Frequently Asked Questions

Government Support

Is America’s Boating Club Government Supported?
No. While we have many joint programs with the United States Coast Guard, the CG Auxiliary, and the National Ocean Services division of NOAA, America’s Boating Club is a private, totally self-supporting organization.

Social and Community Activities

What are the activities of America’s Boating Club?
Each club or squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of America’s Boating Club: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members.

What community and civic services does America’s Boating Club perform?
Local clubs or squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our communities. These courses are open to the public, and there is no age limit for participants. America’s Boating Club has offered these courses for over half a century and have educated more than 3 million boaters to date. Successfully completing a America’s Boating Club boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states.

In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, club or squadron members conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners. To learn more about this program and how to get your boat checked, click here.

Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local clubs or squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.

What social activities do members enjoy?
Participating both on-the-water and off with fellow members who are skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. 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.

America’s Boating Club Courses

What educational courses are available to America’s Boating Club members?
Every club or squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like Boathandling, Marine Navigation, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are recognized.

What is America’s Boating Club?
Organized in 1914 as the United States Power Squadrons (USPS®), America’s Boating Club® is a nonprofit, 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. America’s Boating Club has some 17,000 members organized into 300 clubs or squadrons across the country and in some US territories. America’s Boating Club is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three U.S. presidents for its civic contributions.

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 America’s Boating Club ever since.

What's in it for you?
A great variety of courses to choose from: As an America’s Boating Club member, you and your family can enroll in a great variety of advanced grades and elective courses which are only available to America’s Boating Club members. In addition to the courses listed above, America’s Boating Club offers more than two dozen self-study courses on such subjects as 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 club or squadron (and there are approximately 300 clubs or 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, marinas, and boat repair shops.

Activities: As an America’s Boating Club member, you're automatically invited to join in the club or 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. These savings can be significant, as they accrue over time.