America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

            

Flotilla 86 Venice, FL             www.cgauxvenice.org           7th District

Judi Bidwick, Commander            Juan Hernandez PhD, Vice-Commander

Flotilla Commander's Message

From the Commander

Our operations facilities and coxswains began the month of February on a high note.  Coxswain, Bud Beeman and crew, Harry and Ruth Bruno and trainee Don Ruhl on Whoop-T-Do came upon a 16 foot, stranded boat with five POB in the Intra-Coastal Waterway in the southern end of our AOR.  After receiving permission from Station Cortez, they towed the boat to Marine Max.

Partner-Ship responded to a MARB while at the end of a safety patrol and with my  crew Al Bidwick, Harry Bruno and Ruth Bruno we made our way three miles west into the Gulf of Mexico.  Having the latitude and longitude made the “find” a lot easier than running a search pattern to find the twenty-three foot I/O that was taking on water.  With high winds and seas, these new boat owners were not cognizant of many boating safety issues.  Anchoring from the stern presented the greatest problem after they blew two hoses and a drive belt.  We were able to tow them to a safe dock inside the Venice Inlet.

The excellent response to our Boating Skills and Seamanship program is directly related to the good work our Public Affairs Officer did recently and the effect of our sign outside of our Training Center.  There were several class members who learned about our classes from those who had taken the class before.  Some learned about our Public Education Program from our vessel examiners, local marinas and libraries.  It remains important that we continue to advertise in all possible areas.  I’d also like to thank our instructors and aides who continue to make our program effective.

“Standing-Room-Only” described the required Instructor Workshop and the 1-hour Team Coordination Training held at the end of February.  A make up session will be arranged for the few who were not able to attend.  All coxswain, crew, and watchstanders need to complete either the 1-hour refresher or the 8-hour TCT prior to the end of this year.  All instructors must take the IT Workshop by the end of June, 2008.

The weather cooperated with us at our fellowship picnic held at the moorings.  JD Harrison and his working crew put on an excellent meal and the entertainment, provided by The River Ramblers, was a change and very enjoyable.

Don’t forget to check out http://www.venicefla.us.  Joe Myers is running an article each week to support our flotilla, the Auxiliary, vessel exams, etc.  We are fortunate to have such excellent coverage for our flotilla.

Judi Bidwick

Flotilla Commander

 

Judi Bidwick, FC

Information

 

Important Notice Best Viewed With Windows Internet Explorer Flotilla Staff Officers                CM - Juan Hernandez                CS -  Denis Keyes                FN -  Janet Heijens                IS   - Harry Bruno                MA - Richard Markwitz                MS - Roman Gzyl                 MT -  Lou Magyar                OP - Jim Sleichert                PA - Al Bidwick                PB - Judi Bidwick                PE - Judi Bidwick                PS - John Kandes                PV - Jerry Mitchell                SR - Ruthanne Bruno                                       General Meeting:               First Tuesday - 1930                  Training Center               On The Water Training               Every Thursday - 0830                Marine Max, Venice

Vice Commander
Juan Hernandez Ph D

 

We are well on our way of achieving the goals set for this year:

 ·       Deploying the Digital Selective Calling Tracking System (DSC-TS) and the Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), an alternative way of tracking facilities for members who are amateur radio operators;

·       Re-qualifying at least 10 members from the 20 members that are due for re-qualification next year;

·       Qualifying one or more crews in the Operational Excellence Program.

 Following is a progress report on each of these areas to put these work efforts in perspective and provide an idea about related implementation issues.

DSC-TS & APRS

The DSC-TS and APRS (amateur radio version) are fully operational at this time.  You can display real time tracking information on a Google map in your PC; you could also view it at a later time since this information is available until it is replaced by new data.

 The radio operators at Station Cortez were trained on January 6, 2008 in the use of the system.  We are now making plans with Randy Moritz, FSO/OP to deploy DSC-TS to Flotilla 84. 

I.                     DCS-TS:

·       http://www.cgauxvenice.org/dsc2gm/dsc2gm.html

This is the link for the Flotilla server that records patrols on a real time basis.  Click on this link during regular patrols hours and, if the facility is equipped with a DSC radio, you will be able to track it. Once the Google map is displayed, you can drag it with your mouse and double-click to zoom to the desired location.

·       https://home.comcast.net/~drjhernandez/DSC2GM%20Web/DSC2GM.html

This is an additional server used to store old patrols and to train members on DSC-TS.  Click on this link if you want to evaluate the system and learn how it works. Once the Google map is displayed, you can drag it with your mouse and double-click to zoom to the desired location. 

There is a DSC2GM User Manual available online, which may be access by clicking on the Menu or Help buttons located on the table displayed below the Google. 

II.                   Ham Radio (APRS)

 ·       http://aprs.fi/?call=KA4OWP - This is the link for APRS; it tracks facilities equipped with a ham radio, such as Sea Angel.  If you are asked to enter a call sign use KA4OWP (my call sign)  or the call sign the ham radio operator on patrol.  Once the map is displayed, you can drag it with your mouse and double-click to zoom to a desired location. 

III.                  DSC-TS Navigation Tools

The DSC-TS displays facility information and supports navigation tools.  A training seminar is being developed for radio watch standers to learn to use the navigation tools included with DSC-TS.

The use of these tools represents and important transition for the role of radio watch standers, i.e., they will now be able to actively support our crews with a variety of navigation tools during patrols and search and rescue (SAR) missions. 

 To see how these tools work login to:

https://home.comcast.net/~drjhernandez/DSC2GM%20Web/DSC2GM.html

The table displayed below the Google map shows the controls for these tools; detailed instructions are found the in the DSC2GM User Manual.  Access to this manual and two additional navigation tools, Set & Drift and Latitude/Longitude Converter, is provided by clicking on the Menu or Help buttons.

 The navigation tools included in DSC-TS are: 

 o       Range and Bearing: calculates the distance and bearing between two waypoints;

o       Ship Track: connects dots for ship position reports with lines;

o       Route Plan: plots a route or measures a vessel’s track.

o       Set & Drift (click on Menu button): calculates Course Over Ground (COG) & Speed over Ground (SOG); Set & Drift; Course & Speed of Advance (SOA); and the course to steer and speed to be run to reach a specified destination at a predetermined time.

o       Projected Range and Bearing (development stage): plot SAR patterns.

 RE-QUALIFICATION & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

 Jim Sleichert, FSO/OP has scheduled a QE for March 12, 2008 to re-qualify three crew members.  He plans to re-qualify at least seven more members this year to reduce the number due for re-qualification next year (20).

 Training for Operational Excellence is scheduled to start this summer; if all goes well, two crews will go before a QE by the end of the year.

 MEMBER TRAINING

J. D. Harrison, FSO/MT has completed a schedule of member training courses that will be shared with all members soon.  The plan is to place all courses in a web-based system by the end of the year.  This system will allow us to maintain and publish on-the-water (OWT) and classroom training schedules to all members in advance of these events.

 Two new training courses are being developed and will be offered soon: DSC-TS and Navigation Tools and Computer Applications for Flotilla Operations.

Juan C. Hernandez,
Vice Flotilla Commander

 

Communications
Garland Russ, FSO-CM

Hand-Held VHF Radios
by Chuck Hoosick
 

A hand-held VHF radio can serve as the primary communication device on
smaller boats as well as a back-up for a fixed mount transceiver. The use of
large scale integrated circuits and microprocessors makes it possible for
even the smallest of these radios to provide virtually all of the
capabilities and features of conventional radios. The major differences
between the hand-helds and fixed mount radios are maximum transmitter power
output and the non availability of digital selective calling in the hand
held sets. Virtually all of these radios operate on all allowable transmit
and receive channels, including all NOAA weather channels.

As with all marine VHF transceivers, hand-helds must provide a 1 watt
transmit power selection in addition to whatever higher power may be
available (usually 3-6 watts). The general considerations that govern the
choice of a fixed mount VHF set apply to a hand-held radio. The receiver is
the most costly part of the radio and its ability to separate the signal you
need to hear from interfering signals may determine the radio's worth.
Transmit power is a secondary consideration. Remember, communication on the
marine VHF band is essentially line of sight. Unless the radio is connected
to a fixed antenna, mounted at some height above the water, the one watt low
power setting will usually be all you need for clear communication. Further,
unless the radio is connected to an external power source it will be drawing
energy from its internal battery. Battery life is greatly extended by using
the low power setting.

Connecting a hand-held radio to the boat's fix mount antenna can be very
worthwhile. The fixed mount antenna is a more efficient means for radiating
transmitter power than the necessarily small antenna on the radio. The added
height of the fixed mount antenna will increase the "radio horizon", the
distance over which you will be able to establish reliable communication.
The antenna on many hand-helds plug into an RF connector on the top of the
set. With the antenna removed a coaxial cable connected to a fixed mount
antenna can be plugged into the radio. If you elect to use this option be
sure to secure the normal antenna to the radio so that it will be
immediately available when it is necessary to use the set without the fixed
antenna.

As noted, all VHF radios are vital safety devices. Carrying a hand-held in
addition to a fixed mount set provides a valuable degree of additional
security. The hand-held may be a critical device in an emergency. Buying a
high quality model that is waterproof (submersible) can provide a possibly
critical degree of assurance that it will work when needed. Buying a radio
capable of using standard alkaline cells as an option to the normal
rechargeable Ni-Cads or other rechargeable battery can be a very desirable
choice. It is difficult to ascertain the state of charge of a Ni-Cad which
may become depleted just when it is needed most. Alkaline cells can be
stored on board for at least a year with little or no loss of stored energy.
Choosing a fully waterproof set capable of operating from alkaline cells is
an obvious choice for a radio to be included in an abandon ship bag or in a
liferaft. (Any battery or battery operated device included in a life raft
container must be carefully packaged to ensure that the raft is protected
from damage in the event a cell leaks its caustic active material.)

Submitted by

G.E. Russ,
FSO/CM
 

Communications Services
Henry Reynolds, FSO-CS

 

Last night while retrieving my email, I came across a message from an Ebay member threatened to report me to everybody in the world if I didn't send him his laptop computer. Of course there was a hotlink to respond to the originator.

I was fortunate to be able to recognize that the email was a fake. With a little effort I traced the origin of the message back to a website in Hong Kong. I even uncovered the originator's email address. I was tempted to return their message back to them. Fortunately I didn't. What I should have done was to report the website to their ISP.

The following article by Jerry Turley will provide you with some basic information on
"Phishing or Spoofing". Hopefully this will enable you to identify these fake email messages so that you will not be tempted to answer them.

 

Phishing or Spoofing
Submitted by Jerry Turley, BC-IWA
BITS & BYTES Issue 2007-02

What is Phishing or Spoofing? -- "Phishing" or "Spoofing" emails are made to look like they are sent from reputable companies but are actually sent by cyber-criminals. These types of emails are sent to trick consumers into divulging sensitive information so that unlawful charges can be made on the consumers' accounts. Responding to "phishing" or "spoofing" emails will put your accounts and personal information
at risk; they will link you to an imitation copy of a legitimate web page to trick you into providing sensitive personal information including passwords.

Identifying a Phish or Spoof Email -- Phishing emails will usually urge you to "update" or "validate" your account information and will often threaten some dire consequence for not responding to them. Be on the lookout for poor grammar or typographical errors. Many phishing emails are translated from other languages or are sent without being proofread, and as a result may contain bad grammar or typographical errors.
 
What do I do if I get a Phishing Email? --If you get an email that asks for sensitive information, do not reply or click on the link in the message. When possible, you should avoid clicking links in the email. Instead of clicking the link, type the URL into the address area of your Internet browser. At no time should you cut and paste the link included in the message. The phishing websites are cleverly constructed at
times and will actually have a URL that begins with https like a secure server site does. The one tip off on not being a secure server site is there will not be the padlock indicator on the lower toolbar of your monitor.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about these identity theft scams. They suggest the following:

If you get an email that warns you, with little or no notice, that an account of yours will be shut down unless you reconfirm your billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the email. Instead contact the company cited in the email using a telephone number or Web site address you know to be
genuine. Avoid emailing personal and financial information; always keep your password secure. Never share your password with anyone; always review your credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether there are any unauthorized charges. If your credit card or bank statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.

Submitted by
Henry Reynolds
FSO-CS

 

Information Services
 Harry Bruno, FSO-IS

 

For your information, a new Director of Auxiliary website is up.  It can be reached at d7diraux.org.   Also, please note the Coast Guard, including Auxiliarists, is subject to certain restrictions regarding political activities.  The restrictions can be read on the Director of Auxiliary website using http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg3/cg2pcx/publications/alcoast/alcoast-020-08.asp  

Our flotilla recently held a 1 hour TCT workshop which is required for all in Operations before the end of the year.  An Instructor Workshop was also held.  Instructors must complete this workshop before June 30th, 2008 to remain current. 

 

Harry Bruno

FSO-IS

 

Materials
Ruth Bruno, FSO-MA

Reminder:  The 7th District store will be moving to Clearwater from Port Charlotte in the near future.  If you need to order be sure you do so quickly as the store will be closed for two weeks during the period of moving.  We have received this reminder but no definite date is advertised as yet. 

An article written by Terry Barth, DSO-MA gives a clear explanation of the reason we have difficulties, at times, in receiving supplies we order from ANSC (Auxiliary National Supply Center).  Randy Ernst, Manager and his staff are as frustrated as we are when they can't fulfill an order and must indicate "NIS" (not in stock).  In the article, Terry explains that ANSC is a warehouse that stores our Materials.  Outside printers and publishers supply the items.  The funds to order the items comes from various areas and each fund is targeted for specific items.  Funds cannot be transferred from one account to replenish another.  ANSC cannot just re-order when something is out of stock.  They must go to the Department in charge of that item:  ie: America's Waterway Watch Dept; Marine Environment/Pollution Dept; Boating Safety Dept.  These departments must approve the re-order and then it goes to Coast Guard Headquarters for approval.  This can be very time consuming.  When the funds are available, hopefully the item would become available within 30 days.  However, those 30 days can become 60-90 or longer with other delays from outside companies added.  Randy Ernst and his staff are doing an excellent job working within these constraints!

(information drawn from an email by Terry Barth, DSO-MA)

Ruth Bruno,
FSO-PE

 

 

Marine Safety
Henry S Reynolds, FSO-MS

 

 

 Remember!

   

To Report Suspicious Activity: Call the National Response Center at 877-24WATCH If There Is Immediate Danger to Life or Property, Call 9-1-1 or Call the Coast Guard on Marine Channel 16

Henry S Reynolds,
FSO-MS

 

Member Training
John Harrison Jr, FSO-MT

Starting in March we will publish a training schedule for the following two months so members will be able to plan to attend those sessions that they need the most. This schedule is in the process of being reviewed and will be put out shortly. Although we will try to follow the monthly design, it may be necessary to update or modify the schedule due to availability of instructors, boats, or the special need for specific content.

J.D.Harrison,
FSO-MT

 

Operations
Jim Sleichert, FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

The Marriage of Public Education and Public Affairs 

The success of our public education efforts depends to a large extent on the effectiveness of our public affairs efforts.  That’s where I come in along with the other members who help me.  It’s up to us to make community members aware of the courses we offer and when each begins.  I accomplish this by sending the yearly schedule to District, Division, and our Flotilla’s web sites, by providing schedules to members such as vessel examiners, program visitors, and others who come in contact with the boating public, and by posting flyers in stores, libraries, etc. 

Now that we have new signs on Harbor Drive we can advertise our classes twenty-four hours a day.  For a time, the lights on the signs were out, but recently Garland Russ fixed the problem and everyone going to or from Sharkys can see what we are offering. 

I also send press releases to the Venice Gondolier and four Herald Tribune newspapers.  Sometimes our coverage is excellent and at other times not very good.  Lately, we have been receiving a lot of support from the newspapers and our increased class sizes reflect it.  I should also mention the word-of-mouth publicity we receive from satisfied customers who have taken our courses and tell their friends.  Many people hear of us from friends.

Everyone in our flotilla can help to promote our public education program by telling friends and neighbors about of educational efforts and the opportunities available to them through the Auxiliary. 

 Keep in mind the following:

            Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival……………..April 11, 12, 13

            Passport To Water Safety…………………..May 3

I’ll need plenty of assistants for the Shark’s Tooth Festival, especially to attend the training on April 11 for the BAT-PAK, and folks to man the booth on Saturday and Sunday.

Al Bidwick,
FSO-PA        

Public Educationon
Ruth Bruno, FSO-PE

Our public education class has been extremely active with 31 enrollees.  The class has been supported by many of our members joining in as instructors and aides.  This demonstrates the friendly solidarity of our flotilla and encourages the students to consider becoming members of our auxiliary.  Thank you to all.  We have already registered a few students for the GPS class--registration isn't officially scheduled until March 20th, so it appears we will have a good response for this class.  We have an upcoming ABC class with registration April 14th.  We are experiencing a busy season with more to come!

Ruth Bruno
FSO-PE

 

Recreation Boating Safety
John Kandes, FSO-RBS

 

RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY PROGRAM VISITOR

There were two visits so far this month to drop off information and class schedules,  but many more are planned for the rest of March.

Plans are being made to qualify Garland Russ as an RBS.

John Kandes,
FSO-PV

 

Vessel Examiner
Denis Keyes, FSO-VE
 

 
As you know, I have been out of the area for a while and appreciate the assistance of Henry Reynolds, Judi Bidwick, Jim Sleichert, and Patrick Wheeler in my absence.  I hope to spend more time in Venice in the near future.

We will be at the Venice Yacht Club on Saturday, March 15 to do examinations and a time will be set at South Bay in the near future to do their vessel checks.

 Denis Keyes,
FSO-VE