Cooperative Charting is a useful and fun way to use skills learned in Power Squadron classes. There are two primary boat shows in Portland each year and there are several other events that draw boaters. The Portland Power Squadron along with several other area squadrons sets up and staffs a booth where we hand out local publications that inform and educate boaters about our wonderful boating area. We also tell boaters about the boating safety courses available locally and encourage them to join the ranks of educated, informed, and safe boaters. Merit Marks Members who donate their time and energy to promote safe boating receive few rewards.
Personal satisfaction is often the primary reward.
The United States Power Squadrons recognizes significant efforts put in by members by awarding merit marks. No more than one merit mark can be earned in any one year. A member who earns twenty five merit marks is given special recognition by being awarded a Life Membership. Life Members are exempt from annual dues. At last count, the Portland Power Squadron had ten Life Members - these ten people alone have given more than two hundred fifty years of service to the United States Power Squadron in the interest of boating safety.