America's Volunteer
Lifesavers
Flotilla 86 Venice, FL
www.cgauxvenice.org
7th District
James P. Sleichert, Commander Edward J. Stebner, Vice-Commander
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James P. Sleichert, Commander Edward J. Stebner, Vice-Commander |
| June, 2010 Judi Bidwick, Editor Judi Bidwick, Photographer |
| Flotilla Commander's Message
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James Sleichert |
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June, 2010 |
Vice
Commander
FROM THE VICE FLOTILLA COMMANDER DESK:
I would like to thank all the members who helped with the preparation of the Always Ready Event and then participated May 15 which turned out to be a long, hot-day. I would especially like to thank Roman Gzyl for the use of his vehicle on Friday to pick-up tables, the tent and other items as well as his boat to take to Sarasota on Saturday for the Always Ready Event and return them back to Venice.
On May 6 Partnership & Waterfront II participated in a hurricane-awareness documentary reported by John Scalzi of ABC channel 7 and narrated by Lou Magyar on what to do with your vessel if moored in the water or stored on a trailer. Again great work and thanks to the members that participated. Last I heard the taping is to air on June 1st.
Member Training is going well; we finished Aux-Seamanship on May 10, the day of the exam. Not only did Flotilla 86 members attend but other Division 8 flotillas attended. May 17, Lou Magyar and I started the Aux-Patrol class; the members attending are about the same s the previous class. On May 24 Judi Bidwick , J.D. Harrison and Guenther Hennig taught chapters 3, 4 and 5 to finish the course; the exam will follow in June. Many thanks to the instructors and staff for their time and knowledge.
May 22 we started National Safe Boating Week with a strong presence on Saturday at the Venice Train Station Boat Ramp and Nokomis Boat Ramp. The vessel examiners helped to educate and promote boat-safety to many boaters. Thanks to Patrick Wheeler and his crew at the Venice Ramp on Saturday and to Roman Gzyl and crew on Saturday & Sunday at the Nokomis Ramp. I have to say it was one of the best efforts and the most inspections I have seen at the Nokomis Boat Ramp. Remember Boat Safety is not just a one-week event; we should all put out extra effort during year. The key words we should abide by are “educate and promote boating safety at all times.”
With June approaching and many of our members gone for the Summer, we will be winding down our training for July & August, but remember, we still need to do safety patrols. Please help Bud Beeman for patrols and Mike Marmion with radio watches.
Thanks to Flotilla 86 Staff Officers for your time & effort and willingness to go the extra mile when the need arises; kudos to all.
Ed
Stebner
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June, 2010 |
Communications
First, Mike and I wish those who are returning to their summer home a safe journey; we look forward to seeing you again in the fall. Several courses will be available to you online this summer, such as AUXCOM (Auxiliary Communications) and TCO (Telecommunications Operator); I encourage all members interested in communications to complete the training for the TCO specialty. I will send a notice out as soon as these courses are ready. Finally, we thank everyone who supported the radio watch program during this season. We should have the Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UVA) ready to go for the fall – more to come! Juan Hernandez FSO-CM Mike Marmion AFSO-CM
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June, 2010 |
Communications Services
I attended the Coastal Advisory meeting last week in support of the Flotilla's FY 2011 WCIND Grant application. Despite severe financial shortfalls, the committee will recommend that the Auxiliary's requests be approved as submitted. This recommendation will be forwarded to the County Commissioners and a vote will take place in late June. Denis
Keyes |
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June, 2010 |
Materials
I would like to introduce myself as your new materials officer. I have been involved with the Venice Flotilla since October of 2009 and was asked by our Flotilla Commander to assume these duties from Ron Roth. Ron has been very helpful in making this transition. An inventory will be emailed shortly to the members. There will also be a hard copy available at the Flotilla. We have also obtained a lockable cabinet on Flotilla property for materials storage. Members can contact me by phone at 941-266-0002 or email at iwre58@verizon.net
Richard Markwitz
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June, 2010 |
Marine Safety
My report for May 2010 will focus on the tragedy that happened on the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion on April 20, 2010 left eleven workers dead and sank the Deepwater Horizon Rig. The USCG Commandant Admiral Thad Allen talked to the reporters and USCG Station in Miami Beach. The Coast Guard is scrambling to prevent a giant slick from the oil rig blowout from reaching the U.S Gulf of Mexico shorelines in the surrounding states. Louisiana and Mississippi shores have had some oil wash up on their shores. All available agencies are trying to help to save all wildlife from the oil spill. Visiting marinas in our area of responsibility I have discovered that every person from boat owners to employees are ready to volunteer their time and effort anytime when needed. I also dedicate my time and effort to sailing on the Gulf of Mexico from Manasota Beach to south Sarasota Midnight Pass to search for any signs of oil slick and I can report successfully that as of now there is no sign of oil spill in our area.
Roman E.Gzyl |
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June, 2010 |
Member Training
We finished an AUXSEA course with 14 taking their test on 10 May and one will be taking a test on 27 May. Currently there are 14 enrolled in the AUXPAT course that started 17 May and the test will be given on 7 June. Operational Training continues on Thursday until the end of June. Formal operational Training will take a break for the months of July and August. Members are still able to train on weekend patrols. Operational Training will start at 0900 with coffee and donuts at 0830 and will be either at FL86 Training Center (TC) or at Marine Max (MM). Operational Training for the rest of May and the month of June is as follows: 20 May 2010 TC
27 May 2010 (boats)
MM
3 June 2010 (boats)
MM
10 June 2010 TC
17 June 2010 (boats)
MM
24 June 2010 TC
Louis
Magyar
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June 2010 |
Navigation Systems
Tuesday, May 25, our flotilla will conduct a light timing patrol of our area of responsibility. (Blackburn Point Bridge to the South Manasota Key Bridge) Reporting does work. It may take months but it eventually does work. The speed sign which was placed in the Robert’s Bay Channel between Daybeacon 17 and Daybeacon 15, page 450 of the light list, has been moved out of the channel. The down side to this correction is the water depth on the west side of the channel is very shallow.
John Harrison
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June, 2010 |
Operations
GENERAL COXSWAIN/BOAT OWNER INFORMATION The boat owner is paid for meals during the hours from 0400—0800, from 1000—1400, and from 1600—2000. If a boat is on patrol during those hours, it is expected that the owner/coxswain will provide a meal to the crew or pay the crew member for the specific meal(s) cost at the particular time they are on patrol. (See amounts below) Water and snacks should be available on your boat when you have patrols or training. Since most coxswains/boat owners claim ice on the 5132, ice should be available on your boat. When a coxswain uses the boat for member training, it is expected that the donuts or similar food is provided by the coxswain as his first meal. This is usually brought to the training area—either the Training Center or Marine Max. Patrols are to be performed four to six hours prior to sunset; both St. Petersburg and Station Cortez have requested that we stay on call until at least 30 minutes prior to dark. The coxswain decides the uniform of the day; all uniforms aboard should be the same. A log should be kept for all transmissions, start/stops, interventions, areas of patrol. The 5132 and 7030 should be filled out by the coxswain as soon as possible after the patrol. This should be mailed to:
COMMANDER (AUXLO)
MEAL MEAL RATE
Regarding regulations on Inflatable vests
· * LSC 485CG INFLATABLE · * LSC 481CG/481CGM INFLATABLE · * MUSTANG MD3183 INFLATABLE · * MUSTANG MD0450 22 INFLATABLE
In addition to inflatables, Mustang Survival, Inc. has independently
certified their MJ6214 (Type III Float Coat) to the 50 MPH Dynamic
Strength Tested standard. For any facility (including PWCs) that are
capable of exceeding 50 MPH, it is recommended that an appropriate speed
dynamic strength tested vests be used. PEPIRBS, BATTERIES, ETC. All requests will be made through the Auxiliary Gateway available on the Director’s site ((http://d7diraux.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=d7diraux/d7gw.htm) and be made by the individual requiring the battery, decal, etc. The requester’s Member # and Zip Code are required. Requests for replacement PEPIRB batteries should be made under Customer Service; Category: EPIRB. State the expiration date in your message. If you are a ‘new’ Coxswain and have not received a PEPIRB within 60 days of certification, request your initial PEPIRB the same way – under Customer Service; Category: EPIRB.. State in the comments that you have never received a PEPIRB and list your Coxswain certification date. (mo/yr) If a battery or initial PEPIRB is not received within 30 days after your initial online request, ANOTHER REQUEST SHOULD BE SUBMITTED. OPFAC Decals/Wreaths
Each Acceptance of an initial Vessel Offer for Use should be
returned with an Operational Shield and Wreath.
Bud Beeman
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June, 2010 |
Public
Affairss
Three major Division events occurred this month. In each case, our flotilla was well represented. On April 30, The Coast Guard Auxiliary joined the Civil Air Patrol, Manatee and Sarasota County Police, Fire, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), etc. in support of a visit by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) P-3 Orion Hurricane Hunter airplane at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Auxiliary personnel set up an information booth and greeted upper elementary school children from Manatee and Sarasota Public Schools who toured the airplane and the various displays/demonstrations by participating agencies. Community members toured the plane and exhibits following children's visits. Approximately 1500 children and 100 adults visited our booth. Roman Gzyl and Judi Bidwick joined me and six other flotilla members in helping to make this a successful event. Bob Harrigan and John Scalzi, weathermen from Channel 7, visited our booth and chatted. John expressed an interest in doing a television segment on securing a boat during a hurricane. To make a long story short, Lou Magyar was selected by the Division Captain to do the interview. Click on http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100420_hat.html for more information about the aircraft and its mission. Coxswain Jim Sleichert with Ron Roth, Judi and Al Bidwick aboard PartnerShip arrived at Flotilla 84’s boat dock in Sarasota around 1100 on April 13. Shortly thereafter, Roman Gzyl, who towed his boat, arrived with Waterfront II. He was assisted by Ed Stebner and Richard Markwitz. Prior to the arrival of John Scalzi and his camera person, Lou Magyar instructed members on the proper procedure for securing vessels during a hurricane. The crew members of each boat followed Lou’s orders and secured the boats prior to John’s arrival. When John arrived, Lou met with him and explained the precautionary steps we took to secure the boats. John praised us for our voluntary efforts and indicated that he would air the program on June 1, the first day of hurricane season. Members from each flotilla within the Division worked together to produce a major public affairs activity that was held on May 15 at Sarasota Bay and Centennial Park adjacent to Flotilla 84 in Sarasota. The event, entitled “Always Ready,” brought together representatives from various agencies to present information about the services they provide to the community. Approximately 4000 people attended the event which was highlighted by a rescue demonstration by the United States Coast Guard crew of a HH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter and a towing evolution by a USCG Safe Boat. Agencies participating included Fire and Police, Mote Marine, Red Cross, Florida Wildlife Conservation, Transportation Safety Administration, and the Ocean Conservancy. Our flotilla was well represented by Commander Jim Sleichert, Henry Reynolds, Charlie Dulany, Juan Hernandez, Charlie Weede, Judi Bidwick and me. Roman Gzyl towed his boat which was on display throughout the day. John Harrison with Bob High and Mike Marmion aboard patrolled the waters around Sarasota Bay to keep private boats outside the Coast Guard rescue demonstration area. Most of our members arrived around 0800 and remained until 1600. It was a long day and all members who generously gave their time and talents deserve a lot of credit.
Al Bidwick
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June, 2010 |
Publications
Members, set your clocks for Tuesday, June 1, 2010. I think all of us know by now that this is the start of hurricane season in addition to being the date of our next flotilla meeting. However, John Scalzi from Channel 7 weather, met with Lou Magyar, members from Flotilla 84, and those of us whose boats were used to demonstrate the proper way to anchor a boat both in the water and on dry land when an hurricane is imminent. The rule of thumb is to pull your boat out of the water and harbor it in a safe environment but if you are not able to do that, you must properly anchor the boat in the water as well as tying it down securely. This was demonstrated to John using Partner-Ship with Jim Sleichert, Judi and Al Bidwick, and Ron Roth aboard. If your boat is trailered and must stay outside on land, it must be secured to the trailer and the trailer to the ground. Waterfront II with Roman Gzyl and Ed Stebner demonstrated the proper way to do this. This spot on Channel 7 is a good way to make the community aware of not only the beginning of hurricane season and the proper way to secure boats in a storm, but it also highlights the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, where we are located, and what we do. Please watch the news and weather on June 1!
Judi Bidwick
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May, 201010 |
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Public
Education
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May, 2010 |
Personnel Services
We have one member, Robert (Rob) Webber, who has completed his security package and has received his number. Rob is eligible to go on patrols and train with us. One additional member, Barry Atkinson, is going into the system at this point. He has completed all of his security information and test but is awaiting his number. Thanks to all who assisted in making these two new candidates go through the process quickly.
John Kandes
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June 2010 |
VESSEL EXAMINER
During my inspection of a vessel that had previously passed a VSC last year by persons unknown, I disappointed the owner and his wife by pointing out that their Florida registration numbers did not have the required space between the letters and the numbers. The wife informed me that they had been stopped and boarded many times and no one had pointed out the discrepancy before; she also told me that ”You take your job too seriously,”which I had not heard before. Needless to say I provided them with a Florida Boaters Guide handbook, referred them to page 16 which explains facts about titling and registration. We parted company and fifteen minutes later I was called over to the dock for a conversation with Phil Philips the Venice Police Marine/Parks Patrol Officer. Mr. Phil Philips informed me that he is now stopping vessels in the Venice Police area of responsibility (AOR) and issuing a warning to vessel operators that do not comply with the law regarding their registration numbers and giving them a month’s grace period to correct the discrepancy. Needless to say I was delighted to hear this news! He further informed me that I had been complaining long enough to many people and that something is now being done to rectify the situation, he also informed me that he is getting an average of three boats each time he is on patrol. Hooray! As if that was not enough, he showed me a publication the Venice Police are handing out explaining these specific legal requirements. Along with that he provided me with the latest hand-out from the Office of Barbara Ford-Coates, Sarasota County Tax Collector. They are handing out specific information regarding registration and it contains a suggestion I made to their office three years ago and again in February this year (2010) to include the following: BOAT SMART – BOAT SAFE : Prevent citations, get a free vessel safety check by the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron www.SafetySeal.net. I am delighted that this advice is now in print. This means that examiners on the list now have to be ready to respond immediately to a request from SafetySeal.net. Note also that the Venice Police hand-out contains a similar message to have a free safety check by the Venice Police Marine/Parks Patrol. My current total for VSC,s for this current year is 109 I do admire the offer made by our current Flotilla Commander to provide lunch for examiners that achieve 50 inspections. (I wonder does my 109 total also provide a meal for my supportive wife) To sum up, I feel very satisfied that this is all positive news; hopefully it will contribute to safe boating in our area. LATE BREAKING NEWS FROM THE NSBW BLITZ ON SATURDAY, 22 MAY 2010 Our National Safe Boating Week blitz at the Venice Train Station Ramp and the Nokomis Ramp were very successful. Al Bidwick set up a Public Affairs tent and display at the train station and the four vessel examiners (VEs), Judi Bidwick, Richard Markwitz, Jim Sleichert, and Patrick Wheeler performed the safety checks on personal water craft (PWC)and boats. Phil Phillips, Venice Marine Police joined us at the Venice Ramp to encourage boaters to get their boat safety checks. Marine Police from Sarasota County, Venice, and Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) were out in full force today on the water. FWC will be on the Intra-Coastal Waterway (ICW) over the Memorial Day Weekend looking for speeders and other boating violators from Tampa Bay to Lemon Bay. Roman Gzyl, Ed Stebner, and Charles Weede were stationed at the Nokomis Ramp where they also set up a public affairs tent and performed safety checks on both Saturday and Sunday. This weekend, many of the boaters and PWC operators failed to pass their safety inspections. They were given cards from our VEs to call for a return safety check so they could earn their safety sticker. Thanks to all the Vessel Examiners who helped to make this first day of NSBW a real success. The first column shows the VEs preformed today; the second are those in AUXDATA previously J. Bidwick 8 (3 passed) 37 R. Gzyl 12 (10 passed) 23 J. Hernandez 0 9 W. Jennings 0 16 R. Markwitz 7 (3 passed) 12 J. Sleichert 2 (1 passed) 4 E. Stebner 9 (5 passed) 7 R. Stutzman 0 7 C. Weede 3 (2 passed) 9 P. Wheeler 10 (1 passed) 98 51 222 showing a total to date of 273
Patrick Wheeler
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June, 2010 |
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Meeting
Minutes
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JUNE, 2010 |
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Monthly Calendar
MONTHLY CALENDAR--JUNE, 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Aux Patrol—Training Center, 0930 May 17 Member Training, TC, 0830 May 20 Keep Sarasota Beautiful Awards Dinner May 20 Division 8 Picnic, Sta Cortez, 1100 May 21 National Safe Boating Week, Vessel Check Blitz, 0830 May 22 Aux Patrol, TC, 0930 May 24 Member Training, Marine Max, 0830 May 27 Imagine School, PA/PE Program May 28 Flotilla 86 NSBW Exhibit, West Marine May 29 Aux Patrol Exam, TC, 0930 May 31 Flotilla Meeting, TC, 1900 June 1 Member Training, MM, 0830 June 3 Flotilla Leadership Training, Division 9, Ft. Myers, 1300 June 5 Aux Patrol Exam, TC, 0930 June 7 Member Training, TC, 0830 June 10 Fl Leadership Course Followup* June 12 Member Training, MM, 0830 June 17 Fl Leadership Course Followup* June 19 Anti-Terrorist Course, FL84, 1000 June 19 Member Training, TC, 0830 June 24 *These are a follow-up to the Flotilla Leadership Training, Div 9 Members, please consult the Flotilla 86 calendar online for changes/updates
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June, 2010 |
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General Information
Facility Offer for Use. These online Gateway requests are directed to the SK (Store Keeper) at DIRAUX and you will receive an immediate auto-confirmation of your request. Many of us are preparing for a summer patrol season. What can we do to be sure we are ready for warm and hot weather operations? Heat exhaustion and the more serious (and potentially deadly) heat stroke can be a real threat to our health and performance on the water. Danger is not limited to temperatures of 95 degrees and high humidity; any time we are exposed to prolonged periods of sun and wind, we risk dehydration and the undetected danger of heat exhaustion. And so how can we minimize this danger? First, we can prepare hours before we arrive at the marina by hydrating ourselves at least 2 to 3 hours PRIOR to getting underway. Avoid drinks like coffee & caffeine based soda Drink water or fruit juices at home before you leave for patrol duty. Then, every hour or so, drink a full cup of water or juice while on patrol. Your body needs time to hydrate, so we don’t want to wait until we begin the process…if you feel thirsty, you are already behind the “eight ball”. Second, stay out of direct sun and wind when possible. Facilities should be equipped with a cover, bimini top or other shelter. Rotate your watch to insure that all crew members get relief from the sun, whether they feel it is necessary or not. Make certain your ODU or Working Blue uniform is not too tight, to allow for air circulation and good perspiration. Yes…perspiration is a key cooling component; we need to perspire to remove heat from our body. Be sure to wear the proper head gear and sun glasses, and be aware that the sun will reflect off the water and intensify the effects of the temperature on our body while underway. Third, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 orhigher. One application is not enough; re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours to offset the effects of perspiration and wind that will tend to remove your protection from the skin. A good lip balm is also a good way to maintain your comfort level during patrols in the heat and wind. When packing snacks and lunches, it is also a good idea to include salty pretzels or other salt sources that will aid the body in retaining moisture and provide fuel to maintain good energy levels. Remember that heat related medical problems can be magnified in people with heart, lung, kidney disease, or diabetes, or in persons who are older or obese. The responsibility for crewmember safety rests with each individual on board, not just the Coxswain. Take the time to prepare yourself for that summer patrol, and be alert for signs of heat related distress by your fellow shipmates. Have a great and safe Summer! Reprinted in part from UP TOP in OPERATIONS, Sept, 2009, "Warm Weather Patrols Hidden Dangers" http://www.cgaux.org/response/_documents/uptopinoperations/2009/UpTop%20September%202009.pdf Although this information came out earlier, these are reminders since some are acquiring new ODUs.
AUXILIARY SEW-ON QUALIFICATION INSIGNIA -45/09
WEARING USCG AUXILIARY INSIGNIA OR EQUIPMENT WITH CIVILIAN CLOTHING Section 10.A.12. of the Auxiliary Manual (Commandant InstructionM16790.1 series) states, "Auxiliarists may not wear any distinctive part of the uniform or official Auxiliary insignia with civilian clothing." Coast Guard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is authorized for Auxiliary use while assigned to duty and that has Auxiliary markings (e.g. - "U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary" displayed on the back of a Coast Guard Type III life jacket) falls within the scope of, "...any distinctive part of the uniform..." Auxiliary-marked PPE, including life jackets and float coats, are therefore only authorized for wear by Auxiliarists when in uniform and assigned to duty. The Auxiliary Uniform Procurement Guide has also been changed to reflect this policy. Since your cover (hat) is an official part of your uniform, this may not be worn with civilian clothing unless the hat is of an unofficial nature—a generic type that can be purchased in non-military stores.
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