11 MAY 2008

Coast Guard Auxiliary Receives Proclamation

The Coast Guard Auxiliary was recognized for 60 years of boating safety education at the 12th annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) held recently in San Diego, CA . Presenting the proclamation was Ruth Wood, Chair, National Safe Boating Council, and Arlyn Hendricks, President, National Water Safety Congress. Accepting the plaque on behalf of the Auxiliary is Warren McAdams, National Chief of Staff, and Robin Freeman, DC-E. The proclamation was also signed by John Fetterman, President, NASBLA. A photo of the ceremony is available.

http://www.auxpa.org/potw/images/080419-G-8984S-500.jpg  

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Special Member Benefit Available

Through a special arrangement, the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN) has a limited quantity of the Coast Guard Blue Utility Jacket available at a greatly reduced price. Members may go to the ShopAuxiliary.com website then click on the District Stores button and login with their EMPLID and Aux eDirectory password. Once at the District Stores site then click on Closeout Specials. Please note that these are a discontinued item so all sales are final.

http://www.shopauxiliary.com/ 

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National Safe Boating Campaign News

What event led to developing the inflatable life jacket? Find out in the May issue of the National Safe Boating Campaign News.

http://www.auxadept.org/NSBC/NSBW2008-05.pdf (PDF: 88 KB / 1 page)

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DHS Unveils Small Vessel Security Strategy

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its new Small Vessel Security Strategy (SVSS) document, designed to close security gaps and reduce risks associated with the potential exploitation of small maritime vessels. An online Fact Sheet on the SVSS is also available. Auxiliarists are encouraged to become familiar with these documents, and to promote America's Waterway Watch Program when conducting RBS activities (teaching public education courses, conducting vessel safety checks, conducting RBS program visits, and making speeches to local marinas, yacht clubs, and other groups).

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/small-vessel-security-strategy.pdf (PDF: 1290 KB / 57 pages)

Online fact sheet: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1209398073431.shtm 

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PWC Carriage Requirements Changes

After careful consideration by the Surface Stan Team, the following PWC OPFAC carriage requirements are changed effective immediately:
-    Throwable PFD is no longer required. 
-    Spare spark plugs are only required for 2 stroke engines. They are no longer required for 4 stroke engines. 

These items are in Appendix C (Required Facility Equipment) and again in task PWC-03-05-AUX (4.g and 4.r) of  the PWC Operator Qualification Guide, COMDTINST 19794.54 (series). They are also found on the PWC Facility Inspection and Offer for Use form, ANSC 7008 in Section VII, items 12 and 20.  These changes will be reflected in the next editions/revisions of these documents. 

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REMINDER: Get on Board - National Safe Boating Week/North American Safe Boating Campaign

Just a reminder that National Boating Week is coming up fast.  This year, NSBW takes place 17-23 MAY 08, but NSBW is just the beginning of a busy boating season, and in some parts of the country, a year round effort to promote boating safety! 

As the boating season approaches, the Auxiliary should be preparing NOW for another campaign to spread the message of safe and responsible boating.  This year, we are hoping to educate the boating community about life jacket wear and the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight jackets.  "Wear It" is this year's theme for NSBW.  We are also continuing our close relationship with our partner organizations to create a larger grassroots network and create a more consistent campaign message.  We are hoping these collaborative efforts will increase awareness about the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water.

For more details and ideas, as well as resources available  for ordering online to support your efforts, visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.net/

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