at least 18 years of age who meet the requirements established by the USPS Governing Board; there are no age considerations for family members.

The USPS course is also available for home study on a video. If you want to obtain the Boating Course Video and Plotting Kit, call 1-888-336-FOR-USPS (367-8777) or 919-821-0281.

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