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 |
| February, 2010 Judi Bidwick, Editor Judi Bidwick, Photographer |
| Flotilla Commander's Message
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James Sleichert |
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February, 2010 |
Vice
Commander
FROM THE VICE FLOTILLA COMMANDER DESK:
January is nearly behind us, and all Flotilla activities have been going along at a decent pace. Many thanks to the instructors who have spent many hours with the Public Education classes currently running, Member-Training and the Navigation Class which is finishing up in January. Coxswain & Boat-Crew Training on Thursday mornings have been well attended. If you haven’t attended any of this training I would suggest you do so, especially members who need their 3-year certification. It would be nice if more facilities could be available for On-The-Water Training (OWT) on Thursdays, for Safety-Patrols and even for a night mission. The members’ attendance has been good on Thursdays even though the weather hasn’t cooperated. Coxswains and Crew, start planning for your 3-Year-Certification so we can request QE-Missions in a timely manner. Remember, as a qualified Coxswain or Crew, when you do your audit in front of a QE you could be asked questions taken from the Boat Crew or Coxswain 2007 Manual, the same as an initial candidate. I will talk more about this subject later. Many thanks to Janet Heijens on her financial report PPT presentation and the 2010 Budget discussed and passed at January’s meeting. The Mentoring Program is going well with the guidance of Patrick Wheeler. Thanks to Patrick for training & qualifying five new Vessel-Examiners. I attended the Division & Commanders Meeting this Month and it was great to see the representation from the Officers of Flotilla 86 and the recognition we received. At the Commanders Meeting, new Boat-Crew training methods were discussed, and changes are being made to 7029 and 7030 forms.
Edward J.
Stebner |
| Feburary, 2010 |
Communications
As we start operations and training missions for 2010 Mike Marmion and I want to thank you for your willingness to staff our radio station in support of these activities. I invite all members to learn more about the communications function and become qualified as Telecommunications Operators by attending the training sessions that will offered in the near future. All members that have completed the Telecommunications Qualification and Standards Tasks for TCO Qualification should contact Mike Marmion, Henry Reynolds or me to complete the review and approval process. The approval process can only be done by a communications staff officer (CM) who holds either AUXCOM (earned prior to 1 August 2008) or TCO. The completed and CM-approved Telecommunications PQS will then be submitted to DIRAUX for certification and entry into AuxData. The Monthly TCO Brief Did you know that our communications procedures follow ACP125(F) Communications Instructions - Radiotelephone Procedures? This document is part of the Allied Communications Publications (ACPs) and specifies communications procedures for the Allied Forces of the nations represented on the Combined Communications and Electronics Board (CCEB). The following guidelines were excerpted from this document to review ways in which we could enhance communications during the execution of our missions. A more extensive discussion of radio procedures is presented in this document, which is available at the link listed in the footnote. Speech Technique1 Concise speech over the radio is essential if transmissions are to be successfully received and understood at the first attempt. The key words to remember are Rhythm, Speed, Volume and Pitch (RSVP). (1) Rhythm. Use short sentences divided into sensible phrases which maintain a natural rhythm; they should not be spoken word by word. Where pauses occur, the pressel switch should be released to minimize transmission time and permit stations to break in when necessary. (2) Speed. Speak slightly slower than for normal conversation. Where a message is to be written down by the recipients, or in difficult conditions, extra time should be allowed to compensate for the receiving station experiencing the worst conditions. Speed of transmission is easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of pauses between phrases, as opposed to altering the gaps between words; the latter will create an unnatural, halted style of speech, which is difficult to understand. (3) Volume. Speak quietly when using whisper facilities, otherwise the volume should be as for normal conversation. Shouting causes distortion. (4) Pitch. The voice should be pitched slightly higher than for normal conversation to improve clarity. Rules for Radio Discipline1 The following rules for radio discipline are mandatory on all radio nets. Every station must adhere to the following. a. Always: (1) Use correct voice procedure. (2) Maintain a constant listening radio watch unless specific instructions or permission has been received to the contrary. This requires that at least one person be nominated to monitor the radio regardless of the circumstances. All aspects of voice procedure are based on the assumption that stations will respond to the call immediately. (3) Ensure that the correct frequency is in use. (4) Answer calls in the correct order and without delay. (5) Listen carefully before transmitting to ensure that the frequency is clear and, where possible allow for stations which cannot be heard. (6) Release the pressed switch promptly. (7) On releasing the pressed switch, ensure that the radio returns to the receive condition. b. Never: (1) Violate radio silence. (2) Compromise classified information by unauthorized plain language disclosure. (3) Make unnecessary or unduly long transmissions. (4) Engage in unofficial conversation or operator’s chat. (5) Identify an individual, ship or unit by name, or any other personal or individual sign. (6) Speak faster than the station experiencing the worst reception conditions can be expected to receive, thus avoiding needless repetition. (7) Show loss of temper or resort to profane language. ____________ (1)ACP 125(F) - Communication Instructions - Radio Telephone Procedures, Released 5 September 2001, (http://jcs.dtic.mil/j6/cceb/acps/acp125/ACP125F.pdf). Juan C. Hernandez, FSO/CM Mike Marmion, AFSO/CM
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| February, 2010 |
Information Systems
New 7029 Member Activity Form As you all know there is a new 7029H form for Member Activity reporting effective January 1, 2010. Recently a “Guideline” was circulated by an email to assist members in completing the form. When submitting this form to me as FSO-IS please submit both pages 1 and 2. If you have any problems or questions please contact me. Soon there also will be a short video posted on “What's New at the National Website.” As soon as I receive the link for this video I will pass it on to you. It is an excellent explanation of the new form. The Annual Member Letter will be emailed to each Flotilla member shortly. Harry
Bruno |
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February, 2010 |
Marine Safety
My report for January towards achieving my goals is as follows: with reference to moving the Venice Inlet “Resume Normal Safe Speed Operation” I have contacted various authorities and learned that this item is one of the topics for Sarasota County Local Rule Review Committee. I have to arrange a Formal meeting with a Committee member to discuss this subject; currently awaiting his phone call at this time. Since my last report I have visited numerous Marinas in the Venice AOR located on the Intra-Coastal Waterway and have established a rapport with dock masters regarding Marine Safety and Environmental protection. In another occasion I visited Action Power Sports and spoke with the General Manager Will Sparkman, who enlightened me that with the latest technology installed in Personal Watercraft. It does provide a braking system and also a control of acceleration by the GPS (Max Speed control cutout). Mr. Will Sparkman was a very interesting person to talk to about safety; in fact, I would like to invite him to come and speak at one of our monthly meetings about the new technology in marine safety. On a recent visit to Freedom Boat Club in Venice I learned that pollution there is not only caused by boats but by run-off from the parking lot at a nearby condominium complex. The drainage is directly connected to the waterways! My intention is to meet with the management of the Condo complex and attempt to find a solution to this problem. While on my boat, The Waterfront Two, performing Safety Patrol missions we stopped at various marine gas stations and informed the attendant of my MS/EP position and my ability to offer assistance if required, along with monitoring the waterways. I did learn various stories from these people. Once again I welcome any colleague to join me, including Andre Spalvins from the Sarasota County Local Rule Review Committee.
Roman E. Gzyl |
| February, 2010 |
Member Training
Our members have had a robust member training this month. Unfortunately, the weather has not cooperated so we had to cancel our last on-the-water activity. We went “Back to Basics” and reviewed coxswain, crew, and boat owner responsibilities in addition to reviewing appropriate activities and expectations from the Crew and Operations Manuals. The preferred tow and alternate tow were discussed and modeled with the anticipation of actually towing the following week; however, Station Cortez cancelled all orders due to the cold air and water temperatures. Al Bidwick held a training on charting and basic plotting which led into Search and Rescue Patterns. Al is one of the few instructors who has training to teach SARSCE and he showed our members some techniques for plotting SAR patterns that are included in the new course. A group of 25 attended the session. I shared the requirements for requalifying for crew and coxswain as well as those tasks required of the initial qualifying crew member. We anticipate two requests for Qualified Examiners in the next two months. The next two training days will involve towing evolutions, anchoring, and man overboard activities. In February, Guenther Hennig will work with members on first aid and emergency medical techniques. Guenther is a retired physician. Lou will try to arrange first aid and CPR training later in the spring that will certify members who need recertification. Lou will be out of town until the end of February; until he returns, I will be organizing member training and scheduling instructors for our in-class sessions. All Member Training activities have been sent to members; our flotilla calendar reflects all training topics—please check it out.
Judi Bidwick |
| February, 2010 |
Navigation Systems
Ed Stebner and I will conduct a Navigation Aids class on Feb 9, 2010. at 0900. All Navigation aid verifiers should plan to attend.
JD Harrison |
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February, 2010 |
Operations
Operations and Member Training go together very closely. Training can
often be done in a classroom, but the test comes on the water as the
Auxiliary performs part of its mission. Boating skills practiced make
the difference in any situation, but particularly in an emergency.
Often a crew can anticipate Reacting in an appropriate way for a situation is not automatic. It must be recognized and practiced especially when the wind and or the tides cause hazardous situations. Knowing when to
back-off and try again is a useful skill, and perceiving the need is a
high percentage for a successful boat handling. Many more important
skills come only with practice, and this is why I have always encouraged
crew to go for coxswain, even if they never intend to own a boat, or use
it in the Auxiliary. It is at least a way of improving skills and
anticipating events that might happen. |
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February, 2009 |
Public
Affairs
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February, 2010 |
Public
Education
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| February, 2010 |
Recreational Boating Safety
Recreational Boating Safety Risk Analysis in FloridaGrowth in the number of vessels that ply Florida's inland coastal waterways, coupled with the diversity of activities associated with recreational boating, has led to an increase in boating-related conflicts and accidents. As a result, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, identified a need for a methodology to evaluate boating safety risk for the state and its county partners. The FWC requires an analysis that is standardized, scientifically defensible, unbiased, transparent, and efficient. In addition, the results must be effectively presented to the public and aid in the decision-making process that leads to rule-making. A long-term goal is to have a spatial decision-support system (SDSS) that can be periodically and proactively applied to regions within the state to evaluate changes in risk that reflect changes in boating population and activity. At this time, the risk evaluation has only been applied to Southeastern Florida. When it is applied to the Southwestern region, more pertinent information will be shared. Submitted by Ed Stebner, VFC
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| February, 2010 |
Vessel Examiner
Due to circumstances beyond my control the 2010 VSC decals are not expected to arrive until the end of January. Please know we are being encouraged to continue performing examinations and issuing the 2009 decals with the intention of replacing that sticker when the 2010 arrive. I have started collecting their addresses and contact information ready for the day the new ones arrive Because no stickers are available I have not manned the launch ramp; but, have concentrated on visiting locations having VSC posters displayed delivering boating literature to Partners. I wish to encourage ALL qualified examiners to get qualified to be a PV visitor and keep the boating pamphlets in the stores, offices, marinas and places boaters visit, help keep them well stocked with current literature. Ask the question "How Can I Help You" Please Help Me Deliver! Coin the phrase V TEAM-- WE DELIVER. I hope to have a workshop of Vessel Examiners before we get too far into the boating season. I invite input from all VE's ! If you do something you think other examiners should also be doing, please email your suggestions to me. I received some good suggestions from the five new VSC trainees that just passed the test I have added to my examinations. Congratulations to these five new Examiners for passing the test and performing their five examinations under supervision, they have experienced the horrors of performing VSC's at a launching ramp and know that an imagery Teflon zip up coating is required to survive the rigors of passing on Safe Boating Information, Water Way Watch and soliciting for Vessel Inspections.......They are survivors! I have suggested and requested current list of schedules of all Public Education programs and VSC stations with contact information phone, emails in the form of hand outs to customers, along with a list of stations to obtain a VSC and contact information. (Suggested format for list of stations) ICW Venice Railroad Station Marine Park Launch Ramp, Sat mornings 0830-1230mid day (weather permitting)941-412-1026 ICW Nokomis Launch Ramp Nr Albee Road Bridge Saturday mornings 0830-1230 mid day.941-809-6969 ICW Manasota Key Launch Ramp Nr Beach Saturday mornings 0830- 1230 pm 941-266-0002 ICW Vessels moored at a dock inspected by appointment 941-844-1900 leave message ICW Vessels on a trailer inspected at mutually agreed time and place. 941-844-1900 leave message Vessel Examinations conducted by request, www.safetyseal.net www.cgauxvenice.org 941-844-1900 Remember your input and suggestions will improve the quality of the product we supply to the customer the boating public.
Patrick Wheeler
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| February, 2010 |
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Mentor I
Usually there is not a lot happing with mentors consequently the report reads “Status Quo.” However this month it is “Whoa Nelly,” but I intend to keep it brief. I wish to give my usual thank you to all ACTIVE mentors! But, one stands head and shoulders above the others his name is Roland W. Couture. Roland is mentor for two mentees. Since appointing him as their mentor he has demonstrated great enthusiasm moving things along and getting things done. He obtained learning material for his students that is difficult to obtain and is getting tasks signed off while passing along a lot of useful knowledge. Above all, Roland is encouraging his mentees and is showing an interest in their status. GOOD JOB ROLAND, THANK YOU! While on Safety Patrols, Waterfront Two has been carrying three crew trainees and performing training, for example: operating the radio, keeping the vessel’s log, lookout, line handling (mother and father in bed with the sheet over them) anchoring drill, man overboard drill, to mention a few. Following that, the “Waterfront Two Sea School” has been holding mentoring sessions on a Wednesday where these trainees have attended with their mentor being supervised/instructed by Coxswain Patrick Wheeler. Any member can attend these sessions while they last, with a sigh off book or just stop in and ask questions--all are welcome. I promised to be brief! Please remember there are no stupid questions. Happy Learning
Patrick Wheeler
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February, 2010 |
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Meeting
Minutes
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February, 2010 |
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Monthly Calendar
MONTHLY CALENDAR--FEBRUARY, 2010
Gasparilla Boat Parade January 30 BSS, Chapters 11, 13, 1830 February 1 Flotilla Meeting, 1930 February 2 Member Training, MM, 0830 February 4 BSS Exam, 0630 February 4 BSS Registration, 1800-1900 February 8 Aid Verifier Workshop, 0900 February 9 Member Training, TC, 0830 February 11 BSS, Chapter 1, 1830 February 11 BSS, Chapter 2, 3, 1830 February 15 Member Training, MM, 0830 February 18 BSS, Chapter 4, 1830 February 18 BSS, Chapter 5, 6, 1830 February 22 Fellowship, "Bowline and Bite," 1730 February 23 BSS, Chapters 7, 8, 1830 February 25 BSS, Chapter 9, 1830 March 1
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February, 2010 |
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General Information
None for this month
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