Organized in 1914, USPS is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 60,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is the world's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
Activities of USPS?
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.
Community and civic services
Local squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to
boaters in our communities.
These courses are open to the public and there is no age limit for participants.
USPS squadrons have offered these courses for over half a century and have
educated more than 3 million boaters to date.
Successful completing a USPS boating safety course
meets the educational requirements for boat operation
in all states and is a requirement for squadron membership.
Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep
our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections,
and our local squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.
Educational courses available to USPS members
Every squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like
Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation,
Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more.
These courses are taught by experienced member instructors,
and members who complete them are recognized.
Social activities
Participating both on-the-water and off with fellow members who are
skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
On-the-water activities include
cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests and even fishing derbies.
Activities ashore include meetings with
marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.