ABC | USPS NEWS

New member benefit available

► America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is partnering with navigation app Ditch to provide members with the latest cutting-edge navigation technology

As part of this exclusive partnership, America’s Boating Club members will receive Ditch at no cost for one year, including its unlimited route-planning features.

This collaboration furthers America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons’ commitment to fostering boating safety and boosting confidence in boaters of all ages and experience levels

“Navigation is an essential part of a great day on the water, so providing a world-class navigation tool like Ditch to all our members allows us to continue to drive our mission to make boating better for all,” said Chief Commander Ralph Bernard

Bringing next-level technology and AI-driven algorithms directly to boaters’ screens, Ditch’s tools help boaters navigate waters with unmatched confidence and safety.

This collaboration will go beyond just providing access to technology. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons and Ditch are committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and bridging generations of boaters through joint initiatives focused on education, skill development and responsible boating practices

Learn how to access your member benefit here You can find the promo code to unlock your free one-year subscription on the member website ■

BOATING NEWS

Be wary of letters offering USCG documentation renewal

► Boaters with vessels that have a US Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation should be wary of any letter arriving by US mail offering renewal.

While USCG does send official annual renewal notices by US mail, other notices are not from the Coast Guard but rather third-party companies whose name or return addresses may appear similar to that of the official U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center.

These letters direct recipients to websites that may be mistaken for the actual Coast Guard NVDC in Falling Waters, West Virginia, and appear to show a significant increase in the annual fee to renew documentation.

USCG’s renewal process is simple for most vessels, and the price ranges from $26 for one year up to $130 for a five-year expiration, which is often much lower than what third-party services charge.

To renew, go to the Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center website and click on “Instructions and Forms,” and then “Certificate of Documentation Application for Renewal.”

Boaters who have received mail that they believe is misleading or deceptive should contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. –BoatUS

Coast Guard Foundation opens 2025 scholarship applications

► The Coast Guard Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship season until April 1.

This annual scholarship program provides financial assistance to Coast Guard children pursuing higher education through college or trade school to support tuition, room and board, fees, books and other education expenses. Eligible applicants can be dependents of either enlisted members or commissioned officers and may attend a community college, four-year university or trade school. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years if recipients continue to meet eligibility requirements.

All interested high school seniors and college-age children of Coast Guard members can check eligibility requirements and application instructions online. –Coast Guard Foundation