Vero beach power squadron

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Vero Beach Power Squadron Cluster[[1]] Change of Watch 2008 [[2]] Vero Beach Power Squadron Building [[3]] Vero Beach Power Squadron Burgee [[4]] Hibiscus [[5]] Sunseeker Wake on the Indian River looking at the 17th Street Bridge [[6]]

The Vero Beach Power Squadron(or VBPS) is a non-profit educational organization, chartered in 1956, whose mission is to improve maritime safety and enjoyability through classes in seamanship, navigation, and other related subjects.

They are one of many squadrons affiliated with the United States Power Squadrons(USPS)® thru out the world. The VBPS is a member of District 8, which goes from Sebastian Inlet and extendes to Key West, Florida.

The VBPS has approximately 300 members( 2008 data) and its squadron building is located at 301 Acacia Road, adjacent to the Barber Bridge on the waters edge at the MacWilliams Boat basin on the Indian River, in Vero Beach. They have an award winning website www.verobeachps.org/.

They are very active in the community and they have continuos events that keep its bridge and members busy year round.

The squadron burgee include the Hibiscus flower and is red and white in color.

They offer courses that teach basic knowledge necessary to operate boats safely and legally. The VBPS offer courses in advanced navigation using modern equipment such as GPS and Radar. Courses are even offered in celestial navigation.

Vessel Safety Checks are doen by the squadron by appointment. A VBPS officer will board vessels (with permission) and check for the various equipment required for safe operation of the vessel and equipment that are required to carry by law. A vessel safety check is provided at no charge and is not a law enforcement boarding. If the boat carries the proper equipment, a sticker will be awarded to display on the vessel. If a boat does not pass the inspection, the VBPS informs the owners, but does not report its findings to any law enforcement or government agency.