FLOT LINES USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2016
You, me and our PFD Mark A. Jaqua, VFC, FSO-CM, FSO-PV, Flo lla 74
According to the USCG Recreational Boating Statistics for 2015 released May 13, 2016, 80 percent of the deaths by kayak use were caused by drowning. Be safe! Wear your life jacket and help save your own life! Photo by U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division
uring my service with the USCG Auxiliary, I’ve found a new respect for boater safety and boating regulations. When I was much younger, I would regularly join my friends with boats on fishing excursions many miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to our happy hunting grounds in search of our limit of grouper.
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safety and the safety of others around me. This attitude has been ingrained through my training in the USCG Auxiliary. I am very grateful to the Auxiliary for enlightening me and I am always very willing to pass on my knowledge to friends, family and of course, to the general public.
I was very ignorant then about what was required on our boat and maybe not even aware of exactly what to do in case of an emergency. I always assumed we were safe since we only ventured out into the Gulf during fair weather predictions.
One of the cornerstones of boating safety is the proper wear and use of a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jackets as they are most commonly referred to by the recreational boating public.
Since then, I have a very different attitude toward my
A recent kayak excursion with friends and family hit Continued on page 4 home the impor-
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FLOT LINES Newsletter of Flotilla 74 Brandon Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Vice Commander Dustin Buxton, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander
Flo lla 74 Staff Officers Communica on Services Christopher Alexander Diversity William Vildibill Finance Linda Brandt Human Resources Vacant Informa on Systems Vacant Materials Ron Matz Marine Safety Vacant
In this Issue.... Cover: You, me and our PFD
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By Mark A. Jaqua, VFC, FSO-CM, FSO-PV
From the Helm- Carlos Velez, FC
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National Coast Guard Museum Offers Plank Ownership
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Meeting News
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Staff Reports
6-9
Hurricane Preparedness Guide
10
Call for Volunteers: Fourth of July Parade
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Help Wanted/ Training Information
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Member Training Carlos Velez Naviga on Systems August Miller Opera ons Galen Johnston Public Affairs Lawrence McKinnon Publica ons Do e Riley Public Educa on Leonard Chiacchia, Jr. Program Visitor Vacant Secretary of Records Elaine Nabach Vessel Examina ons Mark Jaqua USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Note: Each title links to the article. Just click on the title to read. At the bottom of each page is a ‘Home’ icon like the one at right. Click on the icon to return to this contents page. We’re on the web!
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FLOT LINES is a publica on of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo lla 74, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave., Brandon, FL. The cost of publica on is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organiza on of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boa ng safety. Ar cles may be reprinted only with the express consent of the author or photographer with proper credit given to same. For permission or for more informa on, please contact the editor: Do e Riley, FSO-PB, FL 74 at: do eriley1@verizon.net Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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From the Helm
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he Memorial Day holiday weekend passed us by quickly. Many of us participated in some ceremony honoring those that gave their lives for this great nation so that we can be free. Paying them tribute is always touching. We pay our respects and then have a hamburger or hotdogs with family and friends. The members of Flotilla 74 have been preparing for the Fourth of July parade since February and this year promises to be an even bigger and better. Please join us in this grand event. Every year the fireworks get more spectacular. For us in the USCG Auxiliary, this is a great opportunity to show how strong we are and our readiness to serve the Coast Guard and our community. It is a great opportunity to encourage our friends and neighbors to join us. This past month, with the help of Gil Thomas, we increased our membership by 7. I am also proud to say that while our Public Edu-
cation classes started out slowly, the number of students enrolling and completing our boating safety classes is climbing. The Division 7 award for Public Education is within our grasp. Hopefully, we will be able to pull off another great year. Well, that’s all for now. Here’s looking to see you all at the parade and the barbecue following the parade. Here is also to seeing you at the next meeting. We need every member possible to attend in order to conduct routine business.
Na onal Coast Guard Museum Offers Plank Ownership Plans are now underway to build a National Coast Guard Museum, which aims to respect the past, engage the present and look to the future. Based in New London, Connecticut, the National Coast Guard Museum Association is respecting the past by creating an original plankowner certificate for its supporters. Being named a plankowner in the nautical realm means you are part of a ship’s original crew, serving during the building process and commissioning, bringing it into active service to the nation. In the olden days, the title of plankowner was literal — it also meant you were entitled Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Schon Russell works on to an actual piece of the ship’s deck. the plankowner certificate he’s creating for the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Nick Ameen
- - See more at: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2016/04/national-coast-guard-museum-offers-plank-ownership-schon-russell-wes-pulver-jeff-creighton/#sthash.obPW1eK6.dpuf
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Cover Story ... Continued from cover tance of wearing a life jacket. One sunny day, four of us embarked for a trip on a popular Florida river. As we launched, I noticed I was the only person in our party who was wearing their life jacket. Being the good ‘Coastie’ that I am, I asked them why they weren’t wearing theirs. I braced myself for their responses (knowing I could expect the usual clichés’), “We just to have them with us, we’re not required to wear them.” “It will conflict with my tan lines,” and of course, “They are hot and uncomfortable.” Yes, they were correct; they didn’t have to wear them. I wanted to chastise them but just decided to explain to them the idea of safety and that anything can happen on the water. I also mentioned none of us are champion swimmers, so if we had our life jackets on, we would not run the risk of exhausting ourselves in an attempt to retrieve our kayaks in case of a spill. We continued on our trek, my advice unheeded. According to the USCG Recreational Boating Statistics for 2015 released May 13, 2016, 80 percent of the
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
deaths by kayak use were caused by drowning while 63 percent of open motor boat deaths were caused by drowning. In the case of total deaths by drowning in 2015 (428), 352 of these cases were where the victim was not wearing a life jacket. The large percentage of these incidents were not in Gulf waters, but in our lakes, river, streams and inland waterways. Between open motor boats, kayak/canoes, personal water craft cabin motorboat, and pontoon boats, 299 out of the total 428 deaths by drowning were on either open motor boats or kayaks/ canoes. It’s obvious open motor boats and kayaks/canoes are the most significant recreational vessels in the U.S. in relation to drownings. As of 2015, Florida had over 889,000 registered vessels, more than any state in the union, with California the next closest in numbers (over 772,000)
Don’t be a sta s c. Wear your life jacket!
Anything can happen at any time on the water with so many boaters enjoying our Florida waters. Don’t be that statistic, wear your life jacket. Have fun and be safe. Remember, “You, me and our PFD.”
Issue #2
2016
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Mee ng News
Meeting May 10, 2016 Above, left: Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commader (left) presents several awards to Galen Johnston (seated by wall) for his contributions to the flotilla’s Public Education program including plaques awarded by Division 7 for both Most Instructor Hours and Most Instructor Aide Hours in 2015. The members of Flotilla 74 express their appreciation to PO2 Hemmingway, Station St. Petersburg, USCG. Hemmingway serves as Auxiliary Liaison to Flotilla 74 and attends most of our meetings. Thank you, petty officer! Photo by D. Riley
“Boys and their toys...” It is no wonder that George Papabeis is so popular with Sector St. Petersburg Prevention staff. He conducted a basic introduction to drones in February to be repeated later this month. Members of the USCG Prevention Department, first responders after disasters, and first responders from local agencies attended the workshop and are expected to attend the upcoming class as well. More about Papabeis’ classes and why he was invited to present will appear in the upcoming issue of the D7 BREEZE. Photos by Skylar Luckey, FL 72 St. Petersburg
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Staff Reports Logistics Logistics Section-Ron Matz-Chief Publications-Dottie Riley In order for our Flotilla newsletter to be both interesting and relevant we need your contributions! This is YOUR newsletter! We need your photographs, reports and articles. What interests you? What would you like to read about? We need more participation by the members in all areas. Attend meetings. Teach a Boating Safety course. Meet at Williams Park on Saturdays assist with Vessel Safety Checks. Attend a Public Affairs event. Take photographs and submit them to our newsletter and possibly write an article too! Our flotilla cannot succeed without the involvement of every member. Our newsletter will not be interesting without your contributions!
Finance-Linda Brandt Finance reports are read at the meetings. Be sure to attend the next meeting of Flotilla 74 to learn the “state of the flotilla.”
Diversity-William Vildibill
Successful organizations such as the USCG Auxiliary recognize the need for immediate action and are ready and willing to spend resources on managing diversity in the workplace now. Our success and competitiveness depends upon our ability to embrace diversity and realize the benefits. When organizations such as ours actively assess their handling of workplace diversity issues and develop and implement diversity plans, multiple benefits are reported. Ω Reprinted with permission from THE INLAND SEA, Flotilla 12-1 Lake Marion, South Carolina, COMO Jay Dahlgren, editor
Materials-Ron Matz The Rescue and Survival Systems manual is now available on the FedEx site and is $5.42. All members are able to access FedEx online and print Auxiliary documentation if desired. The Auxiliary has partnered with the FedEx Office (formerly Kinko’s) to offer this service. In a nutshell, a member can go online to FedEx’s documentation store, select Auxiliary documents including manuals and order their printing, which can then be picked up at your nearest FedEx Office or delivered to you.
Benefits of Workplace Diversity By COMO Jay Dahlgren
To give an example of the savings you can get through this program, the Auxiliary Manual would cost roughly $70 if printed outside of the program. Through the program you would pay around $17. Three hole punched paper is used.
For a wide assortment of people to function effectively as an organization, human resource professionals need to deal effectively with issues such as communication, adaptability and change. Diversity will increase significantly in the coming years. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Bear in mind that these manuals and documents including brochures and posters are available to members through the Auxiliary’s website. All documentation is still available free of charge on CD or on an Auxiliary website. This FedEx program is for those members who like things the old fashioned way - lots of paper! Please note that the cost of printing through the FedEx program is paid for by the member with the member’s Continued on page 7 Issue #2
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Staff Reports credit card. Your credit card and other personal information is not stored after purchase is completed. Using the FedEx website is easy. You will need these three pieces of information in order to log on to the website. Website: https://docstore.fedex.com/uscgaux/ User ID: uscgaux Password: uscgaux1! (Note: the exclamation point at the end of the password) The list of documents and manuals available for printing will grow over time. If you know of a document or manual that you would like to see added to the FedEx catalog, advise me and I will pass the request Flotilla 74 members conducted Vessel Safety Checks and distributed boating safety information at Williams Park May 21, the first day along to the right person.
Public Affairs -Lawrence McKinnon
of National Safe Boating Week. With only two qualified examiners, boaters often waited in line to receive Vessel Safety Checks. Isn’t it time that you became a qualified Vessel Examiner? Photo by D. Riley
The biggest initiative was National Safe Boating Week. Members of Flotilla 74 participated by conducting Vessel Safety Checks and distributing boater safety information at Williams Park May 21 and by taking part in the division sponsored event at Bass Pro Shops in Tampa.
Prevention Program Visitor/ Vessel Examinations-Mark Jaqua Members Marty Seiden, Mark Jaqua, James Nabach and Dottie Riley turned out at Williams Park, May 21, 2016, to conduct Vessel Safety Checks for the first day of National Safe Boating Week. Members Seiden and Jaqua performed at least 16 vessel exams of which 11 passed. Nabach approached approximately 50 vessels. Boater safety class schedules and other auxiliary media were handed out to every boater possible for National Safe Boating Week.
Members of Division 7 Tampa Bay and Sector St. Petersburg, USCG kick off National Safe Boating Week May 21, 2016, at a ceremony held at Bass Pro Shops in Tampa. Sector officer LT Andrews accepted proclamations from the Florida House of Representatives, the Pinellas County Commission, the Hillsborough County Commission, and the City of Tampa. From left, LT Andrews, Terry Hershman, VCDR 7, Gene Keller, DCDR 7, and Franco Ripple, Flotilla 72, master of ceremonies. Photo by D. Riley
Continued on page 8 USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Staff Reports Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor Source: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits
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s a certified Vessel Examiner you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water. The process of qualifying as a Vessel Examiner is quite simple. Links to the Vessel Safety Check Manual, forms used to conduct Vessel Safety Checks and the link to the Auxiliary National Testing Center are located at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve Once you successfully pass the online Vessel Examiner Exam, you should contact Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examinations to schedule the five supervised Vessel Safety Checks required to complete your qualification. Recreational Boating Safety Program Visits, also known as marine dealer visits, are not only a great way to pass on boating safety information to boaters, but can be fun way to get to familiarize yourself with the marine dealers and sporting goods outlets in your local area.
Visits with a qualified Program Visitor. Download the RBS-PV manual from here: http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/RBSVP_ManualWeb.pdf Once you complete the test, contact Steteven Hunnicutt, Flotilla lla Staff Officer-Program m Visitor to get your ur two supervised visitss scheduled. Program m Visitation and Ves-sel Examinations are both programs in the V-Directorate and naturalcomplement each er. Consider earnboth qualifications!
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Becoming Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor qualified involves a little study, taking an online test and performing two supervised Program
For more information and to register, go to: http://www.uscga-district-7.org/dtrain.html USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Staff Reports
Continued on page 9 USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Hurrican Preparedness Guide The 2016 storm season is upon us. Those of us not new to the area know how damaging tropical storms and hurricanes can be and do not take them lightly. This is a good time to follow the Coast Guard motto and be prepared! Know when bad weather is anticipated and build a basic emergency survival kit. For more information, go to: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Basic Emergency Survival Kit • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit* Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Manual can opener for food Local maps Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Cash or traveler’s checks and change Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the emergency financial first aid kit - EFFAK (pdf - 977kb) developed by operation HOPE, Federal Emergency Management Agency and citizen corps to help you organize your information. Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – when diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Fire extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
USCG A Auxiliary ilil Flo Fll lllla 74 B Brandon d
Di Division ii 7 7, 7 7th th h Di District ti t
Issue I #2
2016
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Ar cles of Interest CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:
USCG and Auxiliary Participation in Greater Brandon Area Fourth of July Parade
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he time for preparations for the U.S. Coast Guard and Division 7 participation in the Greater Brandon Area Fourth of July Parade is here. As was the case in year’s past, the parade is a big deal for our community and for the Auxiliary. It is the largest Fourth of July parade in the State of Florida and as such provides us with enormous exposure. While final parade details will not be finalized until the 26th of June. We do know all that we need to get organized. The parade will begin at the intersection of Lumsden Rd and Parsons Avenue in Brandon at 10 a.m. Monday, the Fourth of July. The parade route will travel north on Parsons Avenue turning left onto Robertson Avenue and finishing at the intersection of Robertson and Kings. The Parade participants will then continue on Parsons Avenue to Publics parking lot just west of Kings Avenue The entire route is 1.5 miles.
The USCG and Auxiliary parade contingent will consist of a Color Guard, Coast Guard and Auxiliary facilities (towed on trailers) with safety walkers, public walkers and family and friends of the Auxiliary. The U.S. Coast Guard has already confirmed their participation. We are now seeking Auxiliarists and family and friends of the Auxiliary to participate. Auxiliary Parade Contingent Team organization and personnel requirements are listed below. • • • • • • • • • •
Auxiliary Leadership representative(s) (2) Color Guard: Division Color Guard (4) Tow Vehicle Drivers (1) Facility Riders (2) Safety Officers (8) Public Walkers (4) Logistics Personnel Team (2) Public Affairs (2) Shuttle Drivers (4) Family and Friends of the Auxiliary
During the parade, the public walkers will pass out safety items to the public. Safety is important for team members. We are expecting a typical summer day – hot and humid. Our biggest concern is heat exhaustion and worse- heat stroke, particularly for safety officers and public walkers. During the parade, anyone needing a rest from walking or a break from the heat may seek relief in either the Auxiliary or Coast Guard tow vehicle. Also, water will be available on the rear of the tow vehicle. Team members are encouraged to drink water as needed. This is a tremendous opportunity for the division and we need your support. If you are interested in participating in the parade, please contact Len Chicchia at you earliest convenience. The uniform is ODU or tropical but you do not need a uniform to participate. Thanks in advance for your support.
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016
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Ar cles of Interest HELP WANTED Public Education Instructor- We all know how important it is to educate the public about boating safety, but did you know that it is fun and rewarding as well? Why not get involved in the flotilla’s Public Education program? Your role can be tailored to fit your schedule and your interests. You can teach a single subject or multiple subjects. It is up to you. Inexperienced in teaching? No problem! You do not need to be a certified instructor to teach and we will give you all of the help you need. Galen Johnston and Len Chiacchia will get you ready. You won’t teach until you agree that you are ready. It doesn’t get any easier than that! Interested members should contact Len Chiacchia.
Vessel Examiners Needed - Vessel Examiners and volunteers needed to help with vessels exams Saturdays at Williams Park boat ramp. Schedule is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This function is a cornerstone of the Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety program. Come on down... don’t be shy! Even if you are not certified we can use your help. We always have fun and interaction with the boating public can be very rewarding!
The Coast Guard has mandated a set of training courses for all Auxiliary members. This training is referred to as AUXMT by the Auxiliary. Completion of AUXMT places Auxiliarists on the same footing as other members of the Coast Guard workforce and allows seamless integration with their active duty, reserve and civilian employee counterparts. It also ensures that all members of the Coast Guard workforce stand ready to provide Service to nation, fulfill our commitment of Duty to People, and reflects our Commitment to Excellence. Mandated training requirements are spelled out in the table below: Course # Course Name
Frequency
502379
Building Resilience and Preventing Suicide
Every 5 years
810030
Security Fundamentals
Every 5 years
810015
Privacy at DHS / Protecting Personal Information
Every 5 years
810045
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Every 5 years
502319
Civil Rights Awareness
Every 5 years
Members can complete their training online at the National Testing Center - http://ntc.cgaux.org/ - or the Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS). http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=auxmt. Help is also available at the flotilla building on member training nights every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Uniform is not required. For additional information, please contact Len Chiacchia.
FLOT line is a military acronym meaning “Forward Line of Own Troops” (FLOT). FLOT line, or Forward Edge of Ba le Area (FEBA) are technical terms used by all branches of the U.S. armed services to designate the forward-most friendly mari me or land forces on the ba lefield at a given point in me during an armed conflict. We are not a military force engaged in armed conflict. We are, however, the front line of the struggle to save the lives of recrea onal boaters, and we face this great endeavor armed with vessel safety checks, public educa on classes and all of the all other Recrea onal Boa ng Safety programs in our arsenal. Our newsle er banner serves as a reminder of this mission. PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Flotilla 74 members which may appear in this or other USCGAUX publications. As a matter of policy, information described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that member’s expressed and/or written consent. When such information appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded and the information will be clearly labeled. Publication of this information by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #2
2016