Although the USPS was started for power boaters, sailors have been a part
of the USPS ever since the end of World War I. Today, more than 40% of the USPS members
are sailors.
While the USPS has many joint programs with the United States Coast Guard, the Coast
Guard Auxiliary, and the National Ocean Services division of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the USPS is a private, nonprofit, nonmilitary, and
non-governmental organization of men and women who have a common appreciation for safe
pleasure boating.
The primary purpose of the USPS is safe boating through education. 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.
Each Squadron performs civic service by providing educational
opportunities for the public through teaching the
Public Boating
Course. Many other courses are available for
the public as well through our national offices. Materials can be obtained by calling
1-888-FOR-USPS. Another important civic service performed by Squadrons is the Cooperative
Charting Program. Through this program, squadron members verify locations of geodetic
markers and report additions or corrections to navigational charts.
Each Squadron also
provides its members with the opportunity to further educate themselves through several
courses. These courses, commonly referred to as Advanced Grades and
Elective Courses, are only available to USPS members. These courses are offered to
members for the cost of materials and exam only. Each session tends to be as much a social
gathering as it is a learning experience. It is sometimes amazing how much can be learned
from another person's experiences just through class discussions. Many life long
friendships are developed with fellow students from these courses.
The last, but certainly not least, objective is to offer its members a variety of on
and off water social activities to enjoy interaction with fellow members who share their
enthusiasm for safe and fun pleasure boating. On water activities include
cruises, rendezvous, predicted log races, sail races, navigation contests, and even
fishing derbies. Activities ashore include dinner meetings with marine programs, parties,
dinner dances, picnics, and field trips.
The USPS is strictly a volunteer organization. No member, on any level,
is paid for any services they perform.
