anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

[redone4x4]

I was just wondering, since it covers alot of the stuff discussed on here, in regards to safety, navigation, laws, etc. Im thinking about joining our local chapter here and wanted to see if anyone else has benefitted. The big attraction is all the boating classes that they offer on all sorts of subjects.

 

[rainman1999]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

Been thinking of joining my local chapter for the same reasons you just stated.

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

My wife and I are both members. As you mentioned, there are a number of advanced courses that the squadron offers that are only open to members. We took the Seamanship course which is an advanced version of the Boating Safety course. We did learn a lot. I am looking forward to taking more courses since it is my feeling that there is always more to learn, and you can't know enough.

Additionally, by meeting other members, you will develop a great resource of people with extensive boating backgrounds. For example, our squad has a member who is a marine engineer with a 100 ton license. This guy is probably the best resource of mechanical and general boating knowledge that I have ever come across. And he is always available to answer questions and lend a hand.

Finally, there is also a social aspect of the squad. Parties, raft ups, excursions are always happening. you may find that you will make a new circle of friends.

I hope you seriously consider it.

Hey, you could always join and give it a try for a year. If it isn't for you then just don't renew.

Best regards,

The CaptNCamille

 

[Thad]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I just had my boat inspected two weeks ago. The two guys were very nice and asked me if I had or would concider joining up. As was stated above, they said they do have a lot of things going on throughout the summer. As well as more knowledge (which is ALWAYS good) it seems like a chance to meet new people and do more things not openly available otherwise.

Thinking on it hard, the only problem is time. A precious commodity of which there is too little.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I have also considered joining, I am just trying to figure out if the wife will let me spend the needed time to participate.

 

[jakebrake]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I did. In our part of the country (s.e. pennsylvania) we've had some...."issues" with our local power squadrons. I 'm not about passing judgement.

another group you could look into is the coast guard auxiliary.

both seem to have similar resources, the uscga just seems to be more, for lack of a better way to describe it, involved.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I have also considered joining, I am just trying to figure out if the wife will let me spend the needed time to participate.

Yep, I'm already catching grief on this just for mentioning it.....i said its not taking time away, its making more family time on the boat together by joining.....and i think the vessel inspection would be neat to pass. would be a good feeling to have that decal on the windshield.

 

[cribber]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I keep looking at joining the local Harris Chain Power Squadron but just don't have the time to devote to another affiliation at the moment. I do belong to the local Sea Tow which most members of the local USPS belong too since we have a local franchise who are just minutes away from lending a helping hand. I also took my Boater's Safety Course with the Harris Chain USPS so thank you!!!

 

[ken52]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I was just wondering, since it covers alot of the stuff discussed on here, in regards to safety, navigation, laws, etc. Im thinking about joining our local chapter here and wanted to see if anyone else has benefitted. The big attraction is all the boating classes that they offer on all sorts of subjects.

I went to a local Power Squadron for the same reasons you stated to obtain more knowledge on boating, charting, etc. I went to the first meeting as a guest to see what it was like. I got a application from the membership chair and started to fill it out while the meeting was going on. Then all hell broke loose. A frenzy of disagreements (to state it mildly) started and I said to myself this is not what I wanted to be involved with. So I folded the application and stuffed if into my pocket. When the membership chair asked for the app I said I'll probably send it in. I should have been more honest but didn't know how to express myself without offending the club because everyone there treated me good. I know every organization has issues due to the doers (people doing all the work) and the complainers (will complain but unwilling to set up and help).

The problem for me is to be able to take the advance courses, you need to be a member. I really didn't want to join to take the classes and stay away from the club socially. Was even thinking about taking a Capt course just for the knowledge but am unsure if it will cover what I'm interested in.

There are other PS but wanted to stay local. Not trying to bash or put a bad spin on the Power Squadrons just my personal experience here. It may have been a issolated incident but it left a lasting impression on me. I may be forced to join anyway because I really what to learn more and there seems to be a limited amount of agencies or places to obtain this knowledge from. Best of luck with your local. Don't let my experience stop anyone from joining a club, just giving my experience. Attend a meeting first!

 

[JoLin]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

I went to a local Power Squadron for the same reasons you stated to obtain more knowledge on boating, charting, etc. I went to the first meeting as a guest to see what it was like. I got a application from the membership chair and started to fill it out while the meeting was going on. Then all hell broke loose. A frenzy of disagreements (to state it mildly) started and I said to myself this is not what I wanted to be involved with. So I folded the application and stuffed if into my pocket. When the membership chair asked for the app I said I'll probably send it in. I should have been more honest but didn't know how to express myself without offending the club because everyone there treated me good. I know every organization has issues due to the doers (people doing all the work) and the complainers (will complain but unwilling to set up and help).

The problem for me is to be able to take the advance courses, you need to be a member. I really didn't want to join to take the classes and stay away from the club socially. Was even thinking about taking a Capt course just for the knowledge but am unsure if it will cover what I'm interested in.

There are other PS but wanted to stay local. Not trying to bash or put a bad spin on the Power Squadrons just my personal experience here. It may have been a issolated incident but it left a lasting impression on me. I may be forced to join anyway because I really what to learn more and there seems to be a limited amount of agencies or places to obtain this knowledge from. Best of luck with your local. Don't let my experience stop anyone from joining a club, just giving my experience. Attend a meeting first!

It's really unfortunate that your first experience was negative. My wife and I, along with "CaptNCamille" belong to the same PS chapter. All of us spent most of the past weekend rafted up together (6 boats at one point) and had a great time. Ditto what the "Capt" said- there's a wealth of knowledge and help available to members, and it need only consume as much time as you want it to. Membership meetings are once a month and suspended in July and August, but the activities go on all summer.

Any assembly of humans will contain one or two who argue or stir the pot. I'd at least contact the membership chair and explain why you hesitate to join. That chapter needs a wake-up call!

 

[ken52]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

Point well taken.

 

[esobofh]

Re: anyone belong to the Power Squadron?

It may be different state-side, but in Canada the courses seem to be put on by husband-and-wife volunteer teams that are members of the PS. I think there are at least 5 in my area. I had looked into joining my local chapter, and talked to co-worker at the office that joined the same local chapter, his advice was "stay away!".

The "trainers" in the local chapter didn't seem to have any real boating knowledge and the exerience was limited to "land yacthing" - (RVing). I would suggest you find contacts from all the chapters within your travel area, and get some good feedback on the trainers and the courses overall.