Lansing Sail & Power Squadron, located in central Michigan, is one of 450 squadrons that form United States Power Squadrons. USPS has been around since 1914 and is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. [85th Anniversary Information]  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. Today, USPS is a thriving organization made up of some 45,000 members organized into 450 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.

United States Power Squadrons is not part of, or supported by, the U.S. Government. Also, close to half of our members are sailors. The term "Power Squadrons" in our name dates to our founding in 1914 by the power boat division of the Boston Yacht Club.

Following the first World War, our ranks broadened to include all types of boats and sailors have been a major part of USPS ever since.

The Lansing squadron was chartered in 1957, and has been offering boating safety courses on a regular basis to Lansing boaters ever since. These courses are open to the public and there is no age limit for participants. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections.

We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. As our triangle shows, squadron activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of fellow members.

What community and civic services does USPS perform

Local squadrons offer 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 courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners.

Learn more about the VSC program, and how to get your boat checked.

Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.

What educational courses are available to USPS members

Every squadron 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, rendezvous and navigation contests. Activities ashore include meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips.

If you enjoy boating, and would like the camaraderie of other boaters, consider joining the squadron.