How to Become a Member 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. For information on membership and Dates and Places of boating classes, Please Contact Hank Griffin @ 718-356-0438 or (Email). What community and civic services does United States Power Squadrons perform: Staten Island Power Squadron the local chapter of USPS offers boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our community. 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. Successfully completing a USPS boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states and is a requirement for squadron membership. What educational courses are available to USPS members: Every squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting and Position Finding, Junior Navigation, Navigation Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and Weather. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are recognized.  What social activities do members enjoy: 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.   Frequently Asked Questions: Can sailors become members ? Of course. More than 40% of our members are sailors. The term "Power Squadrons" in our name dates to our founding in 1914 by the power boat division of the Boston Yacht Club. Following the first World War, our ranks broadened to include all types of boats, and sailors have been a major part of USPS ever since. Is USPS a part of or supported by the U.S. Government? No. While we have many joint programs with the United States Coast Guard, the CG Auxiliary, and the National Ocean Services division of NOAA, USPS is a private, totally self-supporting organization. What if you're already a member of the Canadian Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? If you already belong to either of these organizations you do not have to pass a USPS course to become a member because you have already completed a qualifying course. How do you enroll in a USPS boating course? Every USPS squadron teaches at least one or two such courses every year. Some squadrons teach many more. The courses usually begin in September or October, then again in January or February. Some squadrons offer courses during the summer. The courses are publicized in local newspapers, on posters, at marinas, and at various other locations. The easiest way to determine when the next course will be offered in your area is check our online schedule or call toll-free 1-888-FOR-USPS (1-888-367-8777).  For Staten Island, please click here: PUBLIC COURSE What about the person who cannot take an evening Boating Course? America's Boating Course (ABC) is a joint effort between the United States Power Squadrons and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is available as an internet home study course for individuals who cannot attend traditional class room courses. A CD and a manual are provided as part of the course_USPS has a 80-minute video Boating Course which can be taken at your own leisure. For information see our menu above or call  Hank G. Griffith (718-356-0438). Call today. Safe Boating is more fun. What's in it for you? A great variety of courses to choose from: As a USPS member, you and your family can enroll in a great variety of advanced grades and elective courses which are only available to USPS members. These courses include Seamanship, Piloting, Celestial Navigation, Weather, Sail, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics and Cruise Planning. In addition, USPS offers more than two dozen self study courses on such subjects as the Water Sports, Boat Insurance, Oceanography, Introduction to Sailing, Preparation for Coast Guard Licensing, and much more. Meeting with other boaters in your area: As a member of a local squadron (and there are approximately 450 squadrons throughout the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) you will join with other knowledgeable boaters in your area who are familiar with the local waters, the best anchorages, and marinas and boat repair shops. Participation in a variety of on water activities: As a USPS member you're automatically invited to join in the squadron and district cruises, rendezvous, predicted log contests, raftings and other on-water activities. Savings on Boat Insurance: There are many marine insurance companies which provide discounts to those who complete advanced boating courses. This savings can be significant. USPS Networking with other members throughout the USA, Canada and even more distant areas: Thinking of boating in a river, lake or ocean far from your home? USPS has a Port Captain program which will provide names and telephone numbers of local USPS members who know the territory. Receive the official USPS magazine THE ENSIGN