HISTORY and DETAILS of USPS
World Wars I & II: FDR (as Assistant Secretary and again as President)
- Volunteered the entire USPS instructional program for the training of men for naval coastal defense (477 members, 20 Squadrons)
- Schools were organized by local squadrons in New York City, Boston, Detroit, Newburgh, New Haven and Washington, D.C.
- Over 8,000 men who attended these classes entered the armed services and, based in significant part on the quality of their USPS training, many were appointed officers
- A parallel organization, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, with which we maintain close cooperation, flourishes in Canada
- September 1989: President George Bush signed a proclamation honoring USPS
- Today: Started as a club-within-a-club in the early 1900s, USPS today is a private, self-supporting, non-profit, fraternal boating organization with an incomparable record of achievement
- No other enterprise can boast of more dedicated or more productive members who have given generously of their time and resources to educate each other in all aspects of boating, and to promoting the cause of safe boating through public courses and other civic services
- A roster of seven squadrons in 1914 has now grown to well over 450 units operating in the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Japan
Membership Number and Pin
Each new member is assigned a membership number.
That number is on your membership certificate.
SAVE IT!!
You need it to enroll in courses
Also you are given a Pin number.
Need Pin number to access member websites.
SAVE IT!!
Each new member is assigned a membership number.
That number is on your membership certificate.
SAVE IT!!
You need it to enroll in courses
Also you are given a Pin number.
Need Pin number to access member websites.
SAVE IT!!
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History of DSPSP
Began as a branch of Bellingham Power Squadron then chartered as a Squadron in 1976. Changed our name in 2003 to include “Sail”. Geographic area includes Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands Typical yearly Educational Activities- Two American Boating Courses (ABC) Two Boat Handling Courses One or two Piloting Courses Partner in Command seminar Shrimping and Crabbing seminars Cruising North seminar Family Safety seminars Boating Safety for Kids Other advanced courses and seminars as requested Squadron Meetings
Dinner speakers we have had in past meetings
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2021 Education Schedule Tentative Plans Classes
Key Resources more found on Links page
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National Level Benefits
MERIT MARKS CRITERIA: An explanation how these are acquired can be downloaded. Click here.
What Is A Merit Mark? The chief commander awards a “merit mark” to a member for substantial effort in personally furthering the interests, programs and objectives of America's Boating Club. It is a coveted award, for it is by and large the only official recognition a member receives for their efforts. Only one merit mark may be awarded in a year, no matter how extensive the contribution. How Do I Earn A Merit Mark? The Squadron's Commander, or District Officers, based on actual personal service performed, may make a recommendation for a merit mark on an annual basis. Active, additional active and family members are also eligible. Recommendations are based upon contributions within a calendar year and recommendations are gathered for submission to the District Merit Mark Chair each November for the current calendar year. Recommendations approved by the District Chair are submitted to the Chief Commander for final review and approval. What constitutes "substantial effort?" While subjective, typical rules of thumb include: |
District 16
1) demonstrated contributions in two or more "sides of the triangle" (education, civic, and fraternal) as related to Squadron operations, with contributions in all three areas preferred.
2) typically more than just a "few hours" of time; 2-5 hours is not enough, 8-10 "could" be enough; more hours look better than few. What's important here is that a pattern of squadron involvement - not just island involvement - should be demonstrated by the merit mark applicant. 3) Additional examples of activities that may be applied towards merit mark recognition:
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