Organized
in 1914, USPS is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making
boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation
and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their
communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating
with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 60,000
members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories.
USPS is America's largest
non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for
its civic contributions.
What are the activities of USPS Each squadron's activities involve the three
primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and
enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members
What community and civic services does USPS perform
Local squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in
our communities. These courses are open to the public and there is no age limit
for participants. USPS squadrons have offered these courses for over half a
century and have educated more than 3 million boaters to date. Successfully
completing a USPS boating safety course meets the educational requirements for
boat operation in all states and is a requirement for squadron membership.
In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members
conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners.
To learn more about this program, and how to get your boat checked, click here.
Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts
accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local squadrons participate in
many other community improvement projects.
What educational courses are available to USPS members Every squadron offers
many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting
and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine
Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more. These courses are
taught by experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are
recognized.
What social activities do members enjoy Participating both on-the-water and off
with fellow members who are skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable
experience. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races,
navigation contests and even fishing derbies. Activities ashore include
meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.
