ON THE WATER BOATS & BOATERS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or just getting your sea legs, members of the Charleston Sail and Power Squadron can help ensure that a boat owner’s nautical endeavors are safe and fun.

The Charleston squadron was founded in 1946 and is part of the United States Power Squadrons organization, which was founded in 1914.

The U.S. group offers several classes on proper boating procedures. The organization’s motto is: “Boating is fun and we’ll show you how.”

“There’s no one that teaches boating education courses with on-the-water training like we do,” said Gary Whitley, public relations officer of the Charleston squadron. “That’s kind of unique for us regarding boating education.”

The local squadron hosts a number of on-the-water activities, including cruises, rendezvous, navigation and predicted log contests, and raft-ups.

The Charleston Sail and Power Squadron also helps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration update charts.

The Charleston group is one of 450 squadrons nationwide and spreads the importance of boating safety through community service programs. Public boating classes, on-the-water training, vessel safety checks and other programs keep members busy throughout the year.

The public boating classes offered by the Charleston squadron prepare boat owners by teaching the basics of what someone needs to know to take on the water.

Dick Howells, squadron commander, has had several years of boating experience and encourages others to join.

“When I moved here to Charleston, I joined the Power Squadron and that has made all the difference in the world,” said Howells. “One of my pet peeves is being on the water on the weekend with boaters who don’t know what they’re doing.”

Being unfamiliar with proper boating safety is a concern for others enjoying the water.

Monthly courses are taught by certified instructors at the Charleston squadron’s headquarters building and include four classroom sessions and one on-the-water session. Sessions cover such topics as getting underway, docking, harbor navigation, winds and tides, communications afloat, knots and lines, navigation aids and basic piloting as related to coastal boating.

The U.S. Power Squadron has more than 45,000 active members.

Harl Porter, past staff commander for marine electronics and senior navigator, teaches many of the safety classes and tells boat owners how to pass the vessel safety inspection.

“The Charleston Power Squadron doesn’t do law enforcement,” said Porter, “so if you don’t pass a safety inspection, then we give you a checklist of what you need in order to pass, and then we will come back and re-inspect your boat.”

The members of the Charleston squadron encourage others to have fun boating but to be up-to-date on boating safety.

“Boating is fun and we want people to be safe when they go out on their boats,” Whitley said.

Squadron members also organize events for 200 local members. Members get together for monthly cruises and dinners to share experiences and various other boating adventures.

“We want to encourage others to join, either as a member or a volunteer,” Whitley said.

For the squadron’s class schedule, see www.usps.org/localusps/cps.