The following is the latest on Telecommunications Operation and becoming a watchstander:

District 7 Directive MT 05 has been cancelled and we will follow the TCO PQS to become a radio operator.  There will no longer be the requirement to stand additional hours of radio watch in order to be a radio operator.  The PQS is thorough in that in order to become certified, the member must demonstrate proficiency in responding to calls and operating the radios.  Gaining this proficiency would only be possible if the member actually operated a radio and responded to calls.  Members wishing to become radio watchstanders at Coast Guard stations would have to follow the direction of the station.

Mike and I want to thank all members for their support and wish you all a blessed and joyful holiday season.

Juan Hernandez, FSO-CM
Mike Marmion, AFSO-CM

We'll be sending out a draft copy of the 2011 Flotilla Roster during December. It will have been verified by AUXDATA  so when you check it for accuracy, there may be a need to update your personal; information.

Robert Webber is working hard on the new Flotilla Website. For a preview check http://www.webx.co/aux/.

Denis Keyes
FSO-CS

Welcome back to our northern members.  We’ve had a busy summer with renovations to the training center.  There is a new materials order form on our website.  Please use this form when requesting materials.  There are currently in stock numerous brochures for public education. 

Please note the following end-of-year report:

Personal Items Ordered

5 name tapes
2 CGAUX tapes
2 Coxswain tapes
2 plastic nameplates
2 sets of member epaulets
1 ribbon mount

Brochures for Public Education

1 AWW 80” X 30” banner
3120 miscellaneous brochures
800 Florida Boaters Guides

Postage

$243 in stamps
100 manila envelopes
50 postcards
250 4” X 9” white envelopes

Member Training Items

2 boat crew guides
10 new member guides
10 enrollment guides
1 uniform procurement guide
200 vessel inspection decals
20 Telecomm personal guides
1 fingerprint kit with cards

Moneys Collected From Used Clothing and Miscellaneous Items

$190.25

Richard Markwitz
FSO-MA

The months of October and November did not produce much in the way of ATON reporting.  I am hopeful that with our new verifiers activity will pick up in the coming year.

I have included the correct process and addresses for reporting the 7054 form when a problem is observed.  Remember, any serious navigation problem requires your immediate call to Station Cortez.

There is a new address for the ATON Team Sector St. Pete.  The new Operations Petty Officer (PO) is BM2 Smith  (Eric.S.Smith@uscg.mil) and he will be assisted by BM3 Hutchinson (Daniel.J.Hutchinson@uscg.mil).  Please begin sending the verifications and discrepancies to the two listed above. 

You also need to send a copy to the ADSO at the address listed below.

Ed Stebner
FSO-NS

Distribution of CG7054 for Verifications and Discrepancies

This memo is to clarify the routing of the paperwork required for all the Aids To Navigation reports we will be responsible for as Navigation Systems Officers and members.

All Form 7030's are to be sent to your respective FSO-IS officer.
 
All Form ANSC 7054 (1-07) Discrepancy reports as follows:
 
      1) Send one copy to:   Commander 7th USCG District
                                          Sector St. Petersburg, ATON Team
                                          600 Eighth Avenue S.E.
                                          St. Petersburg, FL.33701-5099
                      or e-mail to; BM2 Smith (Eric S.Smith@uscg.mil) or his assistant

                                          BM3 Hutchinson (Daniel.J.Hutchinson@uscg.mil )
 
      2) Send two copies to : PAUL L. SMITH: ADSO W 7

                                           4437 Garnet Drive

                              Newport Richey , Fl. 34652                                                                                                                     Or e-mail to:  niteowl666@msn.com                               
                           
      3) Retain one copy for the Flotilla records, which should be filed for five (5) years.
 
      4) Retain one copy for your records

NOTE:   We only report  discrepancies on federal  ATONS unless requested by US Coast guard to do verifications.
 
Follow this procedure for all Aids To Navigation, both federal and private,  In addition, you will follow this same procedure for BRIDGE reporting, but REMEMBER to check the appropriate box in the upper right hand section of the form.
 
NOS Chart Updating Form NOAA "77-5", reports will be sent to:
                                    Mike Kanis, ADSO-NS “7”
                                    134 Starboard Lane, #704

                      Merritt Island, FL. 32953
         or e-mail to: mkanis@cfl.rr.com

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

 

Here we go again!  We’re off to participate in another parade. 

This coming Saturday we will “march” in the Venice Downtown Holiday Parade, just a few weeks after participating in the Sun Fiesta Parade.  Once again, Roman has volunteered his boat, and as of the date of this article, Judi Bidwick, Rich Markwitz, and Mike Marmion have volunteered as crew.  Harry and Ruth Bruno, who are always in the parade, will be there in spirit.  They have a family commitment on Saturday that conflicts with the parade.  Channel 6 and 19 usually show this parade repeatedly until Christmas.

Less than two weeks later, on December 4, Roman and crew will move his boat from its trailer to join the other boats in the Venice Christmas Boat Parade.  The first Christmas Parade was launched in 1989 and has continued annually since that time with the decorated boats becoming more spectacular every year.  Local sponsors enable the Boat Parade Committee to fund youth related boating activities as well as a scholarship fund to support interest in the marine sciences.  Although the parade can be viewed anywhere on the Venice Intracoastal Waterway along the parade, Mike Marmion has invited members to view the parade from a prime location at Bellagio. RSVP to him.

Did you know that the Nautical Trader has moved?  He has, and we are invited to participate in his Open House next month by setting up a safety and information booth.   The new location is 1030 U.S. Highway 41 South in Venice.  The flea market is on the bottom floor and boat sales are on the second floor.

Other than that event, December looks like a rather slow month for formal Public Affairs events.  However, keep in mind that individually and collectively all members are responsible for our flotilla’s public affairs efforts. 

Keep up the great work!

Al Bidwick,
FSO-PA

Did you ever wonder where you could get information about your office or a topic about which you could write an article?  As Publications Officer, I scan newsletters, magazines, and anything else I can find about boating safety, education, the Auxiliary, current public affairs and the like to include in the General Information section of our newsletter.

Please peruse any one of the following links and I’m sure you’ll find something you can write about.  Each link below represents a place you can go to get current information about any one of our cornerstones, our goals, and specific or general information about the objectives we set forth in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Some links show a specific interest in a particular office; others are more general in their information.

If nothing else, you will imbue yourself with knowledge you might not have had before!

Judi Bidwick
FSO-PB

http://www.teamcoastguard.org/
http://www.cgaux7.org/index7.htm?page=members
http://safetyseal.net/index3.asp
http://auxbdept.org/documents.php
http://auxbdept.org/newsletter.php
http://auxbdept.org/pdf/RBS_Flyer.pdf
http://www.uscgboating.org/
http://www.cgauxed.org/
http://pdept.cgaux.org/
http://auxpa.org/weblog/blogs/blog6.php
http://aww.aww-sp.com/
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html
http://www.auxpa.org/navigator/
http://nasbla.org/files/public/SCA/2010/SepOct10_50th.pdf
http://auxbdept.org/documents.php#stateliaison
http://bdept.cgaux.org/mailman/listinfo/rbs-news_bdept.cgaux.org
http://auxbdept.org/documents.php#partners

Public Education
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PE

 

The Public Education Program recently graduated 23 in the Boating Skills and Seamanship Course.  Three from the class are planning to join the Auxiliary.

The GPS course has 11 motivated members who are making good strides in the class.  We are fortunate to have flotilla members who have assisted each night.

Our next BSS course registers on January 6.

Judi Bidwick
FSO-PE

The year 2010 is nearing its end, the Change of Watch is a memory and the Vessel Safety Check activity has slowed down.

In preparation for 2011, I would like to propose that the Vessel Examiners raise the profile of Sport Utility Boats (SUBs); I occasionally come across a kayak and use the SUB prompt sheet for checking this type of vessel; however, last week when I visited a business that provides lessons and tours for kayaking, I was introduced to many features of this activity or sport that were safety related and were new to me.

Just to enhance my knowledge, I learned that there are PFD’s manufactured for paddle boaters that have a space under the arms allowing for movement of the arms and providing more ventilation to the body. They have useful pockets and the one I viewed had a whistle and a white light attached. I was shown reflective strips on the wide part of the kayak paddle and a set of signals to give with the paddle for communication. Also was a tow line that had a shock absorber built in for negotiating wave action and equipment for reboarding the vessel.

 It occurred to me that our examiners should be orientated to these items and I am working on making a “cheat sheet” for kayakers/paddle boaters.  This will contain the legal requirements along with suggested items to have onboard the boat.  I welcome your input on this idea and I invite you to email me your suggestions. 

For 2011 if you have suggestions on how to improve the VSC program, please send me your ideas ASAP.  Let’s be the best we can be!

Enjoy Thanksgiving!

VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS  (TO DATE, 11/2010)

BIDWICK, J               146+1  (OPFAC)
GZYL                            59+1
HERNANDEZ               9
JENNINGS                  23
MARKWITZ                 26
REYNOLDS                  5
SLEICHERT               11+3
STEBNER                  22
STUTZMAN                  7
WEEDE                      13
WHEELER                 189
Total to date  510

This represents a total of over 300 hours.

Patrick Wheeler
Acting FSO-VE

Mentors are standing by to assist members when you need advice or guidance to achieve your goals.  Just let me know and help will be there.

Note: If your current mentor is not active or is not providing you with the service you need please do not hesitate to ask for another mentor or at least a stand-in.

As always if anyone has suggestions on improving the mentor program let’s hear from you.

 
Patrick Wheeler
Mentor Coordinator.

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

                                        U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, November 2, 2010

 

Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 23 members, and visitors, Bob Herald and Bill Callahan present.    The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

 

Flotilla Commander’s report:

*Change of Watch, November 13^th.  There is still time to make a reservation.

 

*Doug Simpson has completed his service for Deepwater Horizon.  He accumulated over 1,000 mission hours in various categories.  The evaluation he received from the Coast Guard rated his performance as “exceeded expectations.”  Flotilla 86 is proud to have him as a member.

 

*John Meyer and Mike Marmion re-qualified as boat crew on November 8^th.

 

MINUTES:  A motion was made by Lou Magyar,  seconded by Harry Bruno, and all voted in favor of accepting the Minutes of  October 5,  2010 as they appear in the Fore and Aft. 

 

STAFF OFFICER REPORTS:  (Staff reports appear in the Fore and Aft):

FSO-CM:  Juan Hernandez stated that he and Henry Reynolds are still working on their airplane project.  Juan also said that the AUXCOM is now available on-line. 

FSO-FN:  Janet Heijens presented the Finance Report for the past two months.  A motion was made by Lou Magyar, seconded by Harry Bruno to accept the report subject to audit.  All voted in favor.  

FSO-MA:  Richard Markwitz stated he had a few sales and will update the inventory in a few days.

FSO-MS:  Roman Gzyl discussed Marine Safety and monofilament line.

FSO-MT:  Lou Magyar announced that the AUXWEA class is almost completed.  The test will be given tomorrow.  There will be no scheduled classes for the rest of this year.  Operational Training on Thursday will cover anchoring in the Gulf and practice with heaving lines.  There will be a DR exercise and boat trip to a restaurant in December.    Lou further discussed the rulings on moving a crab trap that is a hazard to navigation.   Lou also stated he will be sending a standardized Log sheet to members online.  Henry Reynolds reminded members to indicate the GAR number in the boat log as well as giving it to the watchstander to record in the radio log.

FSO-OP:  Jim Sleichert stated that patrols were progressing well.  He is hoping for additional boats for operational training in the New Year.

FSO-PA:  (written report by Al Bidwick):  Public Affairs completed a successful fall with three big events: Lowes, Home Depot and Sun Fiesta Parade.  Thank you to all who volunteered for these events.

We will participate in the 11/27 Venice Holiday Parade.  Please notify Al if you wish to participate.

FSO:PE:(written report by Judi Bidwick): BSS graduated 16 from the last class and 4 students completed the on-the-water course.  The present BSS class has 23 members.  The GPS course begins 11/9.

FSO:HR:  John Kandes reports that he is working with a few prospective members.

FSO:PV:  Jerry Mitchell reported that he and Patrick Wheeler visited various vendors and distributed materials.  The Nautical Trader has invited us to participate in their opening of a new location.  More information will follow.

  

SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBER:  Maura Klein

 

AWARDS:

Sustained Service Awards:    Denis Keyes, 10^th; Jim Sleichert, 10^th; Ed Stebner-10^th; Paul Corcoran-8^th; John Harrison-1^st;  Charles Weede-1^st.

 

Certificate as Instructor:  John Kandes                
AuxCom Course:  Roman, Gzyl; Richard Markwitz

 

Meritorious Commendation for Communications-(Rescue 21):  (presented by Henry Reynolds)

Paul Corcoran, Juan Hernandez, Robert High, Louis Magyar, Michael Marmion

 

Meritorious Team Commendation for Director’s Support Team (Venice Detachment)

Michael Lechky, Ronald Roth, Henry Reynolds, Charles Dulany, John Susek.

 

Commodore’s Certificate of Excellence-Multi-directorate Award:  Patrick Wheeler

 

An In-service Video was presented regarding the Monofilament Program

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2040.  Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on December 7, 2010.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Bruno, FSO-SR 

                     Monthly Calendar

                                           MONTHLY CALENDAR--December, 2010

DATES TO REMEMBER

GPS Course, Training Center, 1900……………………………… November 23, 30

Venice Downtown Christmas Parade, 1900……………………… November 27 

Member Training, Marine Max, 0830……………………………… December 2

Venice Christmas Boat Parade, ICW, 2000………………………  December 4

Flotilla Meeting, Training Center, 1900……………………………   December 7

Member Training, Training Center, 0830, DR Plotting……………  December 9

Member Training, Marine Max, DR Christmas Cruise……………   December 16

8-Hour TCT, Training Center, 0830…………………………………  December 18

Public Education, BSS Registration, Training Center, 1800………January 6

Division 8 Orientation for Officers, FL82, 0830……………………  January 8

Boating Skills and Seamanship Course, Training Center, 1830…   January 10

                     General Information