We’re America's Boating Club®!
South Bend Sail and Power Squadrons is a unit of United States Power Squadrons, America's largest boating organization. We are recreational sail, power, and people-powered boaters from north central Indiana and southwest Michigan. Find out who we are and how we can help you make boating safer and more fun! Check us out on the “What is USPS?” page! Questions? Email us at info@sbsps.org.
This summary of the changes in Michigan law is offered only as a guide to suggest further research or inquiry. For the most current Michigan laws and how they affect your boating experience, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Location - Morris Park Country Club, 2200 McKinley Ave., South Bend, IN 46615
Date/Time - 21 May 2013 at 1830 (cash bar at 1830)
Program: “Rub a Dub Dub”
No, it's not the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker! It's a report of the adventures (and misadventures) of three of our intrepid adventurers during a circumnavigation of Lake Michigan.
For more details, see our Next Meeting page.
Two new classes for this spring's schedule have been posted. USPS Engine Maintenance, beginning March 13, 2013, covers the basics of maintaining both gasoline and diessel engines. USPS Navigation, which began January 31, 2013, is the second part of the off-shore navigation series. See the Education page for details.
For those interested in teaching our public boating class, ABC 3rd Edition, instructor training (4 weeks) will begin in early 2013. Contact Anita McCollester for details.
The latest edition of the squadron's publication, the SpringLine has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members).
Our 2013 public class schedule has been completed! Classes will be on Monday evenings 06:45-08:45 p.m.:
MICHIGAN BOATING LAWS HAVE CHANGED! Do You Need a Safe Boating Class?
If you boat in Michigan, your age and your boat's horsepower determine whether you need to take an approved safe boating course. South Bend Sail and Power Squadron offers a class that meets the Michigan requirements!Boat Operator Age and Education Requirements
If you were born on or after July 1, 1996, you may not legally operate a boat in Michigan of greater than 6 horsepower unless you have had an approved safe boating course and have your card with you! If you are less than 12 years of age, you may operate a boat up to 35 horsepower if you have had an approved safe boating course and have your card with you, and are directly supervised by someone at least 16 years old. If you are between the ages of 12 and 15, you may operate a boat of greater than 6 horsepower if you have taken an approved safe boating course, or you are directly supervised by someone at least 16 years old. There are no age or education requirements for a boat of less than 6 horsepower. If you were born before July 1, 1996, you may operate a boat of any horsepower without age restrictions or educational requirements. (It's still a good idea to take a boating safety course!)Personal Watercraft Age and Education Requirements
Michigan now prohibits anyone less than 14 years old from operating a personal watercraft. Persons between the ages of 14 and 15 must complete an approved safe boating course, have the card in their possession, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian or a person 21 or older designated by the parent or guardian. The parent, guardian, or designee must also have taken an approved safe boating course and have the card in their possession if they were born after December 31, 1978. Persons age 16 and older may operate a personal watercraft only if they have completed an approved safe boating course and have the card in their possession. Persons who were born on or before December 31, 1978 may operate a personal watercraft without restrictions or educational requirements. (It's still a good idea to take a boating safety course!)This summary of the changes in Michigan law is offered only as a guide to suggest further research or inquiry. For the most current Michigan laws and how they affect your boating experience, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Take a Safe Boating Course with Us!
South Bend Sail and Power Squadron offers the United States Power Squadron's ABC 3rd Edition public boating course, which meets the Michigan safe boating course requirements. You'll receive a boating card that meets the requirements of most states and is good for life. See our Education Page for a listing of courses in the South Bend/Mishawaka area, or go to USPS.org to locate courses in other areas.This Month's Highlights
Commander's Message
Commander Harry Bailiff's latest message has been posted. See it on the From the Helm page.
Next Regular Meeting
Location - Morris Park Country Club, 2200 McKinley Ave., South Bend, IN 46615Date/Time - 21 May 2013 at 1830 (cash bar at 1830)
Program: “Rub a Dub Dub”
No, it's not the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker! It's a report of the adventures (and misadventures) of three of our intrepid adventurers during a circumnavigation of Lake Michigan.
For more details, see our Next Meeting page.
New Advanced Grade Classes Announced!
Two new classes for this spring's schedule have been posted. USPS Engine Maintenance, beginning March 13, 2013, covers the basics of maintaining both gasoline and diessel engines. USPS Navigation, which began January 31, 2013, is the second part of the off-shore navigation series. See the Education page for details. Instructor Development Course
For those interested in teaching our public boating class, ABC 3rd Edition, instructor training (4 weeks) will begin in early 2013. Contact Anita McCollester for details. The SpringLine
The latest edition of the squadron's publication, the SpringLine has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members).D9 Interlaker
The Spring 2013 edition of the District 9 Interlaker has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members).01 January 2013 Roster
The 01 January 2013 edition of the Roster is the most recent issue of our roster. It has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members). USPS United States Power Squadron's ABC 3rd Edition Public Boating Course
Our 2013 public class schedule has been completed! Classes will be on Monday evenings 06:45-08:45 p.m.:- 01 Apr 2013 - 29 April 2013 - Battell Center, Mishawaka, IN (Registration first night 06:30 p.m.). Click here to register or for more information.
- 27 Apr 2013 - Join us for our annual Weekend Edition of America's Boating Course! Once again we'll be at Pier 33 in St. Joseph, Michigan for a three-week weekender version of our popular public boating course. See the Education Page for details.
- 16 Sep 2013 - 14 Oct 2013 - Battell Center, Mishawaka, IN (Registration first night 06:30 p.m.). Click here to register or for more information.
