America's Volunteer
Lifesavers
Flotilla 86 Venice, FL
www.cgauxvenice.org
7th District
James P. Sleichert, Commander Edward J. Stebner, Vice-Commander
|
|
James P. Sleichert, Commander Edward J. Stebner, Vice-Commander |
| July, 2011 Judi Bidwick, Editor Judi Bidwick, Photographer |
July, 2011 |
Flotilla Commander
Well, I hope everyone is having a great summer. It is hot here in Venice and we have gotten little or no rain. Do not forget there will not be a meeting held in the month of July. Our next regular scheduled meeting will be the 2nd of August. This meeting will be the start of reading all qualifications needed to run for Flotilla Commander or Vice Flotilla Commander. A list has been already sent including the names of members that are qualified to run for the offices. Our election committee this year will be Ruth Bruno and her assistant Michael Marmion. If any member is interested in running for office you must submit a letter of intent to Ruth Bruno. We have a lot of highly qualified members and I hope that some will step up to the plate and run for office. As usual our election will be held at the October meeting. We need all the help we can get to fill the patrol schedule for the summer. We need facilities and crew and coxswains. Please try and help us out if you can. We also have to start preparing for re-qualifications for crew and coxswain before the end of this year. Hopefully we will get the training started again in the end of August or beginning of September. We have three coxswains and a crew person to re-qualify and two new crew members that maybe ready to qualify by the end of the year. I do want to thank all the crew members and coxswains that have been filling the patrols on the weekends. Some crew and coxswains are putting in a lot of hours on the water, and thereby keeping our patrols filled. I hope everyone will read the copy of ALCOAST 291/11 which was sent to all members. This is very important in the proper wearing of the uniforms and what uniforms should be worn and with what shoes. Below is a reply from the Division Commander in regards to the hot weather uniform. “In regard to the hot weather uniform ALCOAST 291/11 provides that Auxiliarists are governed by the Auxiliary Manual. ALAUX 015/11 clarifies ALCOAST 291/11 and specifically provides that Auxiliary can still wear the hot weather uniform. The current Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1F) requires white socks with the hot weather uniform. The only time the white socks vs. black socks was an issue was when Auxiliary members were working at Station Cortez or working with CG boats on training missions. When Active Duty CG was authorized to wear the hot weather uniform they wore black socks and Auxiliary member who worked with CG boats wore black socks as required by the OIC at Station Cortez. There is nothing in ALCOAST 291/11 or ALCOAST 015/11 that requires Auxiliary to wear black socks with the hot weather uniform. White socks are still the authorized sock to be worn with the hot weather uniform as provided in the Auxiliary Manual. Note that ALAUX 015/11 specifically provides that "Auxiliarists shall otherwise conform to Coast Guard unit policies regarding such wear whenever interacting with or representing the unit." The OIC at Station Cortez requires Auxiliarists who come onboard Station Cortez or work with the CG boats to wear the same uniform as the active duty members. That means we wear ODU's with boots at the station the same as Active Duty. Note that additional detailed changes dealing with uniforms will be included in the forthcoming revision of the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1F).” “Per COMO Jaskiewicz’s and until further notice all AUX Members are authorized to wear the Hot Weather Uniform; ODU Shorts, Auxiliary Logo Blue T Shirt and appropriate shoes with Tilley hat/ball cap.” Our boat crew uniform with deck shoes will remain in effect. However it seems that they want boat shoes and not gym shoes, plus the color must be brown or blue. Let’s not get to excited, these changes are not earth shattering and nearly all our members have proper uniforms and look great. So breathe in and relax and have a great summer. See you when you get back or for our members still here, see you on the water.
Jim Sleichert |
|
July, 2011 |
Vice
Commander
Flotilla activity for May and June has slowed down due to the departure of our members heading north. Member training is a little light, but remember training is always available and is open to all members; everyone can use a tune-up on their skills. Many thanks to the instructors and assistants who have spent time teaching or assisting with classes during the spring. The SAR exercise that took place on May 5th turned out to be a good exercise even though there were a few bugs in the system that need to be worked out. Many thanks to Henry Reynolds for his time and effort with the radios and tracking system in the radio room. Remember mentors, keep working with the new members and potential crew candidates; you’re the light that lights the path of success and accomplishment for these members. Right now we’re training three crew candidates from our flotilla. With the QE guide lines more rigid, quality time needs to be spent with the candidates. Many thanks to the members from Flotilla 86 for their time and effort for the Always-Ready Event. National-Safe-Boating Week worked out okay even though the schedule conflicted with the Always Ready Event. A special thanks to the Vessel Examiners who manned the boat ramps during the time the EXPO was going on. My congratulations to all who received an award or certificate during the past two months for an achievement or qualification. Good job, members.
See You On The Water
E.J.STEBNER |
|
July, 2011 |
Personnel Services
I am working on two possibilities for flotilla membership. One potential member attended last month’s flotilla meeting and expressed a sincere interest in joining. The second possibility is on vacation but will resume our meeting when he returns in July.
John Kandes |
|
July, 2011 |
Marine Safety
I routinely visit the local marinas and boat yards and I talk with staff about regulations.
REGULATIONS; Major regulations are briefly described below; however, marina owners should be aware that they are responsible for the activities that occur at their facility.
It is
strongly suggested that all staff be made aware of applicable existing
federal, state It is recommended that marina operators contact their local governmental entity to determine applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances with respect to proper disposal methods. Clean Water Act; Commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 prohibits the discharge of pollutants, oil, oily waste, and hazardous substances into U.S. waters. The CWA also prohibits the use of detergents, soaps, surfactants, or emulsifying agents to disperse oil spills without the express permission of the U.S. Coast Guard. Violators are subject to maximum civil penalties of up to $ 137,500, as well as criminal penalties.
TO REPORT
AN OIL SPILL OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE RELEASE
Roman E.
Gzyl
|
|
July, 2011 |
|
Navigation Systems
With increased boating activity and our safety patrols getting on the water more frequently, the need for observing navigation aids in the heavily-used navigable-waterways and lesser-used channels is very important. Again I remind you as members of the Navigation Systems Team, we need to be performing M.O.M.--Maritime Observation Missions, rather than dockside or on the water. Included in M.O.M would be checking a marina for marine safety and checking out the marina facilities otherwise known as Small-Craft-Facilities or SCF. It’s important to see if the marina agrees with current updated charts. A light-timing mission for our AOR was performed in May along with Aton and Paton Verifications for the Venice AOR; thank you to the aid verifiers and crew that participated. Information this month for your reading from Light-List Volume 3 is about the Auxiliary Private Aid Program. 7.6.2 Auxiliary Private Aid Program Private Aids to Navigation (PATONs) can only be set in navigable water after authorization by the Coast Guard. PATONs are maintained by, and at the expense of the owners. These aids may mark wrecks, provide lateral marks for channels (i.e., red and green lateral channel marks), aid marine research, or provide regulatory information (e.g., Slow Speed, No Wake, etc.). The Coast Guard issues the permits and enforces compliance, but depends on the Auxiliary to be their eyes in the field to verify that the PATONs conform with their permit requirements. When an Auxiliarist reports a discrepancy, the Coast Guard orders corrective action. In the PATON program, the Auxiliary is responsible for: 1. Verifying all PATONs on a periodic basis set by the Coast Guard. PATON Verifications are only made by AV (Aid Verifier) qualified members. 2. Reporting non-permitted PATONs in public waters. Reporting non-permitted PATONs are only made by AV (Aid Verifier) qualified members. 3. Reporting PATON discrepancies. Any member can report PATON discrepancies at any time. . A discrepancy is defined as "The failure of an aid to display it's characteristics as described in the light list, or to be on it's assigned position"
May We All Cast A Watchful On The Water
Ed
Stebner
|
|
July, 2011 |
Publications
The Coast Guard is moving away from using the term “Guardian” in speech and publication. Senior leadership is in the process of reviewing all printed and web material and is replacing the uses of “Guardian” with “Coast Guardsman.” Please be aware of this as you write articles and speak to groups regarding the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. Personal identification information is never included in newsletters or the articles included therein. Addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses are often in your reports but they are edited and will not be posted in our newsletter. Those of you who take photos and submit them to the newsletter, please include a brief description of what is taking place. Avoid using captions or dates embedded in the pictures. If you submit pictures taken by another person, please include the name of the photographer.
Judi Bidwick
|
|
July, 2011 |
|
Public
Education
|
|
July, 2011 |
Vessel Examiner
It is Safe Boating Week here and we are enjoying life living in paradise in the friendly city of Venice, Florida. That is, of course, unless you are in the USCGA and a Vessel Examiner inspecting vessels at a local boat launch ramp! Yes, life is good but occasionally (or quite often) you meet a boat owner that has no time to spend on having a VSC and he may have departed home feeling unhappy; he wastes no time telling you, the examiner, your fortune and speaking disrespectfully, often times being rude and verbally abusive! Such is the life of Vessel Examiners at our boat launch ramps. It must be one of the hardest duties we are called upon to perform; never the less, it is an important task. It is the last opportunity to help a boat owner/operator be safe before they depart out on the water--often on their way to the open water of the Gulf of Mexico, where all kinds of dangers lurk. A new auxiliary recruit can really enjoy going out on a vessel while training to be crew; often such joy is not to be expected as a Vessel Examiner at a busy boat ramp while canvasing for boats to inspect. Ask Roman Gzyl; he recently checked 13 vessels while at the Nokomis launch ramp, but came away feeling hot, tired, and mentally abused and disrespected. He called me to tell me how he felt. I know the feeling only too well it since it often happens to me. Judi witnessed how rude some boat owners are too me when she came to take some photos of me at work one Saturday morning. I mention this because I truly believe it is a valuable service we provide to the boating public! It’s a shame many boat owners do not share my opinion. Patrick Wheeler Acting FSO-VE Editor’s Comment: Unfortunately many VEs experience what is described above. The mindset of the public often comes from the expectations and requirements of larger bodies. If there are state and local requirements for safety imposed on the boating population, certain examinations by safety legions are appreciated and even sought out. Where the yacht clubs require boat owners to get a vessel examination each year, the boat owners are cooperative, thankful, and appreciative of the work by vessel examiners. Vessel Safety Checks The following are reports from the June 12 submission to AUXINFO:
Bidwick, J 15 TOTAL 283
|
|
July, 2011 |
|
Meeting
Minutes
U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, Flotilla 86, June 7, 2011
Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1940 with 21 members and one prospective new member, Jeff Bench. The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.
Flotilla Commander’s report: *Thank you to all members who assisted at the “Always Ready Event” on May 21st. *Thanks to those who assisted at the Venice and Nokomis Ramps for boat safety week. *There will be no Flotilla meeting in July. Our next meeting is August 2nd. *On-the-water training will resume in mid-September. Requalifications must be completed by 12/1. *Flotilla owns two lap tops, one of which has crashed, and may not be worth fixing. *July 9th is the Division Awards meeting. Members are asked to try to attend. *Dues are coming due. Please try to pay them in a timely manner. *Richard Markwitz will handle setting up patrols at end of July for August; Mike Marmion will arrange for watchstanders for that period due to the absence of the FC and FSO-CM. *Looking for boats for the boat races and the 4th of July fireworks.
Minutes: A motion was made by J.D. Harrison, seconded by Harry Bruno, and all voted in favor of accepting the Minutes of May 3, 2011 as they appear in the Fore and Aft. A copy of the minutes is available on the back table.
Staff Officer Reports: (All other Staff reports appear in the Fore and Aft): FSO-NS: Ed Stebner stated that last month ATON/PATON discrepancies and verifications were done in Division 8. Ed will plan a workshop after September to help clarify procedures in regard to the proper completion of paperwork. Our flotilla was able to cover all ATONS and PATONS in our AOR. FSO-CM: Ruth Bruno thanked Henry Reynolds for getting everything in the radio room back in working order. Watchstander schedule will be done early for July as Ruth will be away. Finance: Ruth Bruno reviewed the May 31st Finance report in the absence of Janet Heijens. A motion was made by J.D. Harrison that the report be accepted subject to audit; Harry Bruno seconded and a favorable vote carried the motion. FSO-IS: Harry Bruno thanked members for cards, calls and support during his knee surgery. Harry stated all forms are entered and up-to-date. Thanks to the VEs who are putting the inspection sheets in his mailbox. These forms are entered upon receipt of the 7012s. FSO-MA: Richard Markwitz announced he will be away for two weeks in July. FSO-OP/MT: Jim Sleichert announced that he will be sending out an email request for July patrols. FSO-HR: John Kandes had two telephone contacts with prospective members. One person is present this evening. Asst. FSO-VE: Patrick Wheeler thanked Mike Marmion , Meyers Russell and all examiners who assisted at the boat launch ramps during National Safe Boating Week. Mentor: Richard Markwitz asked members to notify him if anyone needs a mentor or would like to be one.
Awards: Certificate of Completion-Seamanship: Alfredda J. Smith Hurst
Old Business: Ed Stebner discussed new guidelines that have been set up by the District for coxswain and crew who are requalifying. Ed also thanked the staff officers for their work during this past year.
Jim Sleichert announced that the Nomination Committee will be chaired by Mike Marmion and Ruth Bruno. Anyone wishing to run for FC or VFC must submit a letter of intent to the Committee.
Henry Reynolds reported on the radio control plane that is in development. Anyone interested in assisting should contact Henry.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2015. There will be no meeting in July. Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on August 2nd, 2011.
|
|
July, 2011 |
|
Monthly Calendar
MONTHLY CALENDAR--July, 2011
No Flotilla Meeting in July Change of Watch, Station Cortez July 8 Division 8 Meeting: Awards July 9 AuxWeather, Fl 84, Mondays, 7-9pm August 1—29 Flotilla Meeting August 2 Flotilla Meeting September 6 Fall Conference September 22--25 8-Hour TCT Course , Fl 84 October 1 Instructor Course for Division 8 Flotilla members, Fl 86 Training Center October 15, 22
|
|
July, 2011 |
|
General Information
SUBJ: SEVENTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF
THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
JUNE 23 MARKS THE SEVENTY-SECOND
ANNIVERSARY OF OUR COAST GUARD
I CONSIDER THEIR WORK A SPLENDID
PATRIOTIC SERVICE, AND I
Protocol for Release of Information Information regarding the activities of District 7 will normally involve one of two Departments: Public Affairs (PA), which is responsible for external communications (civilian newspapers, radio and television); and Publications (PB), which is responsible for internal communications (any Auxiliary newsletter or publication). 1. 1. The preparation of written articles by all members is highly encouraged to help the District “tell our story.” These articles bring positive attention to the Auxiliary and aid us in membership and attendance in the Public Education programs; however, any article written by a member must be referred to either the Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs (FSO-PA) or the Flotilla Staff Officer for Publications (FSO-PB) for action. That staff member will decide whether this is primarily an internal or an external release and forward to the appropriate staff officer for action. 2. All articles involving the Flotilla or the Division should be reviewed by the Commander or Vice Commander for their approval of the accuracy of information and compliance with security concerns. The responsibility may be delegated to the staff officer (FSO-PA, FSO-PB) in the interest of expediting the article however the Commander/ Vice Commander must still be kept informed. 3. 3. For time sensitive items, it is recommended that the SO /ADSO be contacted by phone to alert them to the fact that an article is being sent to them. The use of a attention getting phrase such as URGENT RELEASE in the subject line is also encouraged. If the SO is unavailable, direct contact with the ADSO-PA is authorized however the SO must be informed as soon as possible 4. It is extremely important that the Commanders and their Chiefs of Staff at all levels within the District be kept informed before anything is published. This is necessary to keep them from being “blind-sided” whether it is positive or negative. To accomplish this, the appropriate level Chief of Staff should be copied on the forwarding email. 5. Any written public information release dealing with unit meetings, public education programs or vessel examination events are excluded from this Protocol.
|