An Interview with Larry Weiss, Commander-Elect of the Oyster Bay Power Squadron (Continued from Dec. 23, 2005 issue)

How did you get involved with the Power Squadron?

I had taken the Power Squadron Boating Course with Oyster Bay Power Squadron in 1989 and was immediately impressed by the professionalism of the instructors, their knowledge and their camaraderie with each other. I didn't get around to actually joining for another 11 years. In 2000 we were finally assigned a boat slip in the Roosevelt Marina and our new next door (the next slip?) neighbor happened to be a past commander of Oyster Bay Power Squadron. It didn't take much for him to convince Donna and me to finally join.

What is the Power Squadron?

The United States Power Squadron is the largest nonprofit boating organization in America - some 60,000 members made up of individuals and families interested in sail and power boating - organized into 450 local squadrons throughout the country, of which Oyster Bay Power Squadron is 1 of 18 on Long Island. Our primary objectives are boater education and safety, as well as enjoying boating and social activities. And don't be fooled by the term "Power Squadron." We are more accurately known as Oyster Bay Power and Sail Squadron, and more than half our members are indeed sailors. The term "Power Squadron" dates to our founding in 1914 by the powerboat division of the Boston Yacht Club.

What are the benefits of joining?

Most people know United States Power Squadrons for its public safe-boating courses (nationally, we've educated over 3 million boaters to date). However members can take advantage of a full range of educational opportunities including courses in seamanship, piloting, navigation, weather, engine maintenance, electronics, cruise planning, sailing, and more.

Joining Oyster Bay Power Squadron is a great way to meet fellow local boaters. In addition to our educational activities, which take place during the colder months, we have monthly meetings with interesting speakers, a variety of social activities including picnics, parties and dances, regional and national conventions, and, of course, a variety of on-the-water boating activities, including raft-ups on the Squadron mooring and group cruises. Membership in Oyster Bay Power Squadron is open to anyone with an interest in boating who has completed a safe boating course. You do not need to own a boat to join or participate. In fact, many of our members who do not own their own boats often crew or are guests on the boats of members.

What is your role in the Power Squadron?

Aside from teaching Power Squadron public boating courses I have served as assistant education officer and, more recently, executive officer. Last year I took a step back from the squadron "bridge" to attend to the needs of my business, but I still found time to serve as boating activities chairman and port captain. In April 2006 I will assume the position of commander, succeeding our current Commander Ann Peltier - a great lady and a very difficult act to follow.

Why should residents in the hamlet care about what the Power Squadron does?

Boating has been an integral part of Oyster Bay throughout its history and will continue to be well into the future. Local residents moor some 2,000 boats in the Oyster Bay Cold Spring Harbor Complex. Oyster Bay Power Squadron serves as a primary source of safety and operational education for Oyster Bay boaters. Indeed, since its founding in 1971, Oyster Bay Power Squadron has trained well over 2,000 local men, women and children in safe boating procedures through its public boating courses. In addition, Oyster Bay Power Squadron provides courtesy vessel safety inspections, works with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Department of Commerce to supply information regarding the accuracy of local nautical charts, works closely with Friends of the Bay in the promotion of clean water and environmental protection, and serves as a voice for recreational boaters in civic and governmental matters. Oyster Bay Power Squadron was one of the first organizations to utilize The Center for Marine Education for actual marine education, and works with The Waterfront Center in a variety of areas, including Bay Day and Oyster Bay Power Squadron's annual Blessing of the Fleet.

What are the differences between the Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary?

The Power Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary parallel each other and work together in many areas, and yet are very different in other areas. We offer essentially the same public boating courses, conduct the same vessel safety checks and stress boating safety and education. However, as a civilian, non-military component of the United States Coast Guard, the Auxiliary conducts on-water operations such as safety patrols and search and rescue. The Power Squadron involves itself more in community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of fellow members - both on and off the water.

Tell me about some upcoming classes.

We have a slew of public boating courses coming up, beginning with the New York State Young Boaters Course at the Oyster Bay Library in February. This course is required for kids aged 14 to 18 to operate a powerboat (which also includes any sailboat with a motor). After that we offer our Basic Boating Course in March at Syosset High School, in April at Locust Valley High School, and in June at The Waterfront Center. We will also be offering our Chart Smart course in May at the Vernon School. There are many benefits to taking our public boating course, not the least of which is learning the basics of boating safety, rules of the road, piloting, seamanship, environmental consciousness and boater responsibilities. In addition you get to spend some enjoyable time with fellow boaters, you earn discounts on insurance and qualify to become a member of the squadron.

How does this differ from what the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers?

United States Power Squadron courses and Coast Guard Auxiliary courses are essentially the same, and our two organizations actually work together designing coursework and materials. The only difference might be that Oyster Bay Power Squadron does not believe in offering one-day classes. We believe there is just too much material to digest in one day. Instead we prefer to spread the courses over four to seven weekly two hour sessions, giving our students time absorb the material, read the text and do the homework. You can find a full schedule of our classes on line the Oyster Bay Power Squadron website: www.usps.org/localusps/oysterbay

Over the next year the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron will become more visible in the community. I hope that you will take the time to learn more about them. The new leaders of both organizations are acquaintances and are working together to help increase boating safety, education, camaraderie, and improve environmental issues.

For more information about the Coast Guard, Power Squadron, or boating please contact me at 922-0555 or JaimeVanDyke@gmail.com. Please also visit www.sagamoreyc.com or look up SagamoreRacing on Yahoo!Groups on the web.