America's Volunteer
Lifesavers

Flotilla 86 Venice, FL www.cgauxvenice.org 7th District

James P. Sleichert, Commander Edward J. Stebner, Vice-Commander

January, 2011 Judi Bidwick, Editor Judi Bidwick, Photographer

January, 2011

Flotilla Commander
Jim Sleichert

The New Year is here and I hope that everyone had a great holiday. It’s time to get back to work and see if we can out do ourselves in the coming year. The only way that can be done is with the help of all members contributing in any way they can. Those who can give an hour a month still provide a service to our organization.

We have a lot to do and here is a small list of things.

1. Go through all the stuff that is in the white shed, discard things not needed and install shelving.

2. Fix the lights that do not work in the training center

3. Fix the flag pole, buy new flags and install a locking device that will protect the flags from being stolen.

4. Get the lawn mower ready for the spring

5. Appoint cleanup crew that will clean the training center once a month.

This is just an idea what has to be done. We never know what will break and need to be repaired. If any member is interested in being the cleaning crew or cleaning person let me know. If you do not have a lot of time to donate this would be ideal and a great help for the flotilla. The crew can be husband and wife team or just a couple of members. I have done it with my wife many times and it takes about two hours at the most. We will also be looking for help for lawn trimming around the property.

I believe we have a great group of staff officers and this will enable us to get a lot done. Vessel examines are always top priority and so are safe boating visitors to stock the pamphlets in the racks at surrounding stores. Delivering pamphlets is another job that is important but does not take a lot of time per month for a busy member. Watchstanders are always needed and we will be more than happy to train you for the task. Operations always need crew and hopefully this year we can get a few of our new members qualified for the task. Do not forget to get your qualification hours in early in the year if possible and this will keep you current.

The following class is a must for all members who want to know what is going on and who may be interested in a leadership role in the future. The Flotilla Commander/Leadership Course (FLC) is a one (1) day course and is being held in two different locations on different dates to accommodate any schedule conflicts. The dates and locations are:

15 Jan 2011 - Air Station Clearwater Annex Building

05Feb 2011 - Punta Gorda Isles Civic Assoc. Building

FLC Modules

1. Duties & Responsibilities 2. Staffing 3. Flotilla Goals 4. Meeting

5. Communications 6. Time Management 7. Leadership 8. Awards

9. New Members 10. Courtesy/Protocols 11. Conflicts 12. Uniforms

An e-mail was sent to everyone, but be sure to contact me if you are interested in going. We can always car pool and it should be a great time.

The Gasparilla boat parade in Tampa will be at the end of the month and we may be asked to have a few facilities go help at the parade. I will let you know more when I get information on the event. This is a great opportunity to get your crew and coxswain hours in for the year.

We have a new Flotilla Staff Officer in Member Training and he should do a fantastic job for us. Doug Simpson is a long time flotilla member and has a tremendous amount of knowledge for the job. We will be posting a schedule shortly; keep your eyes on your e-mails.

I hope to see everyone at the next meeting on the 4^th of January. Please try and attend and keep up the good work.

James P. Sleichert
Flotilla Commander

January, 2011

Vice Commander
Edward Stebner

Seasons Greetings from the Vice-Commanders Watch

I would like to offer my Holiday Greetings and a Happy New Year to the membership and their families and thank you all for what you do. Because of you and your participation the flotilla had a very good year and in my mind is the flagship of Division 8.

December was a very busy month for the flotilla for being in the public eye with the Venice Christmas Parade, the Christmas Boat Parade, the fellowship get together at Mike and Janice Marmion’s home the night of the boat parade which was excellent. My thanks to all who participated in the Venice parade and the lighted boat parade, and to Roman Gzyl on the use of his boat for both events.

The next weekend Jim, Roman, Patrick, Richard, and I set-up our display table and Roman’s boat at the Grand-Opening of the Nautical-Trader at its new location in Venice.

The following Thursday 10 members went on the luncheon dead reckoning cruise set by Lou Magyar to a mystery location, and guess what, we all arrived safely and enjoyed our lunch. The destination turned out to be Rum Bay on Palm Island, good pick Lou and thanks to Roman and Walt for the use of their boats. The only down side to the trip we had to wear Mustang suits, because the water temp was below 60 degrees, even though on the return back to Venice the air temp was above 60, it was so nice we used the Gulf to return.

Remember coxswains and boat crew, for water temperature below 60, Mustang suits need to be worn--not just stowed aboard, per Station-Cortez

Final note of interest I would like to have a Staff Officers meeting before our next flotilla meeting at 1800 hours 4Jan2011. We will discuss your goals and what we hope to achieve in our Flotilla for 2011 and how to keep the membership interested and what we can do in our recruiting program.

Ed Stebner
Vice Commander

January, 2011

Communications Services
Denis Keyes, FSO-CS

We sent 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

January, 2011

Materials
Richard Markwitz, FSO-MA

I would like remind all our new members who are in need of uniforms and related items, that the websites are listed on our flotilla website. There are a few used uniform items in our stock. If anyone is in need, please contact me after our meetings. The updated inventory will be posted on the bulletin board in the radio room.

The new untucked ODU jackets are now available for purchase by auxiliary members,

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Richard Markwitz
FSO-MA

January, 2011

Marine Safety
Roman Gzyl, FSO-MS

December is always the time when we reflect on how the past year has gone, and our hopes for the future. At Venice Flotilla 86. as Marine Safety and E/P officer. I’m thankful to have survived the economic ups and downs, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the rules and regulations, courses, test exams, the list goes on – and many, many more challenges, but at the same time, much for which I am grateful.

Looking into the future 2011 year I have set-up my goals not only in our Area of Responsibility (AOR), but also with the county on MRRP and am focused to work hard to fully accomplish my mission as M/S and E/P.

I will continue to make routine visits to marinas and boat yards in our AOR.

During the latest visit to the Crow’s Nest Marina I posed questions to David S. the marina attendant.

What happens if boaters overfill their boat with gasoline and spill gas into ICW?

David says he informs boaters-owners that he strongly suggests they fill gas tanks up to 90%; he also has absorbing material on the dock as well as the spill out boom.

To prevent the spill spread, we also call the 1800.882-8878 to report oil spills.

Furthermore, talking to Dave S. How Crow’s Nest Marina implements the clean Marina Logo

Displaying the clean Marina flag, David S. proudly says that we have two pump-out waste stations; we also offer our seeing tour on our electric DUFFY Boat doing 6 kts/hr and less on one charge 9 hrs. Clean parking lot, we do not water hoses- to polluted water ways, we sweep-up the debris. He ended saying we proud to fly the clean marina flag.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in OCT/2010 that there will be 15% ethanol in the nation’s gasoline supply.

The E15 represents a 50% increase in ethanol content, so it could damage inboard engines and outboard motors.

Meanwhile be advised that all trailerable boats who fill-up in gas station should avoid E15 fuel when it becomes available.

HAVE GREAT HOLLIDAY SEASON AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.

Roman E. Gzyl
FSO-M/S & E/P

January, 2011

Member Training
Doug Simpson, FSO-MT

Flotilla 86 member Training Article

We start off a new year with new opportunities for training and qualifications. Qualifications and requirements change and we get the benefit of continuing our learning curve.

So let’s get started with:

A. Required to be performed by all Auxiliarists during their first year of enrollment and then once every five years thereafter:

 (1) Suicide Prevention.

 (2) Security Education & Training Awareness.

 (3) Privacy Awareness.

 (4) Prevention of Sexual Harassment*.

 (5) Sexual Assault Prevention.

 (6) Human Relations Awareness. * Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) (effective immediately): This course has been developed by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI). It has been reviewed and approved for Auxiliary use by the Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-542). It now replaces prior Sexual Harassment Prevention (SHP) training materials, and a corresponding AUXDATA field for completion entry is available. The course is only available on DVD from ANSC. It should be reviewed by the planned facilitator before presentation because it requires a nominal degree of audience preparation (e.g. - having pen/paper ready for pre/post quizzes) and it is designed for discussions throughout its presentation.

B. Required to be performed only once by all Auxiliarists (new members during their first year of enrollment:

 (1) Ethics Training.

The good news is that most of these can be taken on line from your computer, better yet, most of these courses allow you to challenge the course and then just go over what you do not know.

How to do this:

THE MAJORITY OF MT CONTENT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE LEARNING

PORTAL AT HTTPS://LEARNING.USCG.MIL.

Influenza Training	Sep 21, 2010
Privacy Awareness	Sep 30, 2010
Security Education & Training Awareness (SETA)	Sep 30, 2010
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)	Sep 30, 2010
Suicide Prevention	Sep 21, 2010

Just follow the instructions for enrolling. It will take 24 hours for your enrollment and password to go through. The best part is, the website creates your history and allows you to print of your certificates.

As a part of making member training a little easier, I have started a Flotilla Member Training website at www.cgaux.info. It will take some time to rebuild the items from the old DirAux West and Auxetrain sites and update content. The plan is to make the site a one stop click for any member training recourses. At the Flotilla meeting, I will go over the changes in qualification requirements and offer ideas on how to get the qualifications and certification you want.

Doug Simpson

FSO-MT

We finished the Operational Training (OT) year with a dead reckoning (DR) exercise and
lunch trip. Members planned the 16 mile trip on charts prior to leaving Marine Max. Two operational facilities participated with full crew and passengers. A time-speed-distance table was calculated and each crew gave what they thought would be their arrival time. The trip ended up being quite a competition as to which boat would meet its planned time.

Lunch at Rum Bay was a success. Station Cortez required Mustang suits (dry suits) since the water temperature was 54 degrees and the air temperature was 50. Our Flotilla Commander picked up the suits for all aboard and each participant squirmed into the one-piece suits, struggling to get shoes and legs in the right places. It worked best to have a partner to help with the donning of these cumbersome suits. However, we were all glad to have them on when we started the trip south from Marine Max. The 15 knot winds from the south brought a chill that we were ready for. Both Walt Jennings’ “Idlewilde” and Roman Gzyl’s “Waterfront II” found it easy to hold the course in the ICW; the only boats on the water were commercial fishermen seining for bait! Three “no-wake-zones” on the journey were planned interruptions to our 22.5 knot speed for the rest of the ICW.

Since the Gulf of Mexico had flattened from the no-longer existent winds, both boats took the “outside” route back to Venice. The weather moderated and the temperature soared to 70 on our way back to Marine Max. It was a fun time for all who participated, combining the skills of planning a DR plot and a fellowship luncheon for a great excursion.

Lou Magyar, FSO-MT
Article written by the editor

January, 2011

Navigation Systems
Ed Stebner, FSO-NS

I would like to wish everybody a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

Welcome aboard to the new and returning Aid-Verifiers. I am looking forward to working with all of you in 2011. As you probably know I’m also the Division 8 Officer for Navigation Systems.

Thanks to Judi Bidwick and Roman Gzyl for their watchful eye in reporting discrepancies properly during the previous month. I plan on trying to make the reporting process more understandable when you have to fill out a 7054 form and the email address information that should be included. The following addresses are the most current as of this date:

Ops Petty Officer BM2 Smith<Eric.S.Smith@uscg.mil> and will be assisted by BM3 Hutchinson <Daniel.J.Hutchinson@uscg.mil> at ANT St. Pete.

The next email address you need is to:

Rocky Reinhold<fchiefag1@verizon.net> DSO-NS, District Seven, replacing ADSO-NS

Paul l.Smith who is leaving office effective Jan. 2011.

Following is a message from District 7:

REGULATORY SIGNS

To SO-NS/8

Regulatory signs ARE permitted on daybeacon pilings with dayboards. These signs WILL have a permit number at the bottom of the board. They WILL be parallel to the trafic pattern of the channel. They are NOT allowed to be parallel with ANY red dayboard, which of course is a triangle. They are permitted with any orientation in conjunction with a green dayboard. To report discrepant regulatory signs, you can also call 1-866-405-BUOY (2869), which is the "Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission". If you have further questions on this matter, please contact me. Paul L. Smith, ADSO-NS-7W

Ed Stebner
FSO-NS

January, 2011

Public Affairs
Al Bidwick, FSO-PA

In the last Fore and Aft I informed members that the Nautical Trader moved to a new location at 1030 U.S. Highway 41 South in Venice, and we were invited to participate in their Open House. Unfortunately, I could not attend since Judi and I were going to be out of town as was Gerry Mitchell who worked with me to make plans for our participation. An all call for volunteers via Denis Keyes failed to produce anyone to attend. I left town thinking that we might have to decline the invitation, a rare occurrence for our flotilla.

However, when I returned, I was happy to learn that Jim Sleichert, Roman Gzyl, and Patrick Wheeler did attend and made some important contacts with people who expressed an interest in taking classes or joining our flotilla.

I want to thank the members who volunteered their time to make our presence known in the community. Once again, we have demonstrated that our flotilla is always ready to respond to any situation.

Keep up the great work!

The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Public Affairs training for its officers to better enable them to perform their jobs. This training is offered free and is available in several different formats. Everyone should start off with the basic level classes and first take the FEMA 250 class in Public Affairs and our e-Learning classes. Then they can move up to becoming a PA Specialist. Officers wanting to advance their skills even more can apply for a 3 day AUX-12 training class. All these classes and resources are available to you as a Public Affairs Officer or someone desiring to become a Public Affairs Officer.

Public Affairs Classes

FEMA IS-250
A 1 hour on-line class offered through the FEMA ICS training website. This class provides the basics of how to work with ESF 15 Standard Operating Procedures.

Online Training Auxiliary E-Learning
The following online courses are provided for the training and development of Coast Guard Auxiliary members. Many of them are prerequisites for certain levels of qualification in the Public Affairs Advancement and Recognition Program.

Public Affairs Specialist
A robust public affairs program is essential to Coast Guard Auxiliary success in every mission area. Completion of these classes entitle the Auxiliarist to wear the PA specialist ribbon.

Aux12 C School
AUX-12 Auxiliary Public Affairs C School is the boot camp for basic training for Auxiliary public affairs officers. The course teaches the students how to correctly send out Press Releases, manage Media Relations, Media Interviews, Photography, Copy Editing/News writing, Article submissions to local, national level and other public affairs matters of special interest to the Auxiliary.

Al Bidwick,
FSO-PA

January, 2011

Public Education
Judi Bidwick, FSO-PE

This past year was successful for the Public Education Program. We had four full Boating Safety and Seamanship--13 courses and two GPS course. Following the BSS-13 graduation, we had seven adult students who took two On-The-Water courses with Partner-Ship, instructor and crew. They are always successful and those who join us for that course give excellent evaluations.

Registration for the first BSS course of the new year begins on Thursday, January 6 at 1800 at the Training Center.

Judi Bidwick

2010—2011 BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP - MON, THURS 6:30 TO 9:00 P.M.

Registration January 6 and February 10, Training Center, 1800

JAN 10     FEB 14    CHAPTER 1 Which Boat is For you.......................Lou Magyar

JAN 13     FEB 17    CHAPTER 2 Equipment for your Boat.....................Lou Magyar

JAN 17    FEB 21    CHAPTER 4    Handling Your Boat.......................... Helen Sarvis

JAN 20     FEB 24    CHAPTER 5    Your Highway Signs.........................Judi Bidwick

JAN 20     FEB 24    CHAPTER 6    Rules of the Road.............................Ron Hogarth/Judi Bidwick

JAN 24     FEB 28    CHAPTER 3   Trailering Your Boat.......................... Walt Jennings

JAN 24     FEB 28    CHAPTER 8   Boating Safely.................................   Janet Heijens

JAN 27   MAR 3       CHAPTER 9 Navigation......................................... Denis Keyes

JAN 31   MAR 7       CHAPTER 10   Powering Your Boat........................Juan Hernandez

JAN 31   MAR 7       CHAPTER 12   Boating and Weather......................Tom McGuire

FEB 3     MAR 10      CHAPTER 13 Your Boat's Radio............................Walt Jennings

FEB 3     MAR 10      CHAPTER 11   Lines and Knots/Review.................Judi Bidwick

FEB 7   MAR 14        EXAM

January, 2011

Human Resources
John Kandes, FSO-HR

I spoke with the two membership prospects who attended our last flotilla meeting,
Both have asked to wait until after the holidays to follow up.

John Kandes
FSO-HR

January, 2011

Vessel Examiner
Patrick Wheeler, FSO-VE

Venice Yacht Club has plans approved to add a T dock to the existing location.

It will extend out into the bay; the bids are in to do the work but the decision is pending on who will be awarded the contract. Alterations are expected to start the beginning of February and last two months, after which more vessels will be docked at that location.

Dockmaster Jim will keep Patrick Wheeler informed when their plans become firm. Our vessel examiners need to be prepared for January and end of March/April when we check their boats.

To date, we have 511 vessel safety checks. Thanks for the good work this year!

The 2011 decals are available early this year; I am making preparations for the distribution of materials for Flotilla 86 examiners; my plan is to have a basic supply available for you at the beginning of the New Year. I will be out of town until the 7^th January. If supplies are needed before this date contact the Flotilla Commander for distribution.

To our Qualified Vessel Examiners your assistance is requested. Those of you who plan to be active are requested to send me a claim for the number of 2011 decals you anticipate you will require.

My intention is to supply the active examiners a literature Basic Starter Kit, containing:

Federal Requirements For Recreational Boaters
The Florida Boaters Guide
How To Choose The Right Live Jacket
Join The Coast Guard Auxiliary
Operation Paddle Safe                   Saved By The Signal
Publication From Office Of Barbara Ford-Coates Important Information
VSC Poster Event                Visual Distress Signal Guide
Riding Rules For Personal Water Craft
You Are In Command                     Mind Your Waterway Signs
Water Way Watch and Stickers
Emergency Radio Call Procedures (Stickers)
Marpol (Stickers)                  Discharge Of Oil (Stickers)
ANSC7012 and ANSC 7030- Sample

Note: The following other publications are available--
You Are In Command, Rescue 21-U.S, Aids To Navigation, Hypothermia, Weather, CO Danger.

Those of you who will not be active please complete the documentation and have your name removed from the AUX DATA list. Remaining on the active list is detrimental to our performance average.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Patrick Wheeler
Acting FSO-VE

January, 2011

Mentor
Patrick Wheeler, Mentor

In preparation for the forthcoming New Year I intend to conduct an audit of mentors and mentees.

I need to know the names of mentees /students/ new members who currently have and are using a mentor,

Please email me your name and the name of your mentor. Please include the subjects being worked on for my records.

Mentors,

I need the names of mentors currently working with a mentee/student/new member and if you are currently active and the subjects being worked on.

Finally I need to update my list of members currently willing to be a mentor; please send me your name and the subjects you are willing to mentor.

The old saying “A volunteer is worth ten pressed persons” still holds true today, I urge each one of you to volunteer and be a mentor providing this valuable service to members in need.

Don’t delay, contact me today.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Patrick Wheeler
Mentor Coordinator

January, 2011

Meeting Minutes
Ruth Bruno, FSO-SR

U.S.C.G. AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 86, December 7, 2010

Commander Jim Sleichert called the meeting to order at 1930 with 26 members, and visitor Mike Sears.   The Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation followed.

Flotilla Commander’s report:

*8 hour TCT class to be held December 18 at the training center.

*Thanks to Mike Marmion for the wonderful job he did with the fellowship for the Boat Parade.

*Thanks to Roman Gzyl for the use of his boat in the parades and to the members who participated.

*Sea School from Tampa was held at the training center recently. They utilized our facility for 7 days giving a course for the Captain’s license.

*Nautical Trader has asked us to participate in the grand opening Dec 11^th, 10-2pm.

MINUTES: A motion was made by Lou Magyar, seconded by J.D. Harrison, and all voted in favor of accepting the Minutes of November 2, 2010 as they appear in the Fore and Aft. A copy of the minutes is available on the table at the back of the room.

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

FSO-FN: Janet Heijens presented the Finance Report for November. Lou Magyar made a motion, seconded by Harry Bruno to accept the finance report subject to audit. Motion was carried.

FSO-IS: Harry Bruno said if anyone has questions regarding their qualification hours to please contact him. He reminded members to hand in their forms before the end of the year.

FSO-MS: Roman Gzyl discussed winterizing boats.

FSO-MT: Lou Magyar said we have a DR exercise planned for Thursday at the training center. Next Thursday we will do the DR trip to a restaurant. We expect to have 3 boats leaving Marine Max.

FSO-OP: Jim Sleichert stated that patrols will be handled the same as in the past. We will need boats for the Gasparilla Parade at the end of January.

FSO:PV: Jerry Mitchell asked for volunteers for the booth at the Nautical Trader on December 11^th. He also mentioned that the Nautical Trader is in possession of a day marker and asked that a VE check on the status of this item.

FSO-VE: Patrick Wheeler said he will distribute the VE stickers at the beginning of the New Year.

EMS: Guenther Hennig reminded members to be cautious in the cold weather. Dress appropriately to avoid hyperthermia.

FELLOWSHIP: Janet Heijens said the Boat Parade Fellowship was a great success thanks to Mike and Janice Marmion. She presented them with a poinsettia plant as a thank you.

AWARDS:

Swearing in of New Staff Officers (not present at COW):

Janet Heijens, FSO-FN and John Kandes-FSO-HR

Certificate of Appreciation for his past Staff Office FSO-MT: Lou Magyar

Certificate of Completion-Seamanship:    Richard Markwitz, Richard Putnam, Roman Gzyl,

Ronald Roth, Meyers Russell, Charles Weede.

Certificate of Completion-Program Visitor: Jerry Mitchell

Auxiliary Performance Awards:

VSC/RBSVP: Judi Bidwick, Patrick Wheeler

Public Education: Lou Magyar, Judi Bidwick, Al Bidwick

Operations: Patrick Wheeler, Charles Weede, Edward Stebner, James Sleichert, Doug Simpson,

Mike Marmion, Richard Markwitz, Walt Jennings, Roman Gzyl, Ruth Bruno, Harry Bruno, Judi Bidwick, Al Bidwick.

NEW BUSINESS: Janet Heijens distributed copies of the 2011 Proposed Budget for members to discuss and review. After discussion Lou Magyar made a motion, seconded by Richard Markwitz that the budget for 2011 be accepted subject to audit. The motion was carried and the budget approved.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2040. Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on January 4, 2011.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruthanne Bruno, FSO-SR

January, 2011

Monthly Calendar

MONTHLY CALENDAR--January, 2011

Flotilla Staff Meeting, 1800, Training Center Staff Room January 3

Flotilla General Meeting, 1900, TC January 3

Division Staff Meeting, 0830, Keating Bldg, Mote Marine January 8

Boating Safety & Seamanship Registration, 1800, TC January 6

BSS-13, Ch 1, 1830, TC January 10 (check schedule for specific chapters, days, times)

Blackthorn Memorial, 1100, Memorial Park January 28 (north end of the Sunshine Bridge, St. Petersburg)

Gasparilla Boat Parade January 29

January, 2011

General Information

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

If you own a Windows Operating System on your computer this is for you!

Free….Free ……..Free ….Free

Get snap happy this Christmas Holiday Season and take lots of digital pictures; bring them along with your camera and notebook/laptop computer and you will enjoy the informational presentation by Patrick Wheeler. You will be amazed what is possible for free.

During January/February, 2011, probably on a Wednesday (dates decided by members attending), Patrick Wheeler is making an informative presentation on how to handle, improve, upload, download and store your digital photos on your own personal web space and on your computer.

Included will be how to keep your computer safe and sound . You will also learn how to download free software from Microsoft, tricks on how to make a slide show of your photos, crop your pictures, how to add personal tags, add captions and lots more………………Space will be limited, so sign up early!

Let Patrick know if you are interested in this presentation.

DO YOU KNOW AUXILIARY PROTOCOL AND COURTESY GUIDELINES?

WASHINGTON - The winter season marks the time of year when most Auxiliary units are holding their Change-of-Watch ceremonies. Often, these events are attended by Coast Guard and other military personnel. Knowing proper protocols and courtesies is essential to making these functions a success.

The "H" Department (http://hdept.cgaux.org/) offers a "Guide to Protocol and Courtesy for Auxiliary Units and Auxiliarists" that provides excellent insight on such customs as saluting, flag etiquette, invitations, receiving lines, and seating charts.

Making sure that your shipmates know the proper military courtesies is the responsibility of every member. Brush up on your knowledge today by visiting: http://hdept.cgaux.org/pdf/proguide-Oct2010.pdf

PICTURES