Get a view of the "big picture" . . . see the support groups behind our local unit.

 

United States Power Squadron -- USPS is a non- profit, educational organization organized in 1914. It is dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. USPS has more than 60,000 members in 450 squadrons in the US and US territories. USPS, honored for its civic contributions, is the world's largest non-profit boating organization.

Privacy Statement for USPS site

USPS District 27 -- District 27 of the United States Power Squadrons includes Squadrons of Cape Fear (Wilmington), Cape Lookout (New Bern) Charlotte, Durham, Kinston, New River (Jacksonville), Raleigh and Winston-Salem, Catawba (Rock Hill, SC), Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, Greensboro, Lake Norman, Tar River, (Greenville/Washington), Shallote River, Goldsboro, and Fort Macon (Morehead City). District 27 was formed on March 30, 1963.

Links of interest to boaters: 

  • National Safe Boating Test -- test your knowledge of boating safety in a quick online test.
  • Try the mini-quiz too

     

    Educational materials are available to the public through the US Power Squadron. The general public may order these items by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS. Power Squadron members may order at a discounted rate through the Squadron Educational Officer.

     

    United States Power Squadrons' Boating Course Video, $35, includes the complete USPS Boating Course in an 80-minute video and a 240 page course manual. The lessons cover

    • Boat handling AND seamanship
    • Regulations, Safe Boating, Marlinspike, Weather
    • Charts, Aids to Navigation, Regional Boating
    • Basic Navigation and Engine Troubleshooting
    • Piloting and Sailing
    • Navigation Rules, Marine Radiotelephone and Boat Trailering

    The course manual is keyed to constantly running reference numbers throughout the video, and contains review questions for home study. When the student is comfortable with the course material, arrangements may be made for testing and certification. The USPS Boating Course is NASBLA approved, recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard, and certification is honored in every state with education and/or licensing requirements.

     

    Jet Smart™ -- The course combines a full-action educational video with an easy-to-read manual to present all the basic information needed for safe, sane and legal personal water craft operation, the fastest growing segment of recreational boating. The course manual is keyed to constantly running reference numbers throughout the video, and contains review questions for home study. When the student is comfortable with the course material, arrangements may be made for testing and certification.

    The USPS Boating Course is NASBLA approved, recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard, and certification is honored in every state with education and/or licensing requirements. $21.95 by calling 1-888-FOR-USPS