The Colorado Unit of USPS ® District 30
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a sailing school in Colorado?
- Yes, we have offerings of Sail Trim and Sailing School
- Sail Trim and Rig Tuning Seminar
- Sail and Advanced Sail courses
- Hands-on practical sailing and boating workshops on the water
- Sailing and Boating Rendezvous' and crew opportunites
Do you teach boat operations in Colorado?
- Yes, USPS Boat Operations Certifications
- Certify members at various levels of recreational boating proficiency
- Intended to be recognized across the international boating community
- Four levels of Boat Operator Certification:
- Inland Navigator
- Coastal Navigator
- Advanced Coastal Navigator
- Offshore Navigator
What are examples of the fraternal boating club?
- Membership meetings with boating programs
- Boating activities at Colorado lakes each summer
- Semi-annual sailing and boating rendezvous to bluewater for multi-week trip
- Social activities including annual Charter Party and Haul-Out Party
- Annual fundraising garage sale
- Buddy sailing and boating opportunities around the world
- Hands-on workshops on boats and boating
- Exchange of information on boating with fellow members
What is the purpose of the club?
- FUN organization for Paddlers, Sailors, and Power Boaters
- To provide Civic Service to the Sailing and Boating Community
- To provide Self Education on Sailing and Boating Topics
- To provide USPS Membership Benefits and Advantages
What are examples of civic service?
- The Squadron Boating Course which consists of seven sessions is typically held once or twice a year..
- Conduct of Courtesy Marine Examinations on local waterways, as part of the USPS and Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safe Check Program.
- Learning Guides available through USPS.
- Cooperative Charting (Provides updates to NOAA charts).
What is the self education program?
- Boat Operator Certifications in several categories
- Five Advanced Grades, Seamanship, Piloting, Navigation
- Six Elective Courses
- USPS Seminars with reference guides and self study courses
- Squadron member led seminars
- Practical lessons from other members with varied experiences
What are the membership requirements?
- Participate in the educational and public service objectives of Boulder Valley Sail and Power Squadron and USPS.
- Complete the prerequisite training: The Squadron Boating Course exam; or the USCG Aux Boating Skills and Seamanship; or Sailing and Seamanship exam; or the ASA (American Sailing Association) Basic Keelboat Sailing exam; or any one of several other boating educational courses approved by USPS.
- Boat ownership is not a requirement for membership.
- Contact the Membership Chair for questions about membership requirements. See the Contact Us page for info.
What are the dues?
- Dues year begins 01 June; dues are prorated for new members.
- If you join after March 1, you receive 15 mo. of membership for the price of one year.
- Contact the Membership Chair for questions about membership requirements. See the officers page for contact info.
Any other advantages?
- Safer boating through education and local knowledge.
- Subscription to the Boulder Beacon squadron newsletter.
- Subscription to the Ensign USPS magazine.
- District and National USPS meetings, activities, and benefits.
- Camaraderie with local boaters.
- Reduction in cost of boat insurance substantiated by certified training.
- Discounts from participating retail organizations.
- Port Captains program.