Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation plus basic piloting in this comprehensive classroom course. This newly revised course will give you the basics of line throwing, knot tying, boat handling, anchoring, navigation rules and aids, emergencies on the water and more.
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Our organization's primary goal is to promote safe boating by offering courses in all aspects of boating: seamanship, navigation, cruise plannig, use of electronics, marine weather forecasting, engine maintenance, sailing, and more.
Members can take advantage of events with interesting speakers, draw on the knowledge of experienced boats, and build friendships with people with the same love of the water.
Jun 28 - City Island SPS 2026 Blessing of the Fleet
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Aug 01 - Shrewsbury & Raritan Bay Picnic & Auction
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Message from Commander Joe Velez
April 2026
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I’d like to start by extending everyone a very happy and peaceful Spring holiday. Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or another seasonal holiday, I wish you all the best. Enjoy this time with your families and friends. At the same time, let us keep in our thoughts and prayers family and friends who have crossed the bar. District 4 recently lost a good friend with the passing of R/C Angelo Giovannielo of D/3. We also lost Anthony Carbone of Watchung. They will be missed greatly. There’s also good news in the on-going recovery from surgery for City Island’s Cdr. Gary Mandarano.
This has been a busy first quarter of 2026 for me. Yet, I would be remiss if I failed to thank you for trusting me as your district commander for an additional watch. I pledge to do everything possible to strengthen our district’s squadrons. I’m optimistic that some of the activities underway at USPS National will yield positive results for our district. I’m referring to the high-visibility strategic planning project that was approved at the recent USPS Governing Board meeting. The effort is in an early stage, but I expect that once the initial stage is completed things will start moving.
Keep in mind that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation. We have been asked to support a major on-water celebration in New York Harbor called Sail4th250. This will be a phenomenal display of vessels from around the world. We need volunteers to help provide support at the many spectator anchorages that will be establish. If you can help, please contact me. I also ask everyone to think about ideas that we can implement to celebrate the historic event more “locally”.
Cordially,
Joe Velez
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District 4 of the United States Power Squadrons is an active participant in the USPS Vessel Safety Check program. Click the green logo for information on how to schedule an inspection in your area. Click the buttons below for information on other USPS information useful to boaters. National Safe Boating Test America's Boating Course State Boating Information |
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