Membership is by application and is for anyone who shares our common love of boating, has passed one of our public boating courses, either the Squadron Boating Course or Boat Smart (or equivalent*), and who is interested in advancing the objectives of the organization: the education of members, participation in civic programs, and the creation of an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie among members.

Active members must be at least 18 years of age; there are no age considerations for family members

If you are interested in joining USPS, you will want to locate the squadron nearest you and then contact the membership chairperson for that squadron. If you cannot find a suitable squadron you may contact 1-888-FOR-USPS for more information.
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For information on the USPS public boating courses closest to you, call 1-888-FOR-USPS or check out our Online Schedule. In Canada, for the CPS courses call 1-888-CPS-BOAT.

The USPS course is also available for home study, as an online/CD or as a video. If you want to obtain the Americas Boating Course online/CD course or the Boating Course Video and Plotting Kit call 1-888-FOR-USPS or (919) 821-0281.

If you have taken a home study (online or video) version of the USPS course but have not taken the examination, arrangements can be made with a local squadron to take the examination.

*Acceptable alternatives to our Public Boating Courses:

State Courses:
Arizona
Connecticut, proctored exam.
Delaware - Boating Basics, (Proctored Exam Course Only)
Louisiana - Boat Louisiana (©2002)
Illinois
Massachusetts Boating Basics Course (©2000)
New Hampshire - Boating Basics Course
New York - New York Safe Boating Course
North Carolina - Boater Education Course (2000), proctored exam.
Ohio (Proctored Exam Course Only)
Pennsylvania (Proctored Exam Course Only)
South Carolina (Proctored Exam Course Only)
Texas - Boat Texas (©2002)
Virginia (Proctored Exam Course Only)
Wisconsin

Academy, Graduates of :
Naval Academy
U. S. Coast Guard Academy
Merchant Marine Academy, Deck Officer License.

Other Courses:
Holders of U. S. Coast Guard 6 Pak Licenses and above.
CPS - Boating Course
USCGAux - Boating Skills & Seamanship or Sailing & Seamanship Courses
American Sailing Assn. - (ASA) Basic Keelboat Sailing Course (Proctored Exam Course only)
US Sailing - Basic Keelboat Certification Course
US Sailing - Keelboat Instructor Course
US Sailing - Small Boat Instructor Course