Evansville Bend Sail and Power Squadron is a Unit of District 24  of the United  States Power Squadrons. ®.  Many Districts and Squadrons have their own web sites. Be sure to visit the sites and learn more about the Power Squadron experience and the USPS history.   Benefits of Membership          * A great variety of courses to choose from:  Advanced grade and elective courses which are only available to USPS members. These courses include Seamanship, Piloting, Celestial Navigation, Weather, Sail, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics and Cruise Planning. In addition, USPS offers more than two dozen self study courses on such subjects as the Water Sports, Boat Insurance, Oceanography, Introduction to Sailing, Preparation for Coast Guard Licensing, and much more.     * Meeting with other boaters in your area: As a member of Evansville Bend squadron (and there are approximately 450 squadrons throughout the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) you will join with other knowledgeable boaters in your area who are familiar with the local waters, the best anchorages, and marinas and boat repair shops.     * Participation in a variety of on water activities: As a USPS member you're automatically invited to join in our squadron and district cruises, rendezvous, predicted log contests, raftings and other on-water activities.     * Participation in a variety of social activities: As a member of Evansville Bend Sail and Power Squadron you can attend our monthly dinner meetings the third Wednesday of each month. Most meetings features a speaker whose topic is related to boating. Other social activities throughout the year include our Change of Watch in February to install our new officers, Rendezvous in June, Fish fry in October, and Holiday Party in December.     * Savings on Boat Insurance: There are many marine insurance companies which provide discounts to those who complete advanced boating courses. This savings can be significant.     * USPS Networking with other members throughout the USA, Canada and even more distant areas: Thinking of boating in a river, lake or ocean far from your home? USPS has a Port Captain program which will provide names and telephone numbers of local USPS members who know the territory. Evansville Bend participates in this program. Ron Riecken is our Port Captain.     * Receive the official USPS magazine THE ENSIGN.       This is a monthly magazine published nationally and mailed to members. 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. Note: boat ownership is not required. Active members must be at least 18 years of age; there are no age considerations for family members The following requirement must be met:     * Complete the  America's Boating Course and pass the examination. The examination can be arranged through Evansville Bend or any other Squadron. The course can be self-study or classroom. OR - satisfy one of the alternatives:     * Show successful completion of a boating course from one the following states:           o Arizona           o Connecticut (proctored exam)           o Delaware, Boating Basics (proctored exam)           o Louisiana, Boat Louisiana © 2002 (proctored exam)           o Illinois           o Massachusetts, Boating Basics Course © 2000           o New Hamphire, Boating Basics Course           o New York, New York Safe Boating Course           o North Carolina, Boater Education Course © 2000 (proctored exam)           o Ohio, (proctored exam)           o Pennsylvania, (proctored exam)           o Texas, Boat Texas © 2002           o Virginia, (proctored exam)           o Wisconsin     * Show successful completion of courses from:           o U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boating Skills and Seamanship or Sailing and Seamanship           o Canadian Power Squadrons, Boating Course           o American Sailing Association, Basic Keelboat Sailing Course (proctored exam)           o U.S. Sailing, Basic Keelboat Certification Course           o U.S. Sailing, Keelboat Instructor Course           o U.S. Sailing, Small Boat Instructor Course     * Other acceptable qualifications:           o U.S. Naval Academy Graduates           o U.S. Coast Guard Academy Graduates           o Merchant Marine Academy Graduates, Deck Officer           o U.S. Coast Guard, License to carry 6 passengers, or greater   In addtion to the above requirements for membership, a veteran boater with many years of experience may be accepted as a member if the squadron officers approve. If you are interested in joining, please contact: P/D/C Janice Elwood, JN; Membership Chairman - 812-401-8300; mail to: janice.elwood@gmail.com