Membership

How to Become a Member

Becoming a member of the United States Power Squadrons is quite simple. Locate a squadron near where
you live, contact the chair of the Membership Committee, and submit your application. The squadron’s
Executive Committee will review your application and decide if you meet the requirements for membership.

What are the requirements?

Since USPS is a volunteer organization, it is essential that our members be willing and able to contribute their
time, energy, and skills to the objectives of the organization.

One of the core beliefs of USPS membership is that an educated boater is a safe boater. It should then come
as no surprise that there is an educational requirement. Typically, this has been satisfied by completion of one
of our public boating courses. However, recognizing that education can be obtained from various sources, a
number of additional courses have been recognized as meeting this educational requirement. Most recently,
the membership has elected to allow squadrons to waive the educational requirements for experienced
boaters.

Finally, you must be at least18 years of age.

USPS Educational Requirements may be satisfied by:
Successfully completing any USPS University seminar series
Passing the final examination for any NASBLA-approved basic boating education course.
Graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy
Graduation from the U. S. Coast Guard Academy
Graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy, Deck Officer License
Holding a U. S. Coast Guard LAUNCH OPERATOR license or above.
Members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary who have successfully completed any CGAUX course or
certification program.
Successful completion of the following courses:
Canadian Power and Sail Squadron - Boating Course
USCGAux - Boating Skills & Seamanship
USCGAux - Sailing & Seamanship
American Sailing Assn. - (ASA) Basic Keelboat Sailing Course
US Sailing - Basic Keelboat Certification Course
US Sailing - Keelboat Instructor Course
US Sailing - Small Boat Instructor Course