|
|
We are the proud members of a non-profit boating organization known as the Baton Rouge Power Squadron (BRPS), a unit of the United States Power Squadrons® (USPS). It is our commitment as a fraternal boating club to protect our members and the general boating public through education in order to enhance safety and enjoyment on the water.
The USPS is made up of 33 districts, containing 450 squadrons and approximately 60,000 members. The BRPS, which is located in District 15, was established in 1963 by Dr. Louis J. Capozzoli, Jr. Through the efforts of our founder and numerous dedicated members, the BRPS has grown and fulfilled its commitment to the Baton Rouge and outlying areas.
One civil service we offer is public boating education through our Boat Smart and the America's Boating Course classes. The Boat Smart course requires approximately 4 hours of lecture prior to a comprehensive test, while the America's Boating Course is taken over the internet and may be completed at the students leisure. Both of these courses are designed for people of all ages and for skippers of all size vessels. The content of these courses focus primarily on nautical rules, regulations and safety principles. To date the USPS has educated more than 3 million boaters. The successful completion of one of these course, or equivalent, is a necessary requirement for membership in the BRPS.
Activities in the BRPS involve three primary objectives: community service, continuing education, and the enjoyment, friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. In addition to public education, the BRPS helps keep nautical charts accurate by properly reporting chart corrections. The BRPS also performs vessel safety checks (VSCs) and participates in many other community improvement projects. Our members are encouraged to take the numerous advanced courses offered through the USPS and administered through the BRPS. A student may take a class through self study if an instructor is not available. If a member chooses to enroll in and successfully complete all of the courses offered by the Squadron, he/she will receive the much revered status of Senior Navigator. Social activities offered to our members include both on and off water events with fellow members who are skilled in various boating disciplines. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests and even fishing derbies. Activities ashore include meetings with informative speakers, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.
In summary, as a members of the BRPS you will enjoy the following:
