America's Boating Course and Boating License Test

America’s Boating Course and boating license test is sponsored by the United States Power Squadrons (USPS®). USPS is dedicated to improving recreational boating safety through education. USPS educational outreach programs provide the best in boating education to America's recreational boaters every year. Our belief is that educated boaters are safe boaters. Plus, many states require boaters to obtain safety certification or pass a boating license test in order to operate a vessel.

Beyond providing the basic boater safety classes to the public, local squadrons (chapters) offer advanced boater courses for their members. These courses range from seamanship and piloting to electronic and celestial navigation, from engine maintenance and marine electronics to meteorology, sailing, and cruise planning.

Nationwide, USPS is comprised of over 45,000 men and women volunteers in over 450 local squadrons. Squadron members actively engage in civic services to improve water safety, one of which is assisting
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cartographers maintain accurate chart data. Tens of thousands of corrections and verifications are provided to NOAA each year by USPS members, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. Vessel Safety Checks (VSC), approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, are performed as a courtesy by USPS members. Squadron members participate in local maritime and community events and assist with National Safe Boating Week activities.

USPS welcomes people interested in learning more about boat safety, boating law, boating certification and boating license tests. Among the many rewards of membership is knowing you are making a difference in saving lives.

To join our growing organization, visit this United States Power Squadrons website or call
1-888-FOR-USPS (367-8777).

Contact Information and Mailing Addresses

P.O.Box 30423
Raleigh, NC 27622
Call Toll Free 1-888-FOR-USPS (367-8777)
email address: csc2@hq.usps.org

PO Box 30635
Raleigh, NC 27622
Call Toll Free 1-866-BOAT-ABC (262-8222)
email address: csc2@hq.usps.org

United States Power Squadrons Headquarters and America’s Boating Course are located at 1504 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA. Business hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm Eastern Time.