FEBRUARY 2016 VOLUME VII ISSUE 2 NEXT MEETING 17 FEBRUARY 1900 MEETINGS: 3RD WEDNESDAY - EMERGENCY SERVICE COMPLEX, COMMERCE ST.

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1 MEETINGS: 3RD WEDNESDAY - EMERGENCY SERVICE COMPLEX, COMMERCE ST., MANNING FLOTILLA 12-1 LAKE MARION, SC USCG AUXILIARY FEBRUARY 2016 JOURNAL USCG AUXILIARISTS RECEIVE NO PAY, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE WORTHLESS BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE PRICELESS FLOTILLA COMMANDER William Hayes Thank you for your commitment to the Auxiliary! As we embark upon the voyage of the 2016, there are many opportunities on the horizon. The mission is important and we must be ready for the challenge. It was a pleasure to meet our newest potential member Rocky Roquemore at our February meeting. Rocky is interested in the Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Program. We welcome you to Flotilla This year can be one of our best. Set your personal goals to increase every area of your involvement by at least 10%. This will inspire your shipmates to do more and the synergy effect will expound. As we go about our mission, whether on the water, in the classroom or at some public affairs event, remember we all represent "Team Coast Guard". It is our responsibility to conduct ourselves with Honor, Integrity, and Dignity. Wear the uniform proudly and properly. We are a part of something larger than ourselves. Thanks for your service. Ω Semper Paratus! WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED I of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

2 FLOTILLA VICE COMMANDER (VFC) Bob Young Last month I addressed cold weather injury prevention. You know, its been real cold lately and the water temperature surely has dropped A LOT. Low water temp and low air temp is a sure death sentence for anyone not prepared for a possible cold weather immersion. Recently the striped bass have been schooling in Lake Marion and the fishermen are out - in force - and many are not - NOT - prepared for a dip in the now very cold water. I repeat my plea in last month's newsletter - If you know someone who fishes in the winter, speak to them about cold water immersion survival and the knowing the dangers of cold weather boating operations, the absolute criticality of wearing a PFD, having a float plan and making sure that someone knows the plan and what they are doing on the lake. Ω MEMBER TRAINING Perry Moses III At our monthly flotilla meeting we reviewed how to properly extract a hypothermic victim from the water onto the beach and into several various types of vessels. The importance of handling the victim gently was stressed along with how to best protect the victim while being transported to the nearest access to professional medical care. We also each had an opportunity to use expired day/night flares at the end of our meeting. We were joined by two firemen on duty at the Clarendon County fire department where we hold our monthly meeting. I think the members were surprised by how long the flares burned as well as how bright the flares brought by Larry Odom were. His flares had been given to him several years ago and came off a dredge or barge. During the flotilla meeting I passed around a print out from datainfo' which showed which members were in REYR for the various certifications. We have serval members who will need to be recertified as well as several members who as of December 31,2015, had not completed the mandatory training. I have offered to assist any member who is willing to come to my office where we will complete as many of the mandatory training sessions as time will permit. We have also scheduled an ABS course for Saturday Feb 6 th for our prospective new members as well as an opportunity for our instructors to practice the presentation of the course material before we again offer it to the public. Our training for the February meeting will be the TCT annual review. Ω Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina (173.7 Sq. Mi./110,600 acres) (33rd in US), centrally located and with territory within five counties. The lake is referred to as SC s Inland Sea. Combined with Lake Moultrie (60,000+ acres) and the upper Cooper River, Flotilla 12-1 s responsibility exceeds 250,000 acres (390+ square miles). We also patrol the Santee and Congaree Rivers. WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED II of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

3 OPERATIONS Joe Livingston, VDCDR 12 Well cold weather has finally arrived. It didn't seem as though it would for a while, but it is here and with it has come an increased risk for hypothermia when on the water. At our January Flotilla meeting Perry presented excellent video training on the dangers of hypothermia and how to handle persons rescued from cold water immersion. The equipment used in the video (large piece of plastic for a moisture barrier and a sleeping bag for insulation) is equipment that all facility owners should certainly add to their onboard gear during the winter months. We should also be aware, not only as auxiliary boat crewmen but also as private boaters, at what point different types of cold weather gear are necessary to protect, not only from the cold in general, but more importantly from hypothermia should we accidentally go into the water. Included here is the Auxiliary Boat Crew Manual chart showing the requirements for cold weather PPE. Adhering to the equipment requirements for specific temperatures as prescribed in this chart can not only make you more comfortable in cold weather, it can also mean the difference between life and death especially should you wind up in the water. What happens if you go out without the proper PPE and you find yourself treading cold water? Take a look at the numbers below pretty sobering. It s cold out. Have and use the right gear for the environment you are in. As Coast Guard Auxiliarists in the OPS program, we are required, and trained, to use the proper equipment for the conditions we are operating in. Following this guide and encouraging others to do so also will save lives. Semper Paratus. Ω COLD WATER TEMPERATURES DECREASES TIME BEFORE EXHAUSTION & DECREASES SURVIVAL TIME WATER TEMP (F ) EXHAUSTION/UNCONSCIOUSNESS SURVIVAL 32.5 Under 15 minutes 45 minutes minutes minutes minutes 1-3 hours hours 1-6 hours hours 2-40 hours hours 3 hours to indefinite Over 80 Indefinite Indefinite WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED III of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

4 Tangled lines can be dangerous. In addition to docking and spring lines, every berth also has PUBLICATIONS COMO Jay Dahlgren SHARING THE LOAD electrical lines and water hoses. When taken together, they can present a serious hazard. Sometimes marinas are more akin to rocking horses than walkways treacherous even at the best of times. For safety s sake, be mindful of the lines that attach to your boat. The bitter ends of dock lines should be neatly formed into a Flemish coil. Aside from presenting a handsome appearance at the dock, this prevents the lines from running wild. Electrical cords should be plugged in and coiled twice around the outlet at the dockside then strung to the boat, leaving no excess cord on the dock. Water hoses are a particular hazard because they re long. Now you can buy inexpensive hoses that coil themselves into a tight, manageable circle, leaving a less hazardous footprint on the dock. Ω While Auxiliarists typically do not perform the work of active duty Coast Guard personnel, and m o s t o f t h e t i m e a c t i n supportive roles, job definitions are quite dynamic and the status of a given position between the two elements varies widely. As the Coast Guard must rely on only experienced Auxiliarists, it becomes more clear why we go through (unpaid) extensive training. Please remember that when under orders, the Coast Guard has complete responsibility for our welfare as well as the facilities we bring to the task at hand. This is why we must be completely sharp, alert and fully trained when performing our assigned missions. When Auxiliarists and Coast Guard members participate jointly, the later will discover they have an unexpected ally in our organization. When we live up to their expectations, Coast Guard members should discover that they have more in common than in conflict with our group of volunteers. We nor they believe Coast Guard members are expendable and can be replaced by Auxiliarists. On the contrary, the great bulk of Auxiliarists care enough to donate their time in hopes it will further benefit the Coast Guard. Finally, the most enduring basis for cooperative relationships between our organizations is for representatives of the Coast Guard and our volunteers to work out in advance of any program implementation, explicit understandings regarding the rationale for the involvement of our Auxiliarists. Ω LEXICON: EEL LOVE - THAT S A MORAY WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED IV of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

5 VESSEL EXAMINATIONS/MATERIALS Ron Cunningham The CGAUX manual for Vessel Examiners says we should be always ready to do a Vessel Safety Check wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself. We mostly do our VEs when doing what we call a VE Blitz. Our contribution as Auxiliarists, in doing Vessel Safety Checks, is to assist boaters in looking methodically at their equipment and intentions. Sometimes it is the boater more than the boat that I am checking. We should discuss what gadgets would be handy - all well-stored in dry bags. And, what perils they they might anticipate - thunderstorms inevitably and, of course, the potential hazards of encountering larger vessels that could place one in harm s way and make your boating experience unpleasant. I always stress the difference between cell phones and VHF radios, review heat-related dangers, and remind them to have insect repellent in their first aid kit. Once we covered everything and their vessel passes inspection, I present their VE decal. Ω PROGRAM VISITOR Boating Safety Visitation Program Larry Odom Auxiliarists may seek qualification as a Program Visitor (PV). To do so, the Auxiliarist must be BQ and be familiar with the contents of the Vessel Safety Check Program, COMDTINST M (series), and the Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program Manual, COMDTINST M (series). For initial qualification as a PV, the Auxiliarist must take and pass the current RBS-VP qualification examination. This examination is open book with a three-hour time limit and a passing score of 90 percent. In addition, two practice visits must be conducted with a currently certified PV. To remain certified, PVs must conduct at least four recreation boating safety visits each year. Ω Meeting and associating with the masses is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our members need this sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things of all religions and race cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one s lifetime. We in the USCG Auxiliary strive for nothing less than complete melding, understanding and acceptance of our membership s diverse backgrounds and history. ΩΩ William Hayes, FC 12-1 FSO-DV WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED V of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

6 Fastest disappearing nation Ukraine With a natural decrease in population of.8% annually, between now and 2050 Ukraine is expected to lose around 30% of its people. The average person's skin weighs twice as much as the brain. Human thighbones are stronger than concrete. Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still. WORDS May your troubles be less May your blessings be more May nothing but happiness come Through your door! TRIVIA There are more Irish in New York City Than in Dublin, Ireland COLUMBIA BOAT SHOW February 2016 The show hours are as follows: Friday, 10am -8pm Saturday, 10am - 8pm Sunday, 10am - 6pm FEBRUARY columbia boat show 14 valentine s day 15 president s day 17 Flotilla meeting 29 FORM 7029 click for form CHECK WITH Joe Livingston AND Perry Moses III FOR SCHEDULED PATROLS Riddle: Why do scuba divers fall backwards out of a boat? INDIA - As if one head wasn t bad enough! WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED VI of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

7 NAUTICAL PUZZLE FEBRUARY 2016 ACROSS 4. PROP BUBBLES 5. BOAT SIDE 8. CHART EXPLANATION 12. TRACK PORTION 13. RISING TIDE (2wds) 16. RAPID CURRENT 18. POLE SPIKE DOWN 1. INCREASED WIND FORCE 2. STONE MOUND 3. CABIN FLOOR 4. WATERPROOF 6. BOW SLANT 7. MAYDAY 9. ASTERN 10. MARINE JOHN 11. AVAST 14. BLOCKS & LINE 15. CURRENT SPEED 17. BOAT CABIN 19. HIGH WATER DIVISION 12 JANUARY 2016 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 2016 Division 12 Commander Allen Hap James called the first quarterly Division 12 meeting to order at 1310, 9 January All seven flotillas were represented. In addition, Carl Motes, DCAPT-N, was present. The previous 2015 Fall meeting minutes were approved. Excellent Award Banners were presented to Flotillas 12-4, 12-6 and Joe Livingston, VDCDR 12, called for Division Staff Officer reports. Allen James, DCDR 12, followed with his comments which included the disbanding of Flotilla 12-2 with assets and area responsibilities to be transferred to Flotilla COMO Bob Weskerna, DCO 7, gave a brief presentation which included: FC training is now on the D7 website; Our district will be enjoying a new Director in May; The NSBW awards will be issued soon; and a reminder not to forget DTRAIN 2016 scheduled September 2016 at the Florida Mall Hotel, Orlando. Ω WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED VII of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

8 division 12 change of watch 2016 Photos thanks to Barbara Burchfield and Sue Hastings Joe Ron William Jay Division 12 January 2016 Quarterly Meeting CONGRATULATIONS 2016 Division 12 Flotilla Commanders WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED VIII of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

9 division 12 change of watch D7 PALM AWARD recipients David Hastings - Richard Daniel - Ken Plesser - Al Crothers - Festus Burchfield - COMO Dahlgren - Barbara Burchfield - Sue Hastings Displaying the D7 Commodore s coin (Palm Award) he presented to Division 12 members who contributed hours 2016 DCDR 12 & VDCDR 12 Pledge of Office Lt. Jeff Prebeck, D7 AUXLO 2016 Flotilla Commanders WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED IX of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

10 division 12 change of watch 2016 Swearing-in ceremony complete WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED X of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage

11 CONSTRICTOR KNOT The easy-to-cast constrictor knot is frequently used as a secure binding for closing a sack or to fasten a line to another line for in-linepulling (D). Difficult to untie, the constrictor knot should be used where you desire a permanent knot. In practice, the ends are frequently heatmelted so the knot cannot be untied. A. To apply the knot, take a turn around the objects to be tied, pass the bitter end over the working part, and take another turn around the objects to the left of the working part. As the arrow shows, bring the bitter end over the working part and up under the bottom and top parts of the first turn. B. Pull tightly on the bitter end and working part to cinch the knot. C. & D. To provide for a parallel pull on the working part, add a half hitch with the bitter end as shown. To improve pulling ability still more, add as many consecutive half hitches as required to prevent slipping. NEW FACILITY? If they fell forward, they d still be in the boat. WHAT CAN T BE CURED MUST BE ENDURED XI of XI Flotilla 12-1 Webpage