THE SCUTTLEBUTT

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 12-8, 7TH DISTRICT CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA VOL 28, NO 2, FEBRUARY 2002 FLOTILLA WEB SITE: http://www.uscgauxcharleston.org
FLOTILLA COMMANDER VICE COMMANDER COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS FINANCE MATERIALS MEMBER TRAINING OPERATIONS PUBLIC EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS SECRETARY/RECORDS
Dean B. Creed . . . . 843-971-1541 Brett J. Grooms . . . . . . . . 553-216 Tom Beauchemin . . . . . . 873-0363 Richard Daniel . . . . . . . . 556-8453 rbdaniel1829@aol.com dbcreed@netzero.net brettg101@home.com two_short@charleston.net Brett J. Grooms . . . . . . . 553-2168 Joey Bokern . . . . . . . . . . 884-8616 Robert Lovinger . . . . . . . 762-6136 John Sikes . . . . . . . . . . . . 569-0994 jsikes@aux.uscg.net brettg101@home.com joseph.bokern@hughessupply.com rlovinger@earthlink.net

AIDS TO NAVIGATION CAREER COUNSELOR COMMUNICATIONS

727-0307 Dan Cowley . . . . . . . . . . 795-7053 Dean Creed . . . . . . . . . . . 971-1541 Tom Schmidt . . . . . . . . . 886-0500 Mike Ethridge methridge@carlockcopeland.com dbcreed@netzero.net cowleyet@home.com beach-cat@worldnet.att.net

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

MARINE SAFETY LIAISON MARINE VISITOR

W. Brent Hepburn . . . . . 884-6625 Dom Zito . . . . . . . . . . . . 795-1012 Bob Orenstein . . . . . . . . . 821-0233 David Beaudrot . . . . . . . 552-2632 dzito@knology.net bhepburn@worldnet.att.net orenstn@dycon.com (no e-mail access) Marguerite Bishop . . . . . 766-1741 Barbara J. Yeatman . . . . 795-4149 Dick Clarke . . . . . . . . . . 849-9216 Dick Clarke . . . . . . . . . . 849-9216 doberdoody@netzero.net mar-jer-bishop@msn.com clarker@citadel.edu clarker@citadel.edu

PERSONNEL SERVICES PUBLIC AFFAIRS

VESSEL EXAMINATION
IMMEDIATE PAST FC

FROM THE COMMANDER

Dean Creed, FC Its already shaping up to be a busy year for the flotilla! The staff officers have created our annual planning calendar, which shows the initial listing of all events (safety & ATON patrols, PE programs, Specialty Courses, VE Blitzes, etc.) throughout the year. We dont have one week without something going on. The upcoming month will be included in the Scuttlebutt, and the entire calendar will be available on our flotillas website. Naturally, additional events will be added throughout the year. Please take several minutes to review the calendar, and plan your involvement in 2002. List one qualification you will earn this year, and make it happen. How do you begin? Just ask! Talk to a flotilla staff officer or me, and well be happy to help. A big thanks goes to Steve Yeoman, Commander of the Charleston Power

Squadron, who spoke at our January membership meeting. Steve provided a great introduction to the mission and activities of the USPS. He also emphasized the expanding number of joint activities, such as vessel examinations and public education through Americas Boating Course, between USPS and the Auxiliary. We look forward to working more closely with the Power Squadron in 2002. Let me leave you with a thought: Why did you join the Auxiliary? Is it happening? Lets make sure it does in 2002!

INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Dean Creed, FSO-IS Please start submitting the starting time and the finishing time for your mission activities on the ANSC7030 mission hour form in the Remarks section. This includes the forms you submit electronically (via the forms website). This is being done in preparation for the AUXMIS replacement, AUXDATA, which is currently expected to be online on 15 March 2002. This form, ANSC7030, Mission Activity Report, is the form on which you record mission activity (including on-water patrols, public education, public affairs, watchstanding, operational support, etc.). If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me.

MATERIALS
Tom Beauchemin, FSO-MA For anyone interested in ordering personal items. I would like to try the 1st and the 15th of the month for personal orders this could save a little on group shipping. However I will be more than happy to place an order anytime. For more information E-mail me at two_short@charleston.net

Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
Napoleon Hill

Information contained in this newsletter is for official US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary use only under the Privacy Act of 1974. The Auxiliary is guided by the current equal opportunity policies of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. No person shall be subject to discrimination in the Auxiliary or its programs because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

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The Scuttlebutt

February 2002

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Dick Clarke, FSO-PA I have quite a large supply of safe boating posters that would love to find a home on a bulletin board in a public place. If you know of a space either at your job site or at that boating store you visit and you can put one up, please let me know and Ill get them to you..Its a real easy way to get out the safe boating word to the public. Also I dont mind getting suggestions and ideas on how we can get the most out of our PA programs and efforts..After all we are all Auxiliary ambassadors.

MEMBER TRAINING
Bob Lovinger, FSO-MT Member Training is an important component of the Auxiliary. I hope to make it as useful and interesting as possible. If you have any special interest or if there is an area or topic you would like to receive training in, please let me know. I plan to send out a member survey but if I had some preliminary expressions of interest before I do that, it will help shape the survey. As well, I plan to start very brief presentations at each meeting on some marine topic or skill. I hope to keep them within five minutes. Here too, if there is something you would like covered, let me know and I will do my best to accommodate you

AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Dan Cowley, FSO-AN We are planning a PATON/ATON patrol the first Saturday after the second Wednesday of the second month of each quarter throughout 2002 (16FEB, 11MAY, 17AUG, and 16NOV), running from 3 hours before sunset until 3 hours after (sunset times published in the Post and Courier). I will precede this with an onboard or, if more than one boat, a classroom briefing an hour before each patrol, hopefully at Group in our regular classroom. We will have as many OpFacs as can muster a Coxswain, Crew, and Aids Verifier, so we can cover as much of our AOR as possible. As SO-AN for Division 12, I would add that all Flotillas in our Division are invited to participate. I have asked Mark Ratliff, DSO-AN of District 7, to conduct an Aids Verifier Workshop prior to the February patrol, so any interested flotilla members can get checked out in time to get credit for our patrols and reports filed. My goal is to have every Coxswain in our Flotilla become a qualified Aids Verifier by the end of this year, so there will always be one aboard every patrol we do just in case there is something to verify or some discrepancy to report. The same Division-wide invitation as above is extended to our other Flotillas. I am working with the gold side to see if we can have an ATON school offered at Group by CHAS ANT members. Folks could learn how to work on small aids and maybe get some time on the water with the CG? This, also, would be open to all interested Division members. Finally, if anyone is interested in helping out with the Sullivans Island Light and can spare the second Wednesday of the second month of each quarter, I would be interested in talking with you about coming on board to help keep the light burning.

PUBLIC EDUCATION
Richard Daniel, FSO-PE We completed a BS&S course January 8th and started another BS&S Class on the same night but at a different location.Eight students finished on January 8th, all passing with flying colors. We are now well under way with the new BS&S class, which is being held at Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church in Hanahan. This BS&S class is slated to end in late February. We will be offering a two-day Boating Safely Course at Base Charleston beginning on March 2nd and finishing March 9th. The classes will start at 0830 and end at 1330. The Boating Safely class is looking for students. If you would like to attend or know someone who would like to attend give me a call. As always, members are encouraged to attend these classes and get to know the students. Our enthusiasm can lead to students becoming members.

CAREER COUNSELOR
Brent Hepburn, FSO-CC This is addressed to all, but especially to our new members who may not know about the Auxiliarys AIM program. AIM means Academy Introduction Mission. It is a week-long introduction to the USCG Academy at New London, CT. Competition for the 150-0dd slots is intensely selective. Really, only the best of the best of rising high school seniors are selected. Its a great way for likely academy candidates to experience the life of a cadet in one week during the summer prior to their admittance. The Auxiliary helps select and interview candidates. If you know of a high school junior who excels in leadership, academics and sports, please tell me about her/him! Ive got to have all my paperwork in by the end of March, so we dont have all that much time.

First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper, then ... oh my goodness you forgot to pull your zipper down!

Old age is when former classmates are so gray and wrinkled, and bald they don't recognize you.

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra.

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The Scuttlebutt
operating safety patrols on a regularly scheduled basis, we have through the 15th done well with room for improvement. Fast forwarding backward....in December 2001, Flotilla 12-8 met with the then, Ensign, Bill Walsh, USCG. He requested that we commit to executing two safety patrols on the same two scheduled days each week until further notice. After slight juggling we have committed to perform a safety patrol each Tuesday and Saturday. It is my personal suggestion that these patrols vary in initiation time and have a duration of approximately six (6) hours in order to provide meaningful assistance and relief for our paid teammates. Since beginning this schedule on Saturday, January 5th, we did not miss a lick until Tuesday, January l5th, when we were unable to locate an operating Operational Facility. No further comments now on lack of operating Operational Facilities in total, as Dean admonished that I "play nice with the other kids" (during my first month). While we missed one commitment, we did execute one additional unscheduled safety patrol and one specifically requested safety patrol/Helo operation. Pretty good, but we need to meet all of our commitments. The aforementioned Ensign, Bill Walsh is now Lieutenant jg, William Walsh. CONGRATULATIONS, Bill! At the Lieutenant jg's wet-down we and 12-6 had members sharing in the tribute and fun. It was my first opportunity to meet Bill's lovely wife, Sarah, who is with child. CONGRATULATIONS, Bill and Sarah! Since we all know Bill as an excellent Coast Guardsman, leader, and a fine person; it was not surprising to learn that he is sufficiently smart to have married above his station. "OPS SUPERB" for a really neat marriage!

February 2002

PERSONNEL SERVICES
Bob Orenstein, FSO-PS Since this is my first article as the Personnel Services Officer, I really dont have much to report. I have however, taken the Navigator (pamphlet which was started by Jim Curran) and updated and expanded it. At the next meeting I hope to have copies for everyone to peruse. It seems to me that one of the things that make our flotilla such a dynamic working unit has mostly to do with the members in it. The new blood who have joined us over the past several years are really making an impact. Just look at the flotilla staff officers we have doing the job today. Probably over half have not been members for three years. What Im getting at is that its the new members together with the old who join hands to make the organization work. Every one of us is a proverbial recruiting sergeant. None of us should be reticent in talking about the Auxiliary and its aims. People, especially since the 9/11 attack are listening and are looking to contribute and assist in what ever means they can. Lets talk up our flotilla...weve become a substantial part of everyones spare time and desire to put it to good use. When you find someone interested in joining, please get their name and address and phone number, Ill do the rest. At meetings, when you see a new face, go over, introduce your self and make him/her feel at home. Youll see our unit grow and offer even more programs and service than we now offer at present.

THE AUXILIARY AND OPERATION PATRIOT READINESS

Adm J. M. Loy, Commandant Following the events of 11 Sep 2001, thousands of Coast Guard Auxiliarists have provided support to Coast Guard forces during Maritime Security (MARSEC) surge operations. On 1 Jan 02, the Auxiliary exceeded 150,000 dedicated volunteer hours supporting the Coast Guards MARSEC mission by conducting multi-mission harbor patrols, providing continued search and rescue capability, and backfilling active forces in operational missions and administrative duties. This emphasis on MARSEC will not diminish the Auxiliarys cornerstone mission of recreational boating safety even as the Auxiliary, like the Coast Guard, adapts its mission profile to arrive at the New Normalcy. Inspired by the extraordinary sense of duty displayed by so many Auxiliarists, the Auxiliary leadership consulted widely and developed Operation Patriot Readiness, the Auxiliarys first-ever operational order. The OPORDER is designed to move Auxiliarists and the Auxiliary as a whole to higher levels of readiness and capability in support of Coast Guard missions, with an emphasis on support for MARSEC Surge Operations. While the OPORDER for Patriot Readiness is already at the District/Regional Commodore level for execution and development of action plans, it is important that active duty CG units understand its importance and the ability it provides in leveraging operations. The OPORDER has four major initiatives: 1. An Auxiliary-wide data call conducted at the flotilla level. Each Auxiliarist will be asked to update information including current qualifications, interest in attaining additional qualifications, and the extent of the members availability to volunteer. Further, each Auxiliarist will be asked to identify skill sets outside of traditional CG/CGAUX qualifications. These skill sets (e.g., machinist, dentist, EMT, etc.) will be identified as volunteer, non-traditional resources for the potential purpose of expanding Auxiliary support in new ways during high tempo and new normalcy

OPERATIONS
Tom Schmidt, FSO-OP Id like to express my appreciation to Dean Creed and Brett Grooms for the trust and confidence conveyed through appointing me to this position in our flotilla. I will certainly need the help and support of all of you, especially my eminent predecessor, Bob Kreiling, whose immensely large shoes will require considerable growth on my part in order to fill. During January, our first month of

GET YOUR OPERATIONAL FACILITY INSPECTED ASAP!

Do you have an operational facility? If so, you need your vessel inspected for the year 2002. Dont procrastinate. Get your boat inspected as soon as possible so the paperwork can be processed and you can get your decal. Contact Dave Beaudrot at 552-2632 or a vessel examiner (VE) near you.

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operations. 2. Establishment of a dedicated senior Auxiliary member to serve as a Liaison Officer (LO) to all Coast Guard units within a geographic area. The LO will match and prioritize the right and ready Auxiliary resources with requesting units support needs. This initiative will apply to essentially all Coast Guard units extending well beyond traditional Auxiliary support roles to Groups, Stations, Air Stations, and Marine Safety Offices. 3. Drive to qualify more coxswains and boatcrew members: improve the proficiency of those already qualified. This initiative will be accomplished through operational workshops which focus on readiness, safety, and the conduct of multi-mission harbor safety patrols. 4. Increase the number of surface, air and communications facilities available to the Coast Guard as Operational resources. OP Patriot Readiness provides an excellent opportunity to better align the Auxiliary with Coast Guard Operational units and fully embrace the broad range of both traditional and non-traditional volunteer services and talents available. Auxiliarists stand ready and, with OP Patriot Readiness, are preparing to be even more ready to assist in watchstanding, providing SAR standby capabilities, providing administrative and logistics support, and much more - all in addition to their traditional missions of Recreational Boating Safety and Public Education. Some examples of recent support include: chart corrections on cutters, unit logistics support, cutter homeport Logistics Tiger Teams, carrying out unit morale programs, cutter Inport Quarterdeck watchstanding and underway quartermaster and Boatswains Mate of the Watch watchstanding. Also, the Auxiliary has a well-established, often-used 236 language Interpreter Corps, which is available for operational matters needing interpreter services. Auxiliary Spanish, Russian, and Japanese speakers have embarked in cutters deployed to the Caribbean and Bering Seas, in support of law enforcement patrols. Coast Guard active and reserve units, which have not been contacted and desire Auxiliary support may contact their local Auxiliary Flotilla or Division, or

The Scuttlebutt
District/Regional Director of Auxiliary for assistance in contacting the appropriate Auxiliary LO. Useful web sites: Auxiliary National www.cgaux.org Website:

February 2002

AMERICAS BOATING COURSE

from the ABS website Americas Boating Course is a unique study program covering the fundamentals of boating. The course is designed for skippers and crew of all types of watercraft. The course material covers seven chapters which touch on: general information about boats and maintenance information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable tips on being a more courteous boat operator laws and regulations to which you must adhere The course materials include both an 80page full-color manual and interactive courseware. The manual is your textbook and the :courseware is your virtual instructor. Both cover the same topics but each in its own way. The manual includes extensive diagrams, graphics and boating tips. The courseware is narrated and interactive, making use of animation, video, and sound. Both manual and courseware provide review questions so that you can verify that you truly understand the material. In addition to the lessons, the courseware includes resources, which will come in handy long after you have completed the course; printable forms (checklists, accident reports, float plans, etc.) And links to reference documents such as the Navigation Rules. Both a manual and a CD-ROM containing the courseware are provided with each purchase, as well as a PIN (Personal Identification Number) that provides you with Internet access to the courseware. Learn the basics of boating at your own pace, at home or away, using either a PC or a Macintosh. Americas Boating Course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. In addition to the course material, a fellow boater in your area from either USPS or

Chief Director Auxiliary: w w w . u s c g . m i l / h q / g o/cgaux/ocxindex2.htm Interprete r C o rp s cgwebs.net/interpreter Pro g r a m:

In order to reflect the critical contribution of the CG Auxiliary to the overall CG Operational Readiness, COMDT (g-ocx) has initiated a partnership with the readiness task force to include Auxiliaryrelated readiness measures and standards as an integral part of the CG Readiness Management System (RMS). While Team Coast Guard has always counted on our Auxiliary members, since 11 Sep they have stood up to the plate as never before. The Coast Guard could not have successfully responded to the attack on America without the high level of devotion to duty displayed by each and every one of our outstanding Auxiliarists. Bravo Zulu.

WHERE DOES THE TERM BRAVO ZULU ORIGINATE?

The term originates from the Allied Signals Book (ATP 1), which in the aggregate is for official use only. Signals are sent as letters and/or numbers, which have meanings by themselves sometimes or in certain combinations. A single table in ATP 1 is called governing groups, that is, the entire signal that follows the governing group is to be performed according to the governor. The letter B indicates this table, and the second letter (A through Z) gives more specific information. For example, BA might mean You have permission to . . . (do whatever the rest of the flashing light, flag hoist or radio transmission says) BZ happens to be the last item in the governing groups table. It means well done.

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the CG Auxiliary will contact you with an offer of assistance regarding state regulations, taking a final exam, and answering any other questions you may have. The United States Power Squadrons and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are at your disposal. Americas Boating Course is a complete education package available online for $34.95 plus $5.50 shipping and handling. The ABC website may be found at http://www.americasboatingcourse.com .

The Scuttlebutt

February 2002
drivers on the road, but we had no idea about the risk for boaters who had been drinking, Foss said. This study gives us the first look at the shape of the risk curve for boaters. The study was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. from the National Safe Boating Council website < www.safeboatingcouncil.org >

DESIGNATED DRIVER NOT ENOUGH, STUDY WARNS

Well-intentioned programs that encourage the use of a designated operator arent going to make much of a dent in the numbers of alcohol-related boating deaths, a research team is warning today. The reason: A passenger who consumes alcohol on board is just as likely to die as an operator who is drinking, say researchers at the University of North Carolina and Johns Hopkins University. Their conclusion, published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is based on a study of 221 boating deaths in North Carolina and Maryland between 1990 and 1998. People who are drinking often fall overboard and drown, the study found. And that can happen even if the boat is stationary, the researchers say, pointing to the death of Hollywood star Natalie Wood 20 years ago. People often assume that alcohol-related boating accidents involve a collision, said Dr. Robert D. Foss, research scientist at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. That happens, of course, but most deaths result from drowning often when boats arent moving at all. The team said about 80 percent of fatalities result from drowning. The image of the crazed drunken boater ramming into a dock or another boat is a pretty rare phenomenon, Foss said. If youve got a stone-cold sober boat operator and an impaired passenger, that passenger is still at high risk. The research teams studied boating fatality records from medical examiners, and spent three summers interviewing and obtaining breath alcohol measurements from boaters in both states. Alarmingly, the study finds it doesnt take much alcohol to bring about impairment. Even with a blood alcohol content of only .01 percent, the risk to operators and passengers increased 30 percent, Foss said. The risk of death was more than 52 times greater when victims showed a blood alcohol content of .25 milligrams per deciliter, he said. Before we did the study, we had a fairly good idea about the risk curve for drinking

FLEXIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY
adapted from a posting by: Mel Kowal Several significant points beg to be made regarding this topic: All PowerPoint presentations may be converted to overhead transparencies. PowerPoint presentations may be made using low cost ($100-150) scan converters driving a TV set. All Flotillas should be capable of generating funds from PE classes to buy whatever equipment they require to do the job most effectively. It is universally agreed that NOTHING can replace a quality instructor. Regardless of the instructors ability, a good PowerPoint presentation will enhance any class. The color, motion and sound of a good PowerPoint presentation triumphs enormously over black and white overheads. Some material can be presented via PowerPoint in a vastly better manner than any other way by utilizing animated step by step illustrations, e.g. maneuvering board problems, Nav problems, SAR patterns. More Flotillas are utilizing PowerPoint than anyone realizes. Please drop me a line and let me know if you are. Make it good and you can charge it. Charge it and they will come.

RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES HIT RECORD LOW FOR YEAR 2000

from an article in the November 2001 issue of Boat/US Magazine The number of boating accident fatalities hit a record low in the year 2000, dropping to 701, a three percent decrease from the 1999 total of 724. The top five most common incidents causing fatalities were falls overboard (213), capsizing (205), collision (67), flooding/swamping (47), and collision with a fixed object (42). The types of deaths were drowning (519), trauma (119), hypothermia (22), carbon monoxide poisoning (5) and unknown (36).

boater driving home from a fishing trip in northern Michigan with his boat in tow, had engine trouble a few miles inland from Lake Huron. He didnt have a CB radio in his car, so he decided to use his marine radio to get help. Climbing into his boat, he broadcast his call letters and asked for assistance. A Coast Guard officer responded with, Please give your location. Im on Interstate-75, two miles south of Standish. The officer paused, Could you repeat that? I-75, two miles south of Standish. There was a longer pause, then an incredulous voice asked, How fast were you going when you hit shore?

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

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for various wave heights was important and almost not realized on Day 2 due to calming weather conditions. We were about to scrub that part of the session, but the US Navy unknowingly came to our aid. An armada of Navy Landing Craft on training evolutions passed nearby creating enormous wakes that reverberated off the shores for quite some time giving us ample waves to accomplish test runs. Working with the staff of G-OPB-3 is a very worthwhile endeavor Pat feels. He found Captain Evans and staff Phil Cappel, Gary Larimer, and Jay Doubt to be very professionally and personally committed to PWC safety. Since PWCs have been a big part of Pats boating life, working to help reduce accidents is right on track with his Auxiliary commitment. For him, a perfect blend of work, fun, and boating safety. PWCs represent only 10% of all recreational boats, but they account for over 30% of all vessel accidents and almost 40% of all reported injuries. Even though the overall number of recreational boating fatalities has been declining in recent years, the number of PWC related fatalities have been increasing. About 77% of the fatalities resulting from accidents involving PWCs were not due to drowning, but attributed to PWCs striking a vessel, fixed object, or swimmer (79% of all PWC accidents). Finding a way to reduce these collisions would significantly reduce boating fatalities and injuries. So what is Off Throttle Steering, and why is it so important? PWCs steer and propel themselves via a jet pump/nozzle (connected by a drive shaft to the motor). The basic design of the jet pump/nozzle allows for steerage when there is thrust. When the PWC loses thrust from the release of the throttle or engine shutdown, there is little or no ability to steer the craft to avoid a collision. The vessel continues upon the direction in which the bow is pointed. Unfortunately, the intuitive reaction of releasing the throttle and turning the handlebars/nozzle has no real effect to avoid an object. Operators must learn to power out of close quarter situations, or avoid them altogether at higher speeds. Understanding this key principle is paramount in emergency situations. In 1998,the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) PWC Safety Study recommended that the Coast Guard and

February 2002
the Personal Watercraft Industry Association work to develop appropriate standards for steering on jet pump propelled vessels. The additional feature of Off Throttle Steering is to further increase safety of the boating public. The Coast Guards Office of Boating Safety (G-OPB) has been diligently overseeing these efforts. According to Captain Scott Evans, Chief, Office of Boating Safety, these efforts will significantly improve safety on our Nations waterways, and especially that of inexperienced operators of PWCs. Phil Cappel, Chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Division (G-OPB-3) has oversight of the Off Throttle Steering Program. His staff member, Gary Larimer, has been working with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) PWC Committee and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in developing a comprehensive Off Throttle Steering standard. According to Phil Cappel, one PWC manufacturer, Kawasaki, introduced an Off Throttle Steering System on one of its 2001 models. In 2002 another PWC manufacturer Bombardier/Seadoo, introduced an Off Throttle/Off Power Steering System on its new 4-stroke engine model. Both systems go about achieving Off Throttle Steering by different means. All PWC manufacturers will likely have models with off throttle steering capability by 2004. So, whats next in developing the standard? The results of the CG testing along with additional testing by the PWC industry will be used to refine the draft recommended practice. Once the recommended practice is acceptable to a majority of the SAE PWC Committee it will then proceed through a rigorous review process within SAE. If this review process goes well, an Off Throttle Steering recommended practice should be in place by mid 2003. As far as Pats commitment towards being one of Americas Volunteer Lifesavers, he is hoping for an expanding role with GOPB and the PWC programs, and do his part to promote and advance boating safety.

NEW PWC SAFETY STANDARD BEING DEVELOPED

Dan Kasberger, D-AD, D9WR The Coast Guard is working with boat manufacturers and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to develop a new safety standard for Off Throttle Steering capability for Personal Watercraft (PWC). To help in this venture, the USCG Office of Boating Safety (GOPB) recruited the help of Coast Guard Auxiliarist Patrick F. Leonardi from Illinois (9th Western Auxiliary District) for the underway-testing portion of the proposed standard conducted in September 2001, on Chesapeake Bay. Up until now there is has been no established standard for PWC Off Throttle Steering, but this is about to change due to the efforts of the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety and CG Auxiliarist Leonardi. Captain Scott Evans, Chief, Office of Boating Safety, enlisted the help of Auxiliarist Patrick Leonardi to pilot the test units. Captain Evans said, we needed an experienced PWC operator to help us validate the standards we were proposing, and Pat has fit the bill perfectly! Captain Evans continued, Pat has demonstrated impressive seamanship abilities through his involvement with the CG Auxiliary and at CG Stations in the Chicago area. In addition, his background of owning and racing PWCs since the late 1970's, along with his civilian background in transportation safety and risk management gave us a unique blend of practical knowledge, insight, and expertise to help complete this project. The Coast Guard was gathering data in support of a proposed SAE recommended practice in September 2001. Pat joined the staff of G-OPB-3 in the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay (VA) to do underway testing. Several days of testing were conducted and involved operating different PWCs at various wave heights and speeds up to 60mph. The main body of the tests included running through a buoy course to test deceleration factors. Precise handling and throttle control of each speed pass was a must in order to achieve consistent results. The tests were electronically timed, videotaped, and the results plotted on a graph. During the testing Pat observed, the need

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The Scuttlebutt

February 2002

Flotilla 12-8 Membership Meeting Minutes 9 January 2002

The meeting was called to order at 1900 by FC Dean Creed. Bob Mathewes led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Tom Beauchmin Jerome Bishop Marguerite Bishop Joey Bokern Dick Clark Dan Cowley Dean Creed Richard Daniel Richard Daniel Mike Ethridge Vinnie Gennaro Brett Grooms Allen James Mike Kahn Frank Leister Bob Lovinger Bob Matthews Lou Mintz Bob Orenstein James Tindall Dom Zito Guests present: Joe Devillier A.J. Smith Steve Yeomans

After the introduction of guests and visitors, new members Mike Ethridge and Allen James were sworn in. Bob Orenstein, Dom Zito and Mike Ethridge were sworn in as Flotilla Staff Officers for 2002. Mike Kahn and Bob Lovinger received their Crew certification and pin. Bob Orenstein and Dean Creed received their Coxswain qualification and pin. Frank Leister was acknowledged as officially transferring to Flotilla 12-8 from Flotilla 52 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dom Zito received the Sustained Service Award. Steve Yeoman, the Commander of the Charleston Power Squadron, provided a presentation on the work and activities of the Power Squadron. Steve stated that he hoped there would be more interaction between the Auxiliary and the Power Squadron in the future, and he issued an open invitation for all Flotilla members to join the Power Squadrons cruises-including the upcoming cruise to the Cape Romain lighthouse. He also issued an open invitation for all Flotilla members to attend any of the Power Squadron meetings. Steve pointed out that in 1970 there had been 1700 deaths on the water. By 2001 that number had dropped to 700. He stated that he felt those statistics were a testament to the good work done by organizations like the Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. Steve also offered to send any Flotilla

member who so desired, a copy of the Power Squadrons monthly newsletter, The Palmetto Log. The following Staff Officer Reports were received: ANDan Cowley announced the start of a regular ATON patrol. This patrol will occur on the Saturday following the monthly membership meeting, the second quarter of each month. The patrol will begin 3 hours before sunset and will continue until 3 hours after sunset. There will be a briefing session one hour before the patrol. The first patrol is scheduled for 16 February. There will be a briefing session at 1400, and the patrol will run from 1500-2100. Dan also announced that a workshop will be held soon for anyone interested in becoming an ATON verifier. Date and time to follow. CMMarguerite Bishop announced that there would be a new Comms/Weather class which would begin on 14 January at 1900. The second and final class would be held on 18 February at 1900. PADick Clark reminded everyone of the upcoming Boat Show January 24-27, and solicited help to man the Flotillas booth in the exhibit area at the Show. PERichard reported that a new BS&S course began on 8 January with approximately 10 participants. He also announced the completion of the last BS&S course on the evening of 8 January as well. PS Bob Orenstein requested some time

at the current BS&S course to address the attendees regarding membership in the Flotilla. Dean reminded everyone of the upcoming Change of Watch, and indicated there was still space available for those who wanted to attend. A draft of the 2002 Calendar was discussed and certain upcoming events were highlighted. Dean emphasized the new patrol schedule that provides for patrols on the water every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year. Dean indicated a final version of the 2002 Calendar would be posted on the Flotilla website. Dean asked for a volunteer to be responsible for refreshments at the monthly Membership Meetings. Marguerite Bishop volunteered. Allen James agreed to assist. Brett briefly discussed the current problems with the website, and he indicated he hoped to have those problems resolved soon. A possible dinner meeting with Flotilla 12-6 was discussed. There was also a discussion about upcoming training for Crew and Coxswain. Members were reminded that the Operations workshop will be required for all members seeking Crew and Coxswain qualification. This workshop is being planned. Dates and time to follow. The meeting adjourned at 2010.

DID YOU KNOW?

The recommended dimension of your towing bridle should be three times the width of your boat. Also, do not use a silicone-based spray such as WD-40 to clean electrical contacts on your boat. Get the appropriate cleaner at your local Radio Shack or marine equipment store. You should clean all contacts monthly in this very salty environment.

he problem with roadkill is that unless you travel the road frequently, you don't know how fresh it is. And true epicureans prefer fresh foods. To really be fresh I always mark any roadkill with orange spray paint on my way into town. (I live a few miles out) Then on my way back home I only collect (I call it harvesting) that which is not painted. That way I know it's fresh. Just don't tell your neighbors or they will sneak out there and get the good stuff.

Page 8

The Scuttlebutt

February 2002

Flotilla 12-8 Calendar February 2002

Sunday Jan 27 28 Monday FM Tuesday 29 BS&S Course 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church Wednesday 30 Thursday 31 BS&S Course 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church Friday Feb 1 Boys Toys on History Channel, 2200 hrs. 2 Saturday

Groundhog Day (Candlemas)

LQ

5 BS&S Course 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church

7 BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church

10

11

12 NM BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church Lincolns bday

13 Staff mtg 1800 Membership mtg 1900, base Chas Lighthouse Maintenance (contact Dan Cowley for info) 20 FQ

14 BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church Valentines Day

15

16 ATON/ PATON patrol (contact Dan Cowley for info)

17

18

19 BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church

21 BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church

22

23

Presidents Day 24 25 26 BS&S Course, 1900 hrs at Yeamans Park Presby Church 27 FM 28

Washingtons birthday Mar 1 2 Boating Safely course begins (ends next Saturday)

WEATHER FOLKLORE AND LEGEND

If Candlemas Day is fair and bright, winter will take another fight; If Candlemas Day brings storm and rain, winter is gone and will not come again.

AUXILIARY OPERATIONAL MEMBER

AUXACN An Auxiliarist who is qualified as a Navigation Specialist is a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual knows where his/her vessel is at any given time and keeps it from danger. The Navigation Specialist is also well prepared to participate in our Public Education program, teaching the piloting portion of our basic courses and participating in the Advanced Coastal (ACN) course. AUXMIN The AUXMIN Specialty is focused on Auxiliary administration. It provides essential knowledge to advance in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as an elected and appointed officer. The AUXMIN course material is based upon the Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN). AUXCOM The AUXCOM requirement is one of the few specialties cited as a requirement for other Auxiliary activities: ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or Direction Finding Radio Facility. It is also required by Communications Officers who conduct radio facility inspections. AUXCOM is also the entry level requirement for communications watchstander training at Coast Guard units. AUXPAT The AUXPAT Specialist is another genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. This individual fully understands the complete spectrum of operational patrol activities both on the water and in the air, such as: Safety Patrol, Search and Rescue (SAR), Regatta spectator safety control, Chart Updating/Aids to Navigation Patrols, to name a few. Practical knowledge achieved by the AUXPAT Specialist engenders a keen awareness of, and response to, emergency situations, without jeopardizing the crew and facility. (Continued on reverse side)

AUXOP

ABOUT AUXOP
The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available only to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has completed the seven advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. The seven advanced specialties are: AUXACN: Navigation AUXMIN: Administrative AUXCOM: Communications AUXPAT: Patrols AUXSAR: Search and Rescue AUXSEA: Seamanship AUXWEA: Weather Originally, the AUXOP member represented the most highly trained Auxiliarist, and is focused on surface vessel operations.. Te Boat Crew Qualification program replaced the need for AUXOP and specialty qualifications for participation in surface operations with a comprehensive craftsman approach. A COXSWAIN in the Boat Crew program is a master craftsman. The AUXOP member is the PhD. Individuals who have completed the AUXOP program are indeed experts in Auxiliary operations. They have little difficulty in completing the requirements of the Boat Crew program, and are well qualified to participate in the public education program. The Director of Auxiliary controls the examinations for the AUXOP Specialties. All of the examinations are closed-book, with a passing score of 75%.

AUXSAR An AUXSAR Specialist is well qualified in search and rescue and a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. The AUXSAR training is designed to present a thorough understanding of the policy, organization, and procedures involved in the search and rescue process as generally practiced by the U.S. Coast Guard. The AUXSAR Specialist is aware of the overall structure of the search and rescue organization, is able to plan search operations, and has an understanding of towing principles, towline properties, and recognition of the effects of sea state, to ensure a safe and successful search and rescue. AUXSEA The AUXSEA specialist is a particularly valuable asset in Auxiliary operations as knowledge of vessels and proficiency in their operation is a major Auxiliary interest. An AUXSEA Specialist has extensive knowledge of vessels and their propulsion systems as well as detailed information on how vessels are constructed, founded, and operated. The AUXSEA Specialist understands marine engines, knows how to perform minor repairs, is knowledgeable on vessel handling in normal and heavy weather, and how to approach distress situations. These attributes, when combined with the studies and practical training of the Boat Crew program, will make the member a competent and reliable crewmember of an Auxiliary vessel. AUXWEA

HOW TO OBTAIN AUXOP TRAINING You must be a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary before you can obtain AUXOP training. See any Coast Guard Auxiliarist for information on how to join the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Obtaining AUXOP training is easy: 1. See your Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training, FSO-MT, about an AUXOP Specialty course in your area. 2. AUXOP Specialist courses may be taken either as formal courses, or by self-study. 3. Examinations are ordered through your Flotilla Commander, or the FSO-MT. Examinations for AUXOP Specialist courses must be proctored by a Coast Guard Officer or Petty Officer, or designated Auxiliarist. The examination is closed book, with a passing score of 75%. If you take the formal course, your instructor will provide the materials. If you wish to do the course by self-study, then you may order the course materials through your Flotilla Staff Officer for Materials, FSOMA, from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). The materials consist of the student text, student study guide, and the instructor guide.

AUXOP TRAINING MAINTENANCE The AUXWEA Specialist is a genuine asset to Auxiliary operations activities. This individual understands the weather, its importance in the marine environment, and to the conduct of safe and effective operations. The AUXWEA Specialist is able to make accurate and valuable short range (several hours) weather forecasts to enable crewmates to avoid dangerous weather conditions while performing their patrol activities. Long range (two or more days) forecasts are also developed to assist in planning operations activities. The AUXWEA Specialist develops a keen sense of weather processes, including those which have an element of danger: thunderstorms, squall lines, fog, tornadoes, and other severe phenomena. A comprehensive knowledge of weather processes and effects is essential to the competent mariner, whether on the high seas, the coastal areas, lakes and rivers, or local reservoirs.

AUXOP training is maintained by the Department of Training. Comments on the course materials are welcome and can be provided by sending them to: Department Chief, Training c/o U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Center 9449 Watson Industrial Park St. Louis, MO 63126

US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

FREE

A Free Check of your vessels compliance with federal and state requirements is scheduled for:

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