About the Possession Sound Power Squadron (PSPS)

Possession Sound Power Squadron is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons® a national and international "safe boating" organization. With over 443 squadrons throughout the USA including Hawaii,  Puerto Rico and Japan. Over 55,000 members,  families enjoying safe boating through education of boaters and it's members. "Safe Boating is NO Accident" 

Possession Sound Power Squadron serves the area of Washington State's Puget Sound that lies adjacent to Possession Sound, which is located roughly half way between Tacoma and the San Juan Islands and just east off the south end of Whidbey Island. The largest city in this area is Edmonds, right on the waterside. Towns and cities where some of our members reside are Edmonds, Totem Lake, Clinton, Bothell, Woodinville, Monroe, North Seattle, Shoreline, Port Ludlow, Freeland, Kirkland, Snohomish, Lynnwood, and Lake Forest Park.

Possession Sound is marked by Buoy "1". An image of that buoy can be found on our Burgee (little triangle shaped flag, flown from the bow of a powerboat or the starboard stay of a sailboat), as well as a stylized blue and white sail and the white wake of a power boat, both indicating our commitment to both Sailors and Power Boaters. See above in the page banner.

The members of our squadron have a huge area that they call their cruising grounds. It stretches from Tacoma, WA, on the most southern end of Puget Sound all the way to Juneau, Alaska. This area encompasses the entire Puget Sound region with all it's waterways, islands and inland lakes, the world renowned San Juan Islands, the beautiful Canadian Gulf Islands and the entire breathtakingly scenic Inside Passage, all the way to Alaska. It is not only a huge territory, but also has some of the most beautiful vistas and scenery, the most exciting marine biology. So much for the good news. This area is also know for the largest amount of under-water hazards anywhere and the possibility of the vilest and most unpredictable weather any sailor has ever seen.

To traverse and enjoy these waters safely and securely, alone or with friends, many boating skills come into play. That's where Possession Sound Power Squadron with it's educational focus and follow boaters' friendships can help.

Roche Harbor sunset

Possession Sound Power Squadron in it's activities holds true to the three principals of the United States Power Squadron:

1. Civic activities, including teaching Boat Safety classes,
2. Fraternity and camaraderie
3. Self-education of boaters, both power and sail.

Public and Member courses, either advanced, elective, or supplemental are offered each year. For those members who travel frequently, arrangements can be made for self-study. For courses not currently available within our region (Northern King and Southern Snohomish Counties), attendance at classes conducted by other squadrons is encouraged.

General meetings are scheduled quarterly to conduct the affairs of the squadron and to present topics of interest to members. In addition, a Change of Watch dinner is held each year. In the summer, picnics, on-water-rendezvous, cruises and family activities are scheduled.

The Executive Committee is the planning and governing body of the squadron. It consists of the Bridge Officers, the immediate Past Commander and Members-At-Large. Active management is the responsibility of the Commander and his or her Bridge Officers. The Executive Committee meets monthly and all members are cordially invited to attend.

Soundings, the official publication of the Possession Sound Power Squadron, keeps the membership informed of all activities and developments. Members are encouraged to offer suggestions, contributions, and assistance in the publishing and distribution of the Soundings. Please check Officers and Committees for "Editor/Soundings".

In short: As members of this organization, the Possession Sound Power Squadron, we are dedicated to friendship in boating, civil service and self-education in matters having to do with safety on the water. We are committed to achieving and promoting high standards of navigation, seamanship, and safety by exemplary personal conduct and performance, and by the nature and quality of aid to others.