South Bend Sail and Power Squadron
A Unit of United States Power Squadrons®
“Boating is Fun - We’ll Show You How!”®

             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.

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.

New  Next Regular Meeting

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.

New 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.

New 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.

New 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).

New 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.:
Check the education page for more information about our Spring 2013 classes!