About Us:
What is USPS?
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 America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
What are the activities of USPS?
Each squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, self education, and Fraternal Boating Club activities.
Our self education program includes a series of Advanced Grade classes, Elective Classes and Seminars on various topics. To see descriptions of our educational offerings go to our classes page.
Some of the community services that we perform are our Public Boating Safety courses, our Cooperative Charting Program and our Vessel Safety Checks which are described in more detail here.
Our Fraternal Boating Club activities include such activities as rendezvous, dinners, Safety Day programs at various Marinas and Yacht clubs, and other boating activities where we can enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For some pictures from past events, including some photos from a 1966 and a 1968 rendezvous on the delta, a clamming trip to Bodega Bay, Opening Day on the River in 1993, the cardboard boat races at our District rendezvous and a visual distress signal demonstration on Folsom Lake click here.
Sacramento Power Squadron
Sacramento Power Squadron, the eighth squadron of District 25, was chartered in 1962. We are one of thirteen squadrons in District 25 which includes "the environs of Fort Bragg south to Point Sur on the Pacific Ocean and inland to a northerly line through Merced, including the area of San Francisco Bay and its tributaries." We hold our general meetings at the Sacramento Yacht Club.
Membership
Becoming a member of USPS requires passing an approved boating safety course taught by a local squadron or other qualified exam and being sponsored by a squadron member.
There are 5 requirements for becoming a member, they are:
- Must be able and willing to contribute time, energy and skills to the objectives of USPS.
- Must pass an examination that has been approved by the Operating Committee of USPS.
- Be accepted by the Squadron Executive Committee.
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Payment of all dues.
Classes of membership are:
- Active Member:
- Takes courses, votes, can hold elective office or appointed
office, earns Merit Marks and receives THE ENSIGN.
- Additional Active:
- Takes courses, votes, can hold elective office or appointed office, earn Merit Marks and does not receive THE ENSIGN.
- Family Member:
- Takes course, attends meetings, does not vote or hold elective offices, family members can hold an appointed position, can earn a Family Merit Mark, does not receive THE ENSIGN.
Why become a member?
Our benefit package is growing rapidly. The following are structured to the USPS MEMBER, and can only be obtained by a person with a current membership card.
The following are a few of the ever growing list of Membership benefits:
- Free Education
- Tax Deduction on Dues and some Travel Expenses
- GPS for Mariners
- Discounts on Computer Software and Hardware
- USPS Boat Insurance Program
- Airline and Car Rental Discounts
- Reduced Membership Dues with Boat US and all their Programs
- Chase VISA Credit Card with Competitive Interest Rates and No Annual Fees - Call (800) 347-7887
- Chase Preferred Mortgage Program for Members
- USPS Port Captains
- West Marine and Boat US discounts
- Liaison with governmental agencies - Web site
- Discounts with Maptech
- THE ENSIGN® Magazine
- 40% Discount from Soundings Magazine
- Discounts with Nobeltec
- 10% Discount with DELL Computers
- Infocus Projector Discount
- Cooperative Charting, Vessel Safety Check, and Special Programs
- C-MAP Member and Squadron Discounts
- McGraw Hill On-line Store - Discounted Books
- Discounts with Rose Point Navigation Systems, LLC
- Long Term Care Insurance by John Hancock Life Insurance
- Discounts with Hamilton Marine, a Discount Marine Store
For more information on these, and other membership benefits, go to the National website membership benefits page.
Community Service
Public Boating Classes
The Sacramento Power Squadron has been providing free instruction, with a nominal fee for materials, to the boating public since 1962. See our classes page for more information.
Cooperative Charting ProgramThe Power Squadrons work in cooperation with NOAA to provide nautical chart corrections. Virtually all corrections for waters less than 26 feet deep come from the Power Squadrons efforts.
Vessel Safety Check (VSC) ProgramThe Power Squadrons work in cooperation with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in providing Vessel Safety Checks.
What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)?
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A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.
For more information about our Vessel Safety Check program, or to schedule your free Vessel Safety Check, go to the contacts page and contact our VSC Chairman.