Cdr. Thomas G. Stoner, P
Welcome to Ann Arbor Power Squadron
(AAPS). We are a unit of United States Power Squadrons® (USPS®).
USPS was organized in 1914 as a subdivision of the Boston Yacht Club.
Today there are more than 50,000 USPS members in approximately 450 local
squadrons. USPS is the oldest and largest such organization in the United
States, truly earning the status to be known as Americas Boating Club.
Our squadron was founded when local Washtenaw County
boaters, some of who belonged to other Detroit-area power squadrons, felt
that USPS public safe boating classes should be made available in the
Ann Arbor area. With that idea and belief, they petitioned USPS for permission
to form a squadron based in Ann Arbor. Charter was granted by the national
organization on September 12, 1965, with 31 charter members.
The mission and goals of USPS and all member squadrons
are three-fold. First is civic service; second self-education; and third
are fraternal activities. AAPS, like USPS, is a non-profit, all volunteer
group.
One of the public services that USPS has offered
almost since the beginning is public safe boating courses. AAPS continues
that fine tradition of service by offering the residents of Washtenaw
and surrounding counties a selection of low-cost introductory courses
in small boat handling and navigation. These courses cover topics of importance
and interest to any recreational boater, regardless of the type of vessel
they may command. They also meet state vessel operator certification requirements
and may entitle the successful graduate to a discount on their marine
insurance.
USPS also offers squadron members a series of advanced
courses in boat handling, navigation, and specialized subjects that meet
the goals for self-education. A variety of on the water and off the water
activities throughout the year satisfy the desire for the organization
to be a fraternally-active boating club.
This web site is designed and intended to contain
information for potential boating safety course students; those mariners
who are seeking a group of fellow boaters to join in activities; and our
members who are looking for course and activity information. If youre
one of the many boaters in our portion of Michigan who hasnt yet completed
a safe boating course, please consider beginning your education by joining
one of our upcoming classes. If youre looking for a diverse and friendly
group of boaters with which to share fellowship, experiences, and time,
please come meet us at one of our monthly membership meetings. Finally,
if youre already one of my fellow members in AAPS, thanks for stopping
by again. No matter what youre looking for here, if you dont find it
right away or have any other questions, please dont hesitate to contact
us. It is our pleasure to help you in any way that we can to enjoy this
activity we all call boating. Thank you.