Requirements for Membership

Membership is by application and is for anyone who shares our common love of boating, has met the requirements below, and who is interested in advancing the objectives of the organization: the education of members, participation in civic programs, and the creation of an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie among members.
 
Active members must be at least 18 years of age; there are no age limits for family members.

The requirements are simple:

  • Pass the USPS America's Boating Class  final exam or equivalent boating course (see below ) or have other acceptable qualifications.
  • You will then be asked if you are interested in membership in the Santa Clara Power Squadron.  Answer "YES"!
  • Fill out the membership application.
  • The Squadron Executive Committee reviews and approves your application.
  • Write a check or pay by cash your membership fee.
  • You're a member of Santa Clara Power Squadron - WELCOME!

Class attendance is NOT required. If you feel you are a very knowledgeable and experienced boater, you can apply to take the exam at any time.

Types of membership:

Active Member - provides full membership privileges and responsibilities, which include voting, holding elective or appointed office, serving on and/or chairing a committee, earning a merit mark, attending and participating in meetings and social activities, taking educational courses, paying dues, receiving a copy of the monthly National magazine - Ensign, receiving a copy of the monthly Squadron newsletter – “The Bell” and flying the USPS Ensign and SCPS burgee. Minimum age: 18.
 
Additional Active Member - one who resides in the same household and is in the same squadron of an active member.  This member pays 1/2 the National dues of the active member.  This member enjoys all the rights and privileges of an active member.  Minimum age: 18.
 
Apprentice Member - a dependent of an active member who resides in the same household and is between 12 - 17 years of age.  An apprentice member is accorded all the privileges and responsibilities of family membership.
 
Note: A husband and wife may both elect to hold an active membership.  There must be at least one active member per household.

Basic boating safety course, equivalents and other acceptable qualifications required for membership:

  • The America's Boating Course
  • The self-study America's Boating Course. The required examination can be arranged through Santa Clara or any other squadron
  • Any other National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved basic boating safety course.  If you have been licensed by any state requiring boat operator licensing, you have probably passed a NASBLA-approved course.
  • Equivalent courses from:
    • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boating Skills and Seamanship or Sailing and Seamanship
    • Canadian Power Squadrons, Boating Course
    • American Sailing Association, Basic Keelboat Sailing Course (proctored exam)
    • U.S. Sailing, Basic Keelboat Certification Course
  • Other acceptable qualifications:
    • U.S. Naval Academy Graduates
    • U.S. Coast Guard Academy Graduates
    • Merchant Marine Academy Graduates, Deck Officer
    • U.S. Coast Guard, license