This is a test of Port Captain module.

Welcome to the Port Captains Page

A Port Captain is a member of the United States Power Squadrons®, who stands ready to provide advice and assistance to questions about safe boating and general issues regarding specific waterways.

The Port Captain can recommend service providers for boats such as mechanics, sail repairs medical products or assistance, local restaurants, lodging and shopping.  Online tools available for boaters, including Garmin^® Active Captain, is software available to cruisers to provide the latest information listed by other boaters for boaters.

The Port Captain is familiar with the activities of local America's Boating Clubs, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, including events available through the towns and cities they represent.

While Port Captains are under no obligation to provide more than friendly advice, they are persons who enjoy meeting people and strive to be of assistance to any and all contacts if possible.

They are eager to share their knowledge of local waters, unmarked hazards to safe navigation and to make inquirers feel they are welcome and have found a friend. 

In part, these words were included in the original message to anyone contacting a Port Captain; "Knowledge, Seamanship, Service and Friendship is the essence of the United States Power Squadrons since 1913.  P/C/C Pou Bailey, SN"

We are now known as "America's Boating Club"

To be successful as a club, we must be visible to persons wanting to learn more about what our club represents.  We must provide activities that are useful, fun and include as many members as possible to generate a sense of camaraderie.

A Port Captain position should be a highly recognized component of the Club and should make every effort to reach out to both members and non-members regarding the knowledge and friendships available through active participation.

Port Captains represent the best our membership has "For Boaters, By Boaters"

Please refer to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page if you need more information about the Port Captains program.

A variety of options are available for listing Port Captains.  Please see Port Captain List

Port Captain
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is a Port Captain?

Answer: A Port Captain is a member of the United States Power Squadrons®, who stands ready, at all times of his or her choosing, to provide advice and assistance to members, and non-members making contact.

Still, their primary expertise lies in their knowledge of local waters and unmarked hazards to safe navigation. The objective is to provide information, reliable advice and comradeship. 

It is inevitable that word of the program will circulate through the boating public....Port Captains are to project the image of being part of a fraternal organization devoted to boating safety. Persons interested in USPS or the public Boating Course (SM) will be referred to their nearest squadron commander or squadron educational officer.

Approved Port Captain applicants will be included in the Port Captain Directory available to both members and non-members.

Question: Is there a limit to the number of Port Captains?

Answer: No. The Port Captain's program is open to all willing to serve. Multiple Port Captains for a given boating area is also encouraged in order to provide access to multiple sources of local knowledge.

Question: Should new Port Captains be appointed each year?

Answer: USPS Port Captains serve for terms that are limited only by their capability and the discretion of the squadrons from which they were appointed. The practice of appointing new USPS Port Captains each year is discouraged. Local Port Captains are a choice of each "Club" and they will be included as USPS Port Captains program if a registration is submitted and approved.

Question: Why does a new Port Captain appointment require Cdr or AO approval?

Answer: The squadron is the backbone of the USPS. It is at that level that the recognition of the skills and capabilities of a prospective Port Captain are best known. The approval process for listing on the USPS Port Captain's Roster is a simple matter of the Squadron Commander or Administrative Officer acknowledging the capability of the person requesting the listing. The approval process is done via email in response to the request for approval which is generated automatically when an "add" request is submitted.

Question: What is the difference between a Waterway and PC Area?

Answer: The Port Captain's Roster is organized by state and boating areas. A Waterway is a general description of the region where the Port Captain has special knowledge. A Waterway is, for example, a large lake, harbor, or extended river or coast line. The PC Area is the specific boating area, such as south shore, inner harbor, river mile marks or distances along the ICW. Individual inland lakes are also examples of PC Areas, while the region within the state would be considered a Waterway description.

Question: How do I register or change my listing as a Port Captain?

Answer: The preferred method is to use the online form. It is available to members only on the National Website. 

The form provides three options for registration: add, change or delete.  Please select the correct option before submittal.  If at any time the Port Captain's information (state, area, waterway, chart) changes, please use the form to submit the change.

Question: How do I know that my registration has been received?

Answer: The registration forms are verified by the software. When the information has been processed, the submitter is notified by email.

Question: Is the Port Captains Directory a public document?

Answer: The Port Captains Directory is available to both members and non-members.  Disclosure is only for the intended purpose.

Question: What personal information is available?

Answer: The Port Captains Directory includes, in addition to State, Waterway, Area and chart, the Port Captain's name, telephone number and email contact information.

We in the Squadron Activities Committee help members network with other members in USPS. Our Goal is to help members find a friend in every port by water or land.  Through the the Amateur Radio Directory, the Cruise and Rendezvous Listings and Guide, and the network of Port Captains, we are ready to serve you as your personal cruising guides and resources.

USPS Cruises, Rendezvous, and Raftups