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 America’s 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 you’re one of the many boaters in our portion of Michigan who hasn’t yet completed a safe boating course, please consider beginning your education by joining one of our upcoming classes. If you’re 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 you’re already one of my fellow members in AAPS, thanks for stopping by again. No matter what you’re looking for here, if you don’t find it right away or have any other questions, please don’t 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.