The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), a national organization dedicated to Amateur Radio, and the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), a national boating and educational organization, formally ratified a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) on 04 June 2005. The MOU specifies areas where the two organizations can cooperate in educational activities of overlapping or mutual interest to their respective memberships.

"ARRL and USPS have long and distinguished histories, both dating back to 1914, but both organizations have their focus on the future," stated ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ. "It is a pleasure to be working together." Sumner signed the MOU on behalf of the League, while C/C Leslie Johnson, SN, signed for the USPS.

Among other things, the MOU calls for the League and USPS to assist each other in marketing, developing and promoting educational materials specific to the dual interests of the recreational boater and the Amateur Radio operator. As well, the two organizations have agreed to collaborate in the development and distribution of promotional materials and to develop products to serve boaters who are also Amateur Radio licensees.

Please join the USPS Amateur Radio Net every Saturday at 1700 UTC on 14.287 MHz. There is also a once-a-month 10 meter net that meets on the first Saturday of each month at 1800 UTC on 28.357 MHz. We hope all Novices and Technician Plus amateurs will take this opportunity to join us. Both nets meet to exchange information about squadron and district education, boating and social activities. Discussion concerning radio technical topics are also welcomed.

Ever think about installing your amateur radio on your boat. Click Here for an interesting tri-fold developed by USPS on the subject. Click Here for a list of a relatively good listing of the Maritime Mobile Service Network frequencies and nets.

If you are interested in joining a local Amateur Radio association, check out the Five Flags Amateur Radio Association and see if you might want to join. They would love to have you visit a meeting and meet fellow hams in the Pensacola area.