Next month we will have a telecommunications seminar on Thursday, April 15^th, at 9:00 AM at the Training Center.  The purpose of this session is twofold:

         Review radio watchstander procedures;

         Discuss new Digital Selective Calling Tracking and Navigation System (DSC-TNS) programs and   
         capabilities for vessel tracking.

We encourage everyone to join us for this practical and informative training session. 

We appreciate the support you are providing this year for our safety patrols and OWT sessions. The communications schedule is available on the Flotilla calendar.

                                                                    The Monthly TCO Brief

The Radio Log is an automated database program that will maintain radio logs for US Coast Guard Auxiliary Watch Standers. It was created by Paul Mayer, PDCP from Division 7 of the Seventh District. The program can be downloaded for free from http://cgwebs.net/radiolog/.

As you know, we have this program installed at our radio station and we encourage everyone to use it.  You can readily install the program at home and practice using it to become proficient. Following are the features associated with this useful program.

Features

• Stores information in an easy to use database program.
   

• You can enter default information for your logs such as the channel of communications and call sign of the facility you will be working with.
   

• One click operation to insert date, time, and the default information for a log entry.
   

• Easily go back through logs in database viewer.
   

• Can track the status of your trainee watch standers as well as keep a list of watch standers.
   

• Quickly print out logs for insertion into your station log book.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Juan C. Hernandez, PhD
Flotilla 86, IPFC & FS-CM 

March weather, besides making us feel chilly most of the time, dealt the CGAUX a few blows beyond simply discomfort. The Qualified Examiners were not able to go ahead with their schedule to qualify or re-qualify FL 86 members. Patrols had to carry along Mustang suits or were simply cancelled because of low air or
water temperatures. Gulf of Mexico conditions were not good for any boaters.

So congratulations to the hardy ones who did the patrols and the Member Training staff who came up with training when on-the-water training had to be cancelled.

Now, maybe it's more back to normal Florida spring time, longer days and warmer temperatures.  The long delayed QE tests will get back on the calendar.New QE restrictions on the number of qualifying and re-qualifying candidates on the boats make the process take longer as well.  April should be a good month.

Bud Beeman
FSO-OP

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

 

 

Don’t forget the Sharks Tooth Festival on April 10-11.    I’m looking for flotilla members to staff our information booth.  The Festival, which raises money to support Special Olympics, is our most important public affairs event of the year.  It draws huge crowds and provides us with an opportunity to meet people and make them aware of the contributions the Auxiliary makes to the community.    Let me know if you can help out this year.

Al Bidwick
FSO-PA

Public Education
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PE

 

 

Our Public Education Program has peaked with two Boating Skills and Seamanship-13 courses where we graduated thirty-four students.  The GPS course will finish during the first week of April with eleven in the class.

John Kandes and I are preparing to teach the new Paddlesports America course which has just become official.  Our area has many kayakers and canoeists who would benefit from this particular course. (see New Course)

In June, Al Bidwick and I will work with pre-school children to teach water safety and boating fun.

Judi Bidwick
FSO-PE

Personnel Services
John Kandes, FSO-PS

 

One potential member candidate was interviewed last week; however, he's going on vacation and will call on his return.  He's a retired U.S. Air Force veteran.

John Kandes
FSO-PS

The goal set at this year’s Vessel Examination Workshop was for every qualified examiner to achieve a minimum of 20 Vessel Safety Checks.

At last, the weather is allowing us to start doing vessel examinations; the first two months of 2010 were bare.  March brings us a new beginning with boating; the Gulf of Mexico temperature is now around 63 degrees and the weather forecast is going to be in the 70s now.  Perhaps the average boater will start thinking about dipping his boat into the water.

March 6th we had a VSC blitz at the Venice Yacht club.  We had 42 vessels to check and had them completed by 1330.  Roman Gzyl  completed four VSC's; Richard Markwitz and Charlie Weede completed seven VSC's; Juan Hernandez completed 3 VSC's; Patrick Wheeler completed nine VSC's and Judi Bidwick led the way with twelve VSC's plus 2 call backs and another the next day.

Well done, everyone, and thank you for your time and effort.  Special thanks to John Dexter our liaison for making it happen. This visit provided us the opportunity to introduce Flotilla 86 to our premier boating club and to show the uniform.  During the inspections we also did some safe boating education. Thank you Venice Yacht Club!

Ed Stebner will be organizing the vessel inspections at South Bay on March 26th and 27th.

Patrick Wheeler
Acting FSO-VE

The mentoring scene is quiet at this present time; no new requests for a mentor have been received this month.  However, if you know of someone that requires a mentor, please ask and I will find experienced help.

I have been working on developing a Boat Crew Trainee Study Outline.  This outline is intended to be a guide for the mentor and the trainee.  Information is taken from the Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, Volume 1: Crew Member. COMDTINST M16794.51A January 2007.

I invite the members to review this first draft and let me have any suggestions for improvement.

Thank you for your help.

Patrick Wheeler
Mentor Coordinator

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

                                    U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, March 8,  2010

Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 20 members and guest,

Cindy Desmond, present.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

 Flotilla Commander’s report:

*FC reported that he and the VFC will attend a Flotilla Commanders’ Academy on 3/6 in No.Ft. Myers. *We are hoping for a QE mission on 3/9 or 3/12 and a second QE mission on 3/25.

*Members are asked to respectfully curtail emails and calls to Bob and Barbara Chapman on their loss until they return to Venice.  Flotilla Secretary will send a sympathy card from our members.

*Workshop to be held at Fl 84, Sarasota on 3/15 at 1900 for 1 hr. TCT and Operations.  Anyone planning to attend please let our FC know.  We will hold a required 1hr. TCT and Operations workshop at our training center on April 8th at 9:00.  Anyone leaving for North should try to take these workshops now.

*A district-wide Search and Rescue competition will be held in early June 2010.  If anyone is interested please contact Jim Sleichert.

*We plan to pressure wash and paint the shed and will be asking for help in the near future.

* Roman Gzyl passed his crew qualification on the 27th of February at another division and flotilla.

*Patrick Wheeler will need help for vessel inspections on Saturday.  A thank you note was received from King’s Gate Park commending Patrick and Roman Gzyl on their work there with vessel exams.

MINUTES:   A motion was made by Denis Keyes, seconded by Judi Bidwick that we approve the Minutes of  February 2, 2010 as they appear in the Fore and Aft.   All voted in favor; motion carried.

Current Minutes appear in the Fore and Aft.

FINANCE:   FC Sleichert presented the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion was made by J.D. Harrison and seconded by Joe Floyd to accept the Treasurer’s Report subject to audit.  All voted in favor.

INSTALLATION OF NEW MEMBER:  Meyers Russell

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

FSO:AN:  John Harrison reported that 3 bridges and 35 ATONs were inspected and are watching properly.  More inspections will be done as the weather improves.

FSO:CM:    Judi Bidwick reported for Juan Hernandez that a TCO seminar will be held Wednesday, 4/7 at 0900 to review TCO, watchstander and DSC procedures.  Juan is presently working on creating a telecommunication and communication course to place online.

FSO:IS:  Harry Bruno said he still has not been given a date when the 7029 email form will be available.  Paper forms can be placed in his mailbox.

FSO:MS:   Roman Gzyl discussed his efforts during the month regarding a variety of problems.  He announced that the dredging is complete at the Jetty so not further contacts need to be made.  He also shared his qualification experiences with the members.

FSO:PA:  Al Bidwick said he, Judi and John Dexter met with the Venice Yacht Club to discuss how we could be of assistance to them.  VE exams will be done there this Saturday and we will offer assistance within our capabilities.  More instructors will be needed.  The “Always Ready” program is in the planning stage for May 15th,  in conjunction with Armed Forces Day.  Al discussed some of the details and stated that volunteers will be needed.  More information will follow.  Sharks’ Tooth Festival is scheduled for April 10 and 11. 

FSO:MT:   Judi Bidwick reported for Lou Magyar.  Training will be held on Thursday at Marine Max to ready members for crew and coxswain qualification and re-qualification.  On April 8 there will be an Operation Workshop, 1 hour TCT and review of Chapter 4 of the new SAR course.  Anyone who cannot make this date should try to attend a scheduled session at another flotilla before they leave Venice.  We have a QE mission on March 25.

FSO:PE:  Judi Bidwick announced the exam will be given to the present BS&S class on Thursday 3/11.  The GPS class will be taught by Al Bidwick and is scheduled to register on March 10th.  Members are welcome to attend this class for the cost of the book.   Judi reminded everyone to watch the Oprah show Thursday 3/4 –the survivor of the boating accident last winter will be interviewed along with a video presentation by the Coast Guard station St. Petersburg.    Judi also spoke about a new 4 hr PE course on Paddle Sports.  It is a 5 chapter course with a 30 item test.  It should be ready next month.  Judi believes it is timely to offer this course.  Judi and Al Bidwick are presently working with preschoolers on water safety. 

FSO:PB:  Judi Bidwick thanked Denis Keyes for his excellent work online. 

FSO:PS:  John Kandes is working with a new candidate for membership.

AFSO:VE:  Patrick Wheeler stated that vessel exams are going slow due to the weather.  Saturday will be a big event for vessel exams at the Venice Yacht Club.  Patrick asked that members consider becoming PV visitors.  Patrick also suggested we ask the Marine Max Service Manager to address our flotilla regarding ethanol.  FC Sleichert will contact him.

MENTOR:  Patrick Wheeler spoke to Ed Stebner about offering a mentoring session for members going before a QE.  More information will follow.

FELLOWSHIP:  FC Sleichert thanked Janet Heijens and Valarie Weede for the great job they did on the recent fellowship event.  Plans will be forthcoming for an April fellowship.

AWARDS: 

 Facility Inspection/offer for use:  The Guardian –J. Hernandez

Telecommunications Operator Certification:  Ed Stebner

SERVICE AWARDS:  5YRS:  Roger Cordell, Ada Cordell, Roland Couture, Ronal Roth, Betty Shaneyfelt, Fred Shaneyfelt, Ken Ousey, Fred Varricchio.

10 YRS:  Ruth Bruno, Harry Bruno, Robert Chapman, Juan Hernandez, Denis Keyes, Michael Marmion, Jim Sleichert, Ed Stebner, Patrick Wheeler.

15YRS:  Louis Magyar, Richard Odato

 NEW BUSINESS:  Discussion regarding planning a QE mentoring session on March 18th was held.  Information will follow.  FC stated that we are still looking for a copy machine to purchase.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2035.  Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on April 6th, 2010. 

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Bruno, FSO-SR

 

 

                     Monthly Calendar

                                           MONTHLY CALENDAR--APRIL, 2010

GPS CLASS, 1900, TRAINING CENTER                         MARCH 29  

GPS CLASS, 1900, TC                                                       MARCH 31

MEMBER TRAINING, 0900, TC                                         APRIL 1

STAFF MEETING, 1830, TC                                               APRIL 6

FLOTILLA MEETING, 1930, TC                                         APRIL 6

OPERATIONS, 1 HR TCT WORKSHOP, 0900 TC          APRIL 8

SHARK’S TOOTH FESTIVAL SETUP, PM

(CONTACT AL BIDWICK TO ASSIST)                             APRIL             9

DIVISION 8 MEETING, 0900, FL 84                                 APRIL 10

SHARK’S TOOTH FESTIVAL

(WORK THE BOOTH)                                                         APRIL 10, 11

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SEMINAR, 0900, TC             APRIL 15

8HOUR TCT, FL 84                                                             APRIL 14

MEMBER TRAINING                                                           APRIL 22, 29

NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK                                 MAY 22—28

              General Information                 

                                                                 New Course - Paddlesports America

Paddlers – we need to reach them and teach them.  Kayakers and canoeists do not think they are boaters, but we know better.

The fastest growing water sport in North America resides in the kayak and canoe arena. However, the increase in paddle sport participants is correlated with the increase in accidents but even more alarming - the increase in fatalities.

 Paddlesports America is approved as the official course for the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. This four - hour seminar course, designed and produced by Boat Education, provides outstanding safety information just for canoeists and kayakers.

The course comes with a five chapter student manual, 30 item test, answer sheet, answer template, certificate of completion, and Instructor notes.  PowerPoint presentations to accompany the course will be posted to the E-Library Resource Center for download. The student manual also provides Chapter Review Exercises.

The Instructor Guide provides recommended teaching techniques and indicates appropriate teaching times for each chapter.  Extensive chapter lesson plans are for each chapter.

Flexibility is built into the course. Instructors can add region-specific equipment information. Kayaks in Alaska differ greatly from in those used in the Gulf Coast or lake areas, so equipment information can be updated.

Through education we save lives. Help save even more lives by reaching out to this vast new audience of paddlecraft enthusiasts. 

   "Extreme Season" of Hurricanes Forecast for 2010, Requiring        
           Storm Preparations by Boaters and Marina Operators

 AccuWeather is predicting an "extreme season" of hurricanes for 2010, with the possibility of 18 named storms, a 100% increase over last year.

 Damage to boats and marinas can be minimized or avoided completely, but only if smart storm preparations are made well in advance. Two helpful guides are available either at www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes or by calling BoatU.S. at 703-823-9550 ext. 3525. One is a 12-page Boater's Guide to Preparing Boats and Marinas for Hurricanes. This includes explanations of the types of damage caused by surge, wind, rainfall, and tornadoes, and presents best options for securing boats, whether they can be hauled out or need to be left in the water at docks, moorings, or in "hurricane holes." Numerous tips are provided to minimize storm damage, regardless where the boat is.

[Posted: Mar 19, 2010. Source: Bruce White, BC-BLB]