J U L Y V O L U M E I V I S S U E 7 N E X T M E E T I N G 1 7 J u l THE INLAND SEA FLOTILLA 12-1 LAKE MARION, SC USCG AUXILIARY

Transcription

1 N E X T M E E T I N G 1 7 J u l THE INLAND SEA FLOTILLA 12-1 LAKE MARION, SC N e w s l e t t e r USCG AUXILIARY Lake Marion - largest lake (173.7 Sq. Mi./110,600 acres) in South Carolina (33rd in US), centrally located and with territory within five counties. The lake is referred to as South Carolina's Inland Sea. Combined with Lake Moultrie and the upper Cooper River, Flotilla 12-1 s responsibility exceeds 250,000 acres. FLOTILLA COMMANDER BM1 Jared Wike BM1 Mike Miller Happy 74th Birthday - USCG Auxiliary (June 23rd). It is an honor to serve John Owen with such a long-standing organization. Our efforts to our boating public during National Safe Boating Week were outstanding! Thanks to all of you who spent your time with the numerous events conducted throughout our huge areas of responsibility. As you complete individual and flotilla activities, please ensure you submit the hours to record your times. I sent an out to all members with the total flotilla activities and hours thus far for It is vital that each of us accurately reflect the amount of time we spend on Auxiliary activities. During our June meeting, we were honored with a visit from Station Charleston s BM1 Jared Wike and BM1 Mike Miller. They shared mutual activities and happenings of the Gold Side and thanked us for our efforts. Please mark your calendars for the July 12 (Sector Charleston Change of Command) and July 13 (Division 12 Meeting). We would enjoy seeing all flotilla members at these events. Please keep up the efforts to promote boating safety since we are in the middle of a very busy boating season. I have noticed more boats on the water and larger boats than usual on the lake due to higher water levels. Don t forget the busy July 4th extended weekend and the upcoming August 2 and 3 Cabela s Catfish Tournament. I hope to see you all on the lakes and at the next meeting. Ω USCG Auxiliarists receive no pay, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless M e e t i n g s : T h i r d W e d n e s d a y - C l a r e n d o n C o. E m e r g e n c y S e r v i c e C o m p l e x, Commerce St., Manning

2 FLOTILLA VICE COMMANDER VFC Joe Newman I just found out about this federally protected area recently from Don Drose. I was aware of the game refuge, but unaware of the closures to all entry as indicated on the map and unaware that all fishers needed to have a copy of Permit in hand if fishing during the open season. With summer in full swing the public is now back on the water in full force. All of us in the Auxiliary who are BQ (Basically Qualified) have been through the basic boating course. The key skills (and attitudes) that we learned in that course are a great short list we can and should pass on to our friends and relatives who have been "just too busy" to take a full boating course. If we have trouble remembering what's important, here's a quick memory aid: Boat inspection On board safety equipment At the dock Trailering Sober operation Attentiveness Float Plan Emergencies MEMBER TRAINING June has flown by with continuing weather problems on several weekends along with many of our members having other commitments limiting our opportunity to have on water training. Weather permitting, Perry Moses III we will be on the water the weekend of 29 June with two boat drills to refresh all of our boat crew members skills in preparation for the busy summer season. On a patrol earlier in June we did review our SAR s search patterns and took advantage of some choppy seas in the main area of the lake to practice in what might be a more realistic situation. At our June flotilla meeting, FC Owen presented a powerpoint presentation on recruitment and retention that was appreciated by all in attendance. We plan to review radio etiquette at our July flotilla meeting. Ω CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to our FC, John Owen: Sustained Auxiliary Service Award - fourth; and to our VFC, Joe Newman: Sustained Auxiliary Service Award - second. Congratulations again to both our FC and VFC upon satisfactory completion of the Search Coordination and Rescue Course.! Life is measured in deeds not years! II

3 OPERATIONS Thankfully, more money is now available for funding Auxiliary patrols so we are now getting out on the water more. During this past month your Flotilla mounted 4 patrols two by Master Chief and two by Miss Ally. One of the patrols by Master Chief was a joint Operational Training Exercise (QE/ Coxswain Training) with sister Flotilla 12-6 Facility Voyager operated by Joe Livingston Festus (Coxswain/QE) and Barbara Burchfield. REMEMBER! - Check your gear before getting out on the water. Much gear of all kinds can ruin when left in a damp boat locker and not used or exercised for months at a time, especially when some or all of those months are HOT! Check your life jackets especially to make sure that the buckles still work, there are no tears or punctures, and that they are not soaked and waterlogged. Don t wait until you need them to find out they don t work. Do you have a whistle, signaling mirror, and locator beacon attached? Check these too. If you boat at night that beacon or locator light could make the difference between life and death so make sure it works. The chemical light stick is a cheap, easy way to equip your life jackets with lights. Just be sure they are not out of date. Short story you probably wouldn t start out on a trip to New York, New Orleans, etc. without checking your car for the things you need to make your trip safe. Do the same when starting on a boating trip: PLAN TO BE SAFE! Ω We have a new Facility!! Congratulations and THANK YOU to John Owen for offering his boat as a Facility. It has been certified as such and now joins Master Chief, Miss Ally, and Reel Thrill in the lineup of Flotilla 12-1 Operational Facilities. It takes much time and effort to get a boat equipped and set up to meet Coast Guard standards as an Auxiliary Facility -- and it s not CHEAP so again, thank you John! Now, on to Coxswain! Which of these is required on federally controlled waters for boats less than 39.4 feet (12 meters)? A) A VHF radio B) Whistle C) Paddle or oar D) First aid kit FLOTILLA 12-1 NEEDS YOU FOR BOAT CREW If you have been thinking of becoming boat crew certified now is a good time to get started. As we gain more facilities we will need more boat crews to man them so, Step up! Get going! Become a 12-1 Boat Crew!! Life is measured in deeds not years! III

4 NAVIGATION SYSTEMS/MARINE SAFETY No article this month, still on vacation in upper NY State. I do have a pic you might be able to use. Taken from the deck of sailing vessel (bark rig) off St. Martin. Boat is 102 years old, much history under it's keel. I Shot the pic along with many others of the sunset. The ship's binnacle (original) had the oil lamp complete with wick for the light source. Also had all the newest GPS navigation equipment. During WW2 it was used by the Germans in the North Sea as an aircraft spotter. See you in September, Dick. Ω Ron Cunningham VESSEL EXAMINATIONS/MATERIALS Vessel Examiners: Now is the time to get out and look for the novice boaters; strangers; et al, and then offer the VE inspection for both local & out of state boaters. We need to warn the non local boaters about our beautiful lake to include hidden treasures, stumps, downed trees, and sand bars. If any of you examiners want to go out during the week, contact me. I have a couple of hours most afternoons that I could meet people with the trailer to do inspections. We could also use an occasional Public Affairs person to hand out flyers and tell the people about the Auxiliary and its purposes. So one and all call me and let s inspect. No MAterials activity this month. Ω William Hayes PUBLIC AFFAIRS Richard Phillips After a busy start, things are settling down. We must all be vigilant in searching out opportunities to promote safe boating and the Auxiliary. The Fourth of July is fast approaching and the peak of boating season is here. Whenever you see people with a boat or heading out on the water, remind them to be safe and wear their "Life Jacket". Remember we are all Ambassadors of "Team Coast Guard"! Ω Location incorrectly listed in May newsletter Ron Cunningham at Scarborough s! Life is measured in deeds not years! IV

5 SOUTH CAROLINA S LUCKY 13 (Lakes) (Final four) Number 10: Lake Greenwood, 11,400 acres, located in the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry, is one of South Carolina's more popular lakes. Stretching 20 miles and with a shoreline of 212 miles, Lake Greenwood is the site for many recreational activities as well as residential homes. Number 11: Nestled into the pristine Appalachian Mountains of northwestern South Carolina and southwestern North Carolina, Lake Jocassee reaches its watery depths down 300 feet and out over 7,500 acres. Burying underwater an area once home to part of the Cherokee nation. Number 12: Created in 1916, Fishing Creek Reservoir, on the Catawba River in the Old English Region of South Carolina is aptly named: the 3112-acre lake provides a steady source of water to Chester County, South Carolina and a source of fishing and paddling enjoyment to both residents and visitors. Number 13: Lake Robinson spreads out over 2,250 acres in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties near Hartsville, South Carolina. Lake Robinson is long and narrow, about 4.5 miles long and less than a mile wide. The lake was created by Progress Power (formerly Carolina Power & Light) with construction of the Lake Robinson Dam on Black Creek in RBSVP PV (Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program) GENERAL PUBLIC BENEFITS OF PV. 1.Providing public boating safety education; 2.Making boaters aware of federal, state and local safety requirements; 3.Where to seek further boating educational opportunities; Lee Rudd 4.Advising boaters of Coast Guard and Auxiliary boating safety missions and services; 5. To provide better understanding of responsibilities of a boater or passenger. Ω Bell s Marina, Eutawville 6/8/13! Life is measured in deeds not years! V

6 PUBLICATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Jay Dahlgren E.Writing Receipt-requested conveys one of three messages to your reader: 1) I ll sleep better tonight if I know you received this message; 2) I want to know exactly what time you read this message; or 3) In case, you try to weasel out of something, I want proof that you received this message so you can t claim you didn t know about it. When you request a receipt, understand that readers will give your gesture one of these interpretations. You can t control which one. Ω SOUND SMARTER (con t) You almost never mean: Impact. You usually mean: Affect. Why: Impact shouldn t be forced into service as a verb. No: The decision impacts everyone. Yes: The decision affects everyone. Have a question or comment? You can contact those elected and staff officers that agree to this by clicking on their name (if underlined) on his or her photo. SECRETARY/RECORDS - INFORMATION SYSTEMS FC called meeting to order at 1900hrs followed by POA and invocation and welcomed visitors BM1 s Jared Wike and Mike Miller from USCG Station Charleston. FSO-VE/MA reported good NSBW events / has decals available / experiencing problems inputting VEs into the AUX database. Also, that Scarborough's Landing has invited him to return for VE blitz's (planning to do some in July 2013). FSO- OP reported several patrols conducted thus far; planning for additional this Bob Young coming weekend and next weekend. Noted that no public activities currently being planned for Fourth of July. FSO-PV reported doing best we can with dealers / SC Santee State Park remains our best supporter; FSO-MT / negative report; FSO-FN (remotely) reported deposit from recent ABS course; FSO-HR reported that prospective new member Jim Johnson's application for membership was being submitted; FSO-IS/SR reported that all SR reports had been submitted and negative report on IS. Discussion of planned 22 Sep social event conducted. Detailed plans being worked. FC reported on NSBW activities with five mayoral proclamations, one TV/Radio spot interview, several lake patrols conducted and numerous VEs conducted. Great effort on NSBW by flotilla members. FC reminded all of need to "acknowledge" reading of USCG Commandants letter on Sexual Harassment. Also, "Sequestration" continues to impact operations - particularly items like D-Train. He also discussed possible venues for the Division 12 COW in January More to follow. Any input on this matter would be appreciated. Ω! Life is measured in deeds not years! VI

7 Ellen Newman PUBLIC EDUCATION We wrapped up our spring ABS program with another 13 attendees--7 of them under 17! That brings our total this year to 35. For the summer, we're going to pause a bit on ABS courses. In recent years, we've discovered it's a challenge to pull together a full class during the height of summer. Last year we had to cancel summer programs when we had fewer students signed up than instructors for the class. The local folks apparently want to spend their weekends on the water, rather than sitting in a classroom learning About Boating Safely. We do still have some feelers out with schools and scouts for possibly sponsoring youth-targeted programs, probably in the fall. For now we'll concentrate on PE participation in Vessel Exams, Program Visitor, and Public Affairs events. Ω Our newest Instructor William Hayes HUMAN RESOURCES/ DIVERSITY John Owen Jim Johnson has completed his application, fingerprints, ABS Course and the New Member Exam when signatures are completed, we ll get the materials off for division and district review. It is always a pleasure to have someone enthusiastic about joining. During the June meeting, we presented the power-point program Recruiting Best Practices for the 21st Century and discussed means and avenues for our flotilla to use the information. We will continue discussions at future meetings. Please recommend the various Auxiliary websites to folks who show an interest in joining us. The only requirements are they need to be a minimum of 17 years of age and a US citizen. Please refer to page XIV in this newsletter. Ω! Life is measured in deeds not years! VII

8 JOINT PATROL & TRAINING ON LAKE MURRAY 1 June 2013 Article and photos Barbara Burchfield 12-6 Festus Burchfield, Coxswain on VOYAGER talks with COMO Jay Dahlgren and William Hayes on MASTER CHIEF about the training exercise. Operational facility VOYAGER assists in providing a perimeter safety zone for paddleboards and kayaks at Dreher Island, Lake Murray. Flotilla 12-1 Lake Marion, COMO Jay Dahlgren and William Hayes aboard MASTER CHIEF arriving to join Flotilla 12-6 East Cooper, Festus and B a r b a r a B u r c h f i e l d a b o a r d VOYAGER on Lake Murray 1 June 2013 for training and maritime observation patrols. A paddleboard and kayak event took place from Dreher Island State Park that morning with about 100 colorful human powered vessels. Later, in a GPS training exercise, lessons were learned how to quickly find a location by latitude and longitude, and the effects of pushing the Man Overboard button. Ω The Burchfield s VOYAGER! Life is measured in deeds not years! VIII

9 Sheet Bend (for tall piles) Type to enter textprobably the fastest and best method of joining two lines, especially of unequal diameter, the sheet bend s unlikely to capsize even with a sudden load. Rather, the greater the load on the knot, the greater the jamming action will be, making this a good knot for towing. Tie the sheet bend by forming an open bight near the bitter end of the first line. Thread the second line up through the loop, around the back of the loop and back under itself. Make sure both bitter ends are on the same side and not diagonally opposite each other, which would weaken the knot. Pull and shape the knot before applying load. Sector Charleston Change Of Command Friday, 12 July 2013 Patriot s USS YORKTOWN, Hanger Deck, aft bay Captain Ric Rodriguez, USCG will assume command from Captain Michael White, USCG Amazon TRIVIA The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% of the world's oxygen supply. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles at sea off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon River is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three times the flow of all rivers in the United States. How long did the Hundred Years War last? Lexicon: Highway protest sign End Roadwork! Life is measured in deeds not years! IX

10 Tying up There s a saying, Don t tie the dock to the boat; tie the boat to the dock. This also applies during raft-ups. It means to keep the adjustment and control of your boat on your own boat. Always pass the eye of the dock line to the dock (or other boat). The person on the dock (or boat) should put the eye around the cleat. Cleat-off the dock line on your boat. Now you can easily adjust your dock line without leaving your boat. Once understood, this technique seems so simple and obvious. Heaving When heaving a dock line, don t aim at the receiving person s head. No one wants a wet dock line in the face, but we often have to dodge them. BOATING SAFELY The midnight cruise Of a boater for beer Led to a warmer Hemisphere. If you are on the receiving end of a thrown dock line, hold out your arm to one side to encourage the thrower to aim to the side instead of your head. Coiling When coiling a line, don t put half-twists into each loop. This causes the line to tangle and fall into the water. As you coil a wet line, the line naturally wants to form a figure 8 for each coil; let it. Practice this technique and you may be surprised to find the line much easier to coil and toss. July July Independence Day 13 July Division Meeting Mt. Pleasant 17 July flotilla 12-1 meeting 31 July 7029s to FSO-IS WORDS Weather Lore Winds that swing against the sun And winds that bring the rain are one. Winds that swing round with the sun Keep the rain storm on the run. How long did the Hundred Years War last? 116 years! Life is measured in deeds not years! X

11 DANGEROUS GAS AVOIDING CO POISONING The combustion and burning of gasoline and diesel fuel produces poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, it s difficult to tell when you are being exposed. Boats and other watercraft without emission control equipment exhaust a great deal of carbon monoxide, which interferes with your body's ability to use oxygen. Anyone who spends any time near the rear end of a boat can be exposed to too much carbon monoxide. Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration. High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness or death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other illnesses. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, weakness, confusion and nausea. You can take a few simple precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Stay away from boat exhaust. Keep your boat motor off at all times while you are docked. Never allow your boat motor to idle to run appliances like radios. Avoid crowded areas where lots of boats congregate if some of the boats are idling. Boat exhaust can also flow back into the rear of the boat. The amount of carbon monoxide can reach life-threatening concentrations on and near swim decks. If you think someone on your watercraft has carbon monoxide poisoning, move him or her to fresh air quickly and contact your nearest emergency services personnel. FACT It s always smart to carry a VHF, a first-aid kit, and even a secondary means of propulsion, such as an oar. However, the regulations require that you carry a sound-making device, which will help you get attention from nearby boats if you need help. The correct answer is b. During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools. Saliva is more important than you realize. If your saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.! Life is measured in deeds not years! XI

12 COMMANDANT S MESSAGE R Z MAY 13 SUBJ: COMMANDERS INTENT - CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE SEXUAL ASSAULT FROM OUR COAST GUARD 1. To execute the diverse, challenging and often hazardous missions of the Coast Guard, we must all share a strong bond of trust and mutual respect. Without both, discipline erodes, mission readiness is degraded and the performance of our people is diminished. Sexual assault is a crime. Commission of this act is a breach of trust, violation of our core values and, therefore, must be eliminated from our Service. The presence of sexual predators in our midst is unacceptable. The Coast Guard will establish an effective program of prevention, response, accountability of offenders and unqualified support for victims without fear of stigma. 2. The following is my direction: a. Create a culture intolerant of sexual assault or behaviors that enable it. Ensure that every man and woman in the Coast Guard, including active, reserve and civilian and Auxiliarist, is clear regarding expectations. Our goal is to eliminate the commission of these acts. There are no bystanders in this effort, I expect all hands commitment. b. Prevent sexual assault including unwelcome sexual contact. Rapidly transform our Service climate to ensure that every Coast Guardsman takes ownership of this problem, recognizing their duty to stop sexual assault before it occurs. Enhance training so that all hands recognize indicators of this behavior and are prepared to intervene. c. Improve the availability and quality of response resources and trusted peer networks. Establish an environment that, when an assault is committed, victims come forward to report the offense with confidence, trusting that they will be protected and cared for without fear of reprisal or retaliation. Strengthen the program of victim advocacy extending throughout the process. d. Hold anyone who commits the crime of sexual assault accountable. Improve reporting, investigative and prosecution processes to ensure timely outcomes. Ensure objectivity and full accountability as an effective deterrent. e. Establish a program for victim advocacy and aftercare. 3. The Vice Commandant will personally oversee execution of this Commanders Intent. The Deputy Commandant for Mission Support will act as executive agent for implementation of the Coast Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) strategic plan and follow-on actions. Leaders at all levels will gain full knowledge of the scope of this problem and Service strategies for eliminating sexual assault from the Coast Guard. Individual leaders are responsible for demonstrated commitment. I expect every Coast Guardsman to display the same level of dedication and courage executing this intent that they would on a lifesaving mission - that is, in fact, what this is all about. 4. Each command will ensure that this Commanders Intent is read and discussed with all hands. 5. Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant, sends.! Life is measured in deeds not years! XII

13 THINGS YOU MAY NOT BELIEVE ABOUT OUR WORLD (con t) Most people behind bars - United States- Really makes you proud, doesn t it? WHEN IT COMES TO INCARCERATING ITS POPULATION, THE UNITED STATES IS THE WORLD'S UNCONTESTED LEADER. WITH 2.2 MILLION PEOPLE BEHIND BARS, IT HAS 5% OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION, BUT 25% OF THE WORLD'S INCARCERATED POPULATION. CHINA COMES IN SECOND PLACE AT 1.5 MILLION AND RUSSIA COMES THIRD AT 870,000. Retrieving an adrift dock bench. A MEMBER OF 12-1 IS HERE. WHERE & WHOM? LAKES William Hayes s PV at Buffalo Creek, Lake Murray LAKES! Life is measured in deeds not years! XIII

14 JOINING THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY If you enjoy boating, have an interest in boating safety, or just want to learn safe boating practices, membership in the Auxiliary might be for you. Although we are involved in many activities off the water, boating is our primary focus. There are two primary Internet links that will get you started: 1) For information: or These sites contain reference material and forms. Open New Member Handbook for introductory information regarding the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Also, there is information on enrollment: New Member Reference Guide, Enrollment Application, New Member Exam and Auxiliary Uniforms (Uniform Procurement Guide). To join, you must be a U. S. Citizen, age 17 or over, have no felony convictions, and authorize the Auxiliary to conduct a PSI (personal security investigation.) 2) To Enroll: Open the Enrollment Application site. To fill out online, you should have PDF reader. You will find that you cannot save the file, but you can print it. Before you begin to fill out the enrollment form, read the instructions, pages 6 thru 8. Following preparation online, print two copies of pages 1 thru 5. (Do not sign the forms at this time.) Additional step in enrolling: Completion of the New Member Course Examination this is a 30 question, multiple-choice test covering material found in a New Member Reference Guide. Both exam and guide are located on the above site Final Processing: We will invite you to attend a Flotilla meeting to complete your enrollment. When the date is set: Bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and/or a U. S. Passport, active or expired. (See top of page 2 (form 7001) for alternate proof of citizenship.) Bring a check for $45 payable to the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla You will be fingerprinted, and a photo will be taken for your id card (please wear a light blue shirt). We will answer any questions you might have, and discuss the auxiliary and membership expectations with you. (see page 3 of the application) John Owen District 12 SO-HR Flotilla (Lake Marion) FSO-HR jowen5150@aol.com! Life is measured in deeds not years! XIV