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United States Power Squadrons^®

Come for the Boating Education . . . Stay for the Friends^SM

South Bend Sail and Power Squadron

Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan

We're America's Boating Club!

South Bend Sail and Power Squadron 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

There are no age or education requirements for a boat of less than 6 horsepower. 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 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!)

(more)Michigan Boating Laws

This Month's Highlights

We've gone boating for the summer! Check back in the fall for our regular schedule of meetings! Come for the Boating Education, Stay for the Friends!^SM

Roster 04 June 2017

The latest edition of our roster, dated 04 January, 2017, is posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members). Members Must Log In to have access.

D9 Interlaker

The Spring 2017 edition of the District 9 newsletter, the Interlaker has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members). Members Must Log In to have access.

United States Power Squadron's ABC 3rd Edition Public Boating Course

New to boating, or just want to learn more about how to have more fun on the water? Our America's Boating Course, 3rd Ed. is our introductory public boating course. Join us for an exciting introduction to the fun of being on the water.

Our current classes are held on five weeknights, with each session approximately two hours. The fifth session includes a multiple choice examination that meets the mandatory boating education requirements of Michigan, Indiana, and most other states. Students who successfully complete the examination will receive a boating education card that certifies completion of mandatory education.

Public Boating Classes:

Earn your certificate for mandatory boating education requirements!

Our Spring classes have concluded. Check back for information about Fall classes. More information about all of our class offerings can be found on our education page.