Advanced Boating Education -- A More Knowledgeable Boater

Our members receive advanced education in courses in piloting, seamanship, and celestial navigation as well as instruction in many other related boating topics, such as sail, weather, marine electronics, engine maintenance, cruise planning, and instructor qualification. Predicted Log Contests, which offer a fun way to practice our skills, are often part of our rendezvous.

 ®

USPS Boat Insurance -- Good Insurance at a Good Price.

Our exclusive boat insurance for members provides broad coverage at competitive rates with further benefits given with the more advanced boating education a member receives. Personal Watercraft Insurance is now available for our members as well.

Safe Boating Notices and Advice -- What’s New?

National Committee Notices, Newsletters, Email Discussion Groups, and Meetings provide information and advice to keep us abreast of what is new and important to our boating life. USPS has ties to other boating organizations, marine manufacturers, and various agencies to advise our membership on boating trends, rules and regulations, and boat maintenance and safety issues.

Communication -- The Technology Age

USPS has a National email group list which discusses topics related to boating, computer techniques, classes, cruises, meetings, boat shows, committee news -- virtually any subject a member is interested in. The USPS Home Page on the net has additional information on ftp sites and news groups and links to its districts and squadron home pages. USPS also has an Amateur Radio Net where group discussions take place and participants can check in from their boats, motor homes, residences and cars to take part.

Skipper Saver -- Taking Over In An Emergency

This supplemental program was designed for the family member who does not know much about the essentials of boat-handling. Many spouses of members take it when they are only interested in learning the basics to use in an emergency. It can be taught one on one, but is more fun when taught in a group by an experienced USPS instructor who provides hands-on, boating practice as well as classroom instruction in what to do in various boating scenarios when the skipper becomes disabled.

Fraternal Boating -- Congenial Boating Friends and Fun Outings

Members have boating rendezvous or group cruises throughout the boating season. Moonlight cruises on a quiet lake with a raft-up for socializing or daylight cruises sailing or powerboating through wind-whipped waters to meet at a land destination are looked forward to during warm weather months. On-the-water education, such holding Predicted Log Contests, Rescue Drills, or Safety Demonstrations may be held in conjunction with such outings.

Civic Service – Giving Back To The Community

USPS teaches boating basics to the general public in their Public Boating Course and BoatSmart programs. USPS also provides accurate updates to the nautical, aeronautical, and geodetic charts used by NOAA, a government agency. USPS members in partnership with the U. S. Coast Guard and U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary perform Vessel Safety Checks for boat owners. Many districts and squadrons have adopted community civic service projects as a way of helping out their own areas. 

Youth Programs -- Activities Geared Toward Our Boating Youth

Our youth have fun while learning good boating habits and safety techniques. The Junior Boat Inspector’s Ready Rescue Checklist activity helps educate the junior inspector to the different safety equipment and set-ups they may find aboard boats while having them perform helpful safety checkups. They enjoy interactive safety demonstrations in water safety, hypothermia, pollution, and PFD's. . Annual Poster Contests encourage creativity as well as interest in the contest’s theme. Supplemental programs such as Water Sports and JetSmart are also popular.

Port Captains -- It’s Who You Know

Some members of our organization are designated Port Captains for lakes, rivers, or waterways in their area. Their expertise includes conditions of their respective body of water, marinas, fueling and repair, food and lodging, emergency service, charting knowledge and more. Their knowledge is available simply for the asking to any member who might be planning a cruise or trip to their area. As a nationwide organization with squadrons as far away as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Japan, Port Captains are a valuable asset.