About the Saginaw Bay Power Squadron
Organized in 1914, USPS is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable.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, sharing our knowledge gained through experience and classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. USPS has some 40,000 members organized into more than 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions
What makes SBPS unique?
The beautiful Saginaw Bay is our backyard, and our dinner meetings are held at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club overlooking the water. Our membership includes seasoned boaters as well as those new to boating, and all feel welcome. Creating opportunities to network, learn and laugh are the hallmarks of our members.
What are the activities of SBPS?
Each squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members
What community and civic services does SBPS perform?
SBPS offers 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. 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.
In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members conduct free 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 we participate in many other community improvement projects.
What educational courses are available to SBPS members?
SBPS offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, 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 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 and rendezvous. Activities ashore include dinner meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics, a fall hay ride and participation in the Bay City St. Patrick's Day parade.