United States Power Squadrons

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The United States Power Squadrons (or USPS) is a non-profit educational organization, founded in 1914, whose mission is to improve maritime safety and enjoyability through classes in seamanship, navigation, and other related subjects. The USPS comprises approximately 45,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the United States and in some US territories. It is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civil contributions.

There are many educational opportunities available within the United States Power Squadrons. USPS offers courses that teach basic knowledge necessary to operate boats safely and legally. The basic course meets the requirements set forth by NASBLA. The United States Power Squadrons offer courses in advanced navigation using modern equipment such as GPS and Radar. Courses are even offered in celestial navigation.

One critical activity of the United States Power Squadrons is Vessel Safety Check. During a Vessel Safety Check, a USPS officer will board vessels (with permission) and check for the various equipment required for safe operation of the vessel and equipment that are required to carry by law. A vessel safety check is provided at no charge and is not a law enforcement boarding. If the boat carries the proper equipment, a sticker will be awarded to display on the vessel. If a boat does not pass the inspection, the USPS informs the owners, but does not report its findings to any law enforcement or government agency.

A parallel organization operates in Canada, under the name Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS). It was founded as an offshoot of USPS in 1938.

USPS Ensign (Flag)

[edit] United States Power Squadrons Ensign

The USPS ensign features a red canton with 13 white stars around a fouled (entangled or twisted) anchor. The body of the flag contains 13 vertical blue and white stripes. This flag was designed by Roger Upton and Charles Chapman for the United States Power Squadrons, and by 1915, the flag was officially adopted by the organization. The design and other specifications of this ensign are described in the USPS bylaws and also in the operations manual.

Guide to USPS Flag Display
Flag	Flying Times	Power Yacht Without Mast	Power Yacht with Signal Mast	Sailing Yacht with One Mast	Power or Sail Yacht with Two Masts
Ensign of the United States, U.S. Yacht Ensign (informal), USPS Ensign (when flown in place of U.S. Ensign)	0800 hours to sunset	Flag Stern Staff	Flag Stern Staff	Flag Stern Staff, Underway at Peak of Gaff, 2/3 up Leech of Mainsail, Equivalent Position along Backstay	Flag Stern Staff, Underway at Peak of After-most Gaff, 2/3 up Leech of Mainsail, Equivalent Position along Backstay
USPS Ensign (when NOT flown in place of U.S. Ensign)	Day and Night when in commission and under command of a USPS member	Antenna or Staff Amidships - preferably to starboard	Starboard Spreader, Inboard Halyard or Port Spreader when flown with Foreign Ensign	Starboard Spreader, Inboard Halyard or Port Spreader when flown with Foreign Ensign	Foremost Starboard Spreader, Inboard Halyard or Port Spreader when flown with Foreign Ensign