Como. Ted Neale, Jr. DC-A ----- Vol 97. June, 1997 No. 7 ----- Otis W. Littleton, BC-ANN
The National Department of Public Affairs News Letter
214 Beaver Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-2501
Voice: 717-761-7858 FAX 717-761-2428 email:mariemcn@uno.com
Last year the National Transportation Safety Board identified boating, next to the driving of cars as the second worst cause of civilian accidental deaths. Last year the United States Coast Guard awarded the National Safety Council as the sponsoring organization to promote safe boating awareness throughout the United States for 1997. The theme again this year is the same as 1996, wear your PFD. The Coast Guard has already identified the theme for 1998. It relates to boating while under the influence.
To start this year-long observance (it's no longer set for a one week observance), The Office of Boating Safety, United States Coast Guard held a press conference and industry reception at the Miami International Boat Show, February 14, 1997. The Coast Guard unveiled its plan for a five year plan against Boating Undertheinfluence (BUI). In a major effort to send a consistent message to the public about the need to promote recreational boating safety, the Coast Guard also introduced it's new symbol for safety, the PEANUTS comic strip character, "Snoopy".
This year's NSBW poster will feature Snoopy and Woodstock in a small boat, both property wearing their Personal Flotation Devices, (PFDs).
Capt. Tony Stimatz, USCG, Chief of Boating Safety recently credited the Coast Guard's partnership with Met P&C in the development of a boating safety handbook, distributed through Met P&C. Comic strip artist, Charles Shultz' "Snoopy" character was featured in the book.
Recognizing the popularity of Snoopy with young and old alike, it was determined that he would be the symbol for recreational boating safety. As the official Mascot of TEAM COAST GUARD for recreational boating safety, you can rest assured that you will never find Snoopy or his friends in a boat without wearing their PFDS. You can also bet that he won't be drinking alcoholic beverages or using controlled substances while boating. Snoopy is really a symbol that all can look up to.
Seriously, there is more involved in the promotion of safe boating than displaying Snoopy posters. Boaters must be encouraged to think safe and to act safe. In order to do that they must be introduced to boating through a Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Course to learn the basics of safe boating.
Whether you are a Public Affairs Staff Officer or a Special Projects Officer, your responsibilities regarding safe boating dictate that you use the media to help you promote the objectives of the Coast Guard Auxiliary as the world's premier safe boating entity.
There are some changes coming to the Operations Policy Manual, COMDTINST MI.6798.3D. Change 2 will tell us Auxiliarists under orders who are directly involved in a boat accident involving a fatality or serious bodily injury will be subject to post accident toxicological testing for the presence of alcohol and drugs.
This is really not much of a change in policy. We have always had a Policy prohibiting the use of alcohol and drugs. This is the first time that the policy will be written into one of our manuals.
Testing is the policy of the Commandant as required by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and is applicable to Coast Guard operations. Recently the National Transportation Safety Board reviewed our policies and recommended that the Commandant's policy be made unequivocably applicable to the entire TEAM COAST GUARD, including members of the Auxiliary.
Commercial boat crews and commands, aviation crews and even train crews are all subject to toxicological testing following an accident involving serious injury or death. It makes sense that we, who are especially charged with the promotion of safety on the nation's waterways, would welcome this policy clarification and restatement.
Actually, this policy statement will directly benefit auxiliarists operating under orders. Coast Guard liability protection is not absolute. Wanton recklessness and willful, deliberate disobedience of policies may work to lift the intended veil of protection and thus make the Auxiliarist liable for his actions. The toxicology examination is added protection for the Auxiliarist because it will remove any speculation about his personal condition at the time of any accident. We don't personally know of any Auxiliadst who cares so little about the Coast Guard Family that they would risk the image and reputation of the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard by operating their vessel in an impaired status.
This change makes it imperative that we let our DIRAUX know if we are using any lawful medications that might possibly show up in a toxicological test and confuse the tester. We have a responsibility to ask our physician if the medicine prescribed has the potential to impair our operating skills or will show up in toxicological tests. Anyhow, you can bet there will always be that one individual who will complain about the "change." Just remember, it has always been our poligy to prohibit the use of alcohol or drugs prior to or during a mission. The only thing Change 2 does is to tell us that because we are operating a government vessel under official orders, we will be subject to the same accident investigative procedures as the rest of the Coast Guard family.
Based upon our past safety record, there is no reason to suspect that this change will cause problems for anyone. It it does, then perhaps they may want to re-evaluate their concern.
We all know that many of our friends like to have a good time now and then. Sometimes that may involve the use of alcoholic beverages. It only seems to make good sense that we should use alcohol in moderation and never while operating a boat. If you anticipate that you will be using alcoholic beverages prior to getting underway, don't! If you have to, it might be a good idea to have a designated skipper to take over for the safety of all on board. It works with motor vehicles and might just be the kind of good example we want to establish. Under no circumstances should the vessel display the Auxiliary Ensign or other displays that identify the vessel as Auxiliary if we are going to dispense alcoholic beverages while underway.
Like other rules, breaking this one can be detrimental to yourself, your family and the Auxiliary.
David Hasselhoff, of Baywatch fame, has authorized a two and a half year extension of the use of two 30 second PSA'S. The tapes are on 3/4 inch cassette for TV stations and cable TV and a 1/2 inch VHS for home video.
Denny Densmore, Division Chief, Graphics and Illustration doubling as DSO-PA 11SR made the copies which were distributed to all DSOS-PA for reproduction and distribution for use on broadcast and cable TV. Eddie Parker ADSO-PA (11SR) made audio tapes of the PSAs for use by his local radio stations.
The Quality Action Team Session at N-Train (made up of all the DSOs PA and National Staff PA officers present) defined the duties and responsibilities of the FSO, SO, DSO and National Public Affairs Staff Officers.