USPS Program Visitation

Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitation lets Power Squadron members establish local partnerships that they visit regularly. It is a key element in the US Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program that the Coast Guard Auxiliary is actively supporting. The emphasis of Program Visitation is to recruit businesses to display boating safety pamphlet distribution racks to the public. The program is administered by a Program Visitor who maintains the material in the display rack. This also gives the Program Visitor an opportunity to clarify safety issues, promote boater education, and the Vessel Safety Check program.

USPS benefits

There are many benefits to the Power Squadrons and its members. Program Visitation increases the public’s awareness of the Power Squadrons, its goals and its missions. The literature display is also an excellent way to advertise Power Squadrons programs like as America’s Boating Course, boater education programs, vessel safety checks, and other squadron activities.

It enhances the Power Squadron’s image as an organization dedicated to promoting boating safety. You have the satisfaction of knowing that by participating in Program Visitation, you help save lives and property. Participation also provides an venue for recruiting new Power Squadron members. On an individual basis, participation in the program can earn the member a Merit Mark.

The Program Visitor

The Program Visitor, or PV, is the key person in the Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitation program.

The success of the program rests squarely with the PV. The PV is a specially trained and certified Power Squadrons member. He or she must be very knowledgeable about Power Squadrons missions, recreational boating safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating safety program. This knowledge comes through experience in the Power Squadrons and Program Visitation training. We will discuss this training in a moment.

Program Partners

A program partner is any community business or facility where the public is that will allow the Program Visitor to place a boating safety literature display rack.

Traditional partners include marine dealers, marine retail outlets, and boating supply stores. Non-traditional partners include any establishment that might be visited by recreational boaters. Examples include: doctors’ offices, gas stations, and hardware stores.

What we Distribute

Just about anything can be placed in the literature displays. You can use information from the Coast Guard or from any organization that provides you literature, or from your state or local authorities, or you can design your own pamphlets and brochures locally. You are only limited by your own imagination.

You can promote local Vessel Safety Checks, boater education classes, or membership in the US Power Squadrons.

Resources

• What is Program Visitation? (briefing) (ppt 1.7 MB]
  
• What is Program Visitation and Why is it Important to the U.S. Power Squadrons? (article) (coming soon)
• PV Train-the-Trainer presentation (coming soon)
• PV Training Manual (coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will Program Visitation become available within the USPS?
  • January 2013

• Will Auxiliary handouts be available to the USPS?
  • Selected Auxiliary handouts will be available to USPS through the USPS HQ in Raleigh.

• Will the Auxiliary provide brochure displays?
  • Yes, through USPS HQ in Raleigh.

• Can USPS & Auxiliary brochures be in the same display?
  • Yes

• Can USPS and Auxiliary share space in each others’ displays?
  • Yes. Items such as education classes, VSC locations, etc. are highly encouraged.

• Will the USPS require certification prior to visiting “Partners”?
  • Yes, USPS will work with local Auxiliary flotillas to qualify members.

• Will the USPS PVs receive special recognition?
  • Yes, Merit Mark credit

• Will a Program Manual be available?
  • Yes, it is being developed now

• How will duplication of USPS and Auxiliary visits be avoided?
  • The primary concern should be to ensure the material gets to the public via the Partner. Local Flotillas/Squadrons should work together. If there is duplication, so be it. Duplication might not be bad. It will ensure the public gets promotional material (local classes, recruiting, etc.) from both organizations.

• Will new USPS Partners be added to the CGAUX Master Partner list?
  • Yes, A new database is being developed

• What happens if I don’t conduct a minimum of four visits per year?
  • You will have to conduct a minimum of two supervised visits to regain your certification. You will then be required to conduct you four visits during the rest of the year.

Contributed by

Joe Reichal, DVC-VP
Mike Wiedel, USPS Safety Committee