RBS Ready: Recommendations?

Shipmates,
As a new member I found the number of opportunities for service in the Auxiliary overwhelming. My fellow members were enthusiastic advocates for various mission areas and over the years I found my niche.

Looking back on my experience I realize that much of the knowledge I use  in my Auxiliary pursuits was hard won, not because there was too little information and training but because there was too much. The times when a mentor took me aside and told me "this is what is important, this is why, and this is how you use it" were invaluable.

In the coming months I'd like to offer these insights to our new members and to members looking to expand into new mission areas with a specific focus on the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) mission. The objective is to simplify the path from interest in RBS, to qualification, and on to mastery.

Why the focus on RBS? 
First, the RBS mission is designated by the Commandant as Job #1 for the Auxiliary:

As the leading volunteer organization in the Department of Homeland Security, it [the Auxiliary] is an essential component of our daily operations and an effective resource primed to prevent and respond to catastrophes in the maritime region. Fittingly, the core strategic purpose of the Auxiliary is to continuously hone its expertise to perform three prioritized functions: 

(1) Promote and improve recreational boating safety; 

(2) Support Coast Guard maritime homeland security efforts; and 

(3) Support the Coast Guard’s operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.

 - USCG Auxiliary Policy Statement, ADM Thad Allen

Second, you can start doing RBS missions right away as a member of our Public Affairs team. The core qualifications in the RBS area (Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor, and Instructor) are straightforward  and, with the help of a good mentor, quick to achieve. These qualifications serve as a good introduction to the qualification process.

Third, the RBS missions are "Good to Go" missions. This means you can call up or email the responsible staff officer or your Flotilla Commander, request assignment to duty, and go do the work. Planning, formal POMS orders, and budget are not required. [Safety note: I request you always take along another member - this is a great opportunity to take along a newer member and introduce them to the RBS mission.] 

What do we need from you?
We need to know what pieces of literature, handouts, and knowledge are most critical to your success in RBS missions. What do you use? What do you say? Most importantly, what works?

See our first RBS Ready post on the Federal Requirements as an example approach: http://www.division7.org/2010/03/rbs-ready-federal-requirements-safety.html

Thank you for your service.

Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Coast Guard News: VADM Papp's confirmation hearing to be the 24th Commandant

Shipmates,
VADM Papp appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on 18MAR as part of the confirmation process to become the 24th Commandant of the Coast Guard. I encourage you to view VADM Papp's statement to the Committee. The vision VADM Papp laid out gives me great faith in the future of our service. The statement begins at 65:30 an ends at 75:55 - you can use the bar the bottom of the video to move forward to the 65th minute.

Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp refers to his notes before answering a question during his Senate confirmation hearing to be named the 24th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard illustration from a photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Bonk-Meyers.)

RBS Ready: Federal Requirements & Safety Tips

Shipmates,
As we execute the Recreational Boating Safety mission there are a few key pieces of material we use. Understanding of these materials, what they contain, where they come from, and how they are used in different circumstances helps each of us be prepared to promote boating safety effectively -- to be RBS Ready.

One of our key tools is the publication Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats. This 4 inch by 8 1/2 inch, 56 page publication has six major sections:

• Registration, Numbering & Documentation
• Law Enforcement
• Equipment Requirements
• Vessels Operating Offshore
• Operating Procedures
• Safety and Survival Tips

When supplemented with Oregon or Washington boaters guides for local information this publication contains all the basic requirements for our RBS audience. Be sure to review the center of the publication, pages 26-28, which contains a Quick Reference Chart of requirements based on vessel length.

Guidance

Members new to the RBS mission: Consider this publication one of your key resources and carry multiple copies whenever conduction RBS missions - one for yourself and other copies to give to boaters. Familiarize yourself with the key sections and the major requirements. There is nothing wrong with referring to the Federal Requirements to answer boater questions. We always emphasize correct answers over potentially imperfect memorization. It helps a great deal to give a boater a copy with the pages relevant to their questions marked in some manner. Pointing out the section and then folding down the corner of the page is effective. Familiarization with the Requirements will come with time and your need to reference the publication regularly will diminish.

Vessel Examiners: Many examiners leave a copy with every boat on which they conduct an exam.

Public Education: Most, if not all, of the material in the Federal Requirements is contained in both the ABS and BS&S books. Nevertheless it is a good idea to provide a copy of the Requirements for students to put aboard their boats for reference.

Program Visitors: The Federal Requirements should be stocked at all program partners. This publication is one of our highest demand items.

Public Affairs: The Federal Requirements should be available at all PA events to hand out and to use to answer boater questions.

Operations: Copies should be carried aboard operational facilities where possible to be used to answer boater questions durning underway RBS activities and if approached by boaters underway or while at a stop.

Availability

The publication is ordered via your Flotilla Materials Officer (FSO-MA) from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) with stock number 3006. The maximum quantity in each order is 200.

3006 PAMPHLET, FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS (BR) - Contains information about Federal boating laws, equipment requirements, and safety recommendations for recreational vessels. Loaded with charts, graphics, and diagrams, this brochure covers navigational rules, cold water survival and life jacket requirements. (You’re in Command Boat Safely) (MAX 200) (REV. 2007)

Operations Safety: Wearing of Jewelry on Patrol

Shipmates,
Please review our SO-OP Don Verkest's comments on an email distributed by the D13 Auxiliary Chief of Staff reinforcing the long standing policy on the wear of Jewelry while on patrol. I went ringless a few years ago, after I realized I'd forgotten and operated with my wedding band. I had a discussion with my wife and got permission to limit wear of my ring to special occasions - my key responsibility to my family is to come home whole and healthy.

Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates by assuring we meet this policy -- every time.

Peter Raiswell's message leaves no room for interpretation. Jewelry of any kind is not permitted on patrol. It must be removed prior to getting underway and is best left at home. We will give this latest clarification more emphasis with the Academy members and it should also be covered with OP members at the Flotilla level. 

Don Verkest, SO-OP

Subject: Jewelry on patrol

We will discuss this further during our EXCOM conversation but this is a quick heads up.

The "no rings" policy is real and will be enforced. it is in the boat crew manual and applies to the auxiliary. There are no waiver capabilities unless we can get the policy changed nationally. So that leaves us with the active duty policy that specifically says no rings. Check the boat crew manual, here is what it says:

"The wearing of jewelry, including rings, wristwatches, necklaces or other items not consisting of organizational clothing, PPE, or uniform articles by boat crew members engaged in hoisting, towing, or other deck evolutions where the potential for snagging exists is prohibited. OICs and coxswains will address this during all pre-underway briefs and coxswains shall ensure jewelry is removed prior to beginning all deck evolutions."

If someone is injured disobeying this policy not only are they not covered by the USCG for liability etc but the coxswain will also be held accountable with probably loss of coxswain status. Serious stuff.

I realize there are situations where a member either cannot or will not remove a ring etc. If that happens there is no option at the moment but to remove the person from a deck evolution as specified. Even if that means calling off a patrol. The OTO will post more on MII. There is no provision at present to wrap a ring in duct tape etc.

This is not what a lot of members want to hear, but it is the way it is. We have to enforce it. All coxswains will need to be made aware of the need to enforce the rule, as well as crew personnel.

Peter

Peter Raiswell, Chief of Staff, US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13

Putting the U(niform) in ODU

Shipmates,
With the availability of the new Untucked-ODU to the Auxiliary and the mandate to change our office collar insignia to the new black "A" versions by 31DEC10 it is time to revisit the standards for application of tapes and devices to the ODU so that we can be uniform in our wear of the Coast Guard uniform.

As you walk around Coast Guard units across the country you will see a number of these issues on the uniforms of all three uniformed components of the Coast Guard - Active, Reserve and Auxiliary. All of us have faced challenges due to availability of proper tapes and sew-on devices.

As you purchase new uniforms and work to meet the 31DEC2010 deadline for new officer devices please adjust your ODUs to meet the current uniform standards. As Auxiliarists we can strive to lead the way!

1. Material
With the ODU we have a new material - the tapes should be the same material as the uniform "nylon/cotton poplin material matching the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) in CG Blue 3362". The webbing type tape material is now obsolete.

2. Placement of name, auxiliary tapes, and device.
Name and auxiliary tapes should run the full width of the pocket and go directly above the pocket with no gap between the pocked and the tape. Many members have a 1/4' gap similar to the  placement of the plastic name tag we wear on our Tropical Blue uniform - sew-on tapes go immediately above the pocket with no gap.

A single device tape may be worn above the Auxiliary tape - also running the full width of the pocket.

3. Sewing of tapes
"Tapes will be sewn on with matching blue thread 1/16 inch from the edge with a minimum of six stitches per inch. Sew-on stitching will not run through the embroidered lettering."

Be sure to fold the ends of the tape under so there is no exposed unfinished edge which can unravel.

4. Sew on insignia
Metal devices are no longer authorized. As of 31DEC2010 our devices are to be the new style with Black "A"s in place of Red or Blue "A"s. Our office insignia are to be sewn on a line bisecting the collar    with the bottom of the device (not the sew on patch) 1 1/8 inches from the collar point [Except FC/ADSO and DCAPT devices which are placed 1 1/2 inches from the collar point]

Sources:
My preferred source of ODU tapes is the Uniform Distribution Center http://www.uscg.mil/hr/udc/

Name tapes from the UDC cost $4.12 for four, and Auxiliary tapes cost $1.03 each. The UDC does not charge for shipping and recent orders have taken about a week.

Collar and qualification devices can be ordered from the District Store. http://shopauxiliary.com/membershipsignindist.php

References:

USCG Uniform Regulations - CIM 1020.6F
http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/1000-1999/CIM_1020_6F.pdf
3.F.2. Cloth and U.S. Coast Guard Nametapes

Both the wearer's nametape and the "U.S. COAST GUARD" nametape will be worn on the ODU. The cloth nametape with the wearer's name will be centered directly above the wearer's right chest pocket. The “U.S. COAST GUARD” nametape will be centered directly above the wearer's left chest pocket. Nametapes will not be shorter than or extend beyond the width of the ODU breast pocket. The cloth nametapes will consist of a nylon/cotton poplin material matching the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) in CG Blue 3362 and white block letters 5/8 + 1/16 inch high by 5/16 inch wide military block letters. Only the last name will be represented on the wearers right name tape. Surnames that have a combination of upper and lower case letters are authorized (i.e. McDONALD). Both nametapes will be one inch in height and eight inches wide. For last names that exceed 15 characters, the letter width will be reduced to allow the name to fit on the tape. Tapes will be sewn on with matching blue thread 1/16 inch from the edge with a minimum of six stitches per inch. Sew-on stitching will not run through the embroidered lettering.

ALAUX 033/09 - AUXILIARY SEW-ON INSIGNIA
http://cgls.uscg.mil/pipermail/chdiraux-l/2009-August/000032.html

1. Coast Guard specifications for sew-on versions of Auxiliary insignia (i.e. - collar insignia for elected/appointed offices; qualification devices) have been developed and applied to production through the Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES). These new Auxiliary sew-on insignia have begun to arrive at CGES stores across the country.

2. The collar insignia have a black "A" sewn on them. They represent the new sew-on standard for Auxiliary elected/appointed offices, and they replace sew-on insignia that have either a blue or red "A".

3. Recognizing that many Auxiliarists wear sew-on insignia that have either a blue or red "A", a phase-in period is established for transition to these new sew-on insignia. The phase-in period shall end on December 31, 2010. After that date, the new sew-on insignia shall be the only authorized sew-on insignia for wear on appropriate Auxiliary uniforms.

4. In addition to availability at CGES stores, these insignia will also soon be available for order through:

- The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Inc. web site (www.shopauxiliary.com - use the "District Materials Stores" link and login with your Employee ID and Auxiliary e-Directory password).
- The Vanguard web site (www.vanguardmil.com/store/index.php).

ALAUX - AUXILIARY SEW-ON QUALIFICATION INSIGNIA
23 September 200
http://kb.cgaux.info/kb/?View=entry&EntryID=600

1. The Coast Guard Auxiliary sew-on qualification insignia announced in ALAUX 033/09 are authorized for wear on the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), Working Blue, and Hot Weather Uniform (i.e. - only the Coast Guard dark blue short-sleeve shirt alternative) described in the Auxiliary Manual (Commandant Instruction M16790.1 series).

2. In accordance with Coast Guard Uniform Regulations (Commandant Instruction M1020.6 series), only one Auxiliary sew-on qualification insignia is authorized for wear on the ODU. By extension, this also applies for Working Blue and the Hot Weather Uniform authorized for wear by Auxiliarists. Such insignia shall be centered directly above the "USCG AUXILIARY" cloth tape immediately above the wearer's left breast pocket. Embroidered insignia shall be the same size as the metal insignia, centered on a tape the full width of the pocket. The tape shall not exceed the width of the pocket. If an Auxiliarist has earned more than one qualification insignia, then the insignia that is worn shall be at the discretion of the Auxiliarist. Temporary/conditional sew-on qualification insignia shall not be worn on these uniforms.

3. Pursuant to ALCOAST 074/09, the Auxiliary sew-on AUXOP device is authorized for wear on these uniforms. It is the only Auxiliary device so authorized. It shall be centered directly above the cloth nametape immediately above the wearer's right breast pocket.

4. These provisions shall be incorporated into the next change to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Manual.


ALCOAST 427/07 - OPERATIONAL DRESS UNIFORM (ODU) CARE AND WEAR POLICY
http://kb.cgaux.info/kb/?View=entry&EntryID=365

1. AFTER 15 JULY 2007, ALL ACCESSORIES WORN ON THE ODU SHALL BE EMBROIDERED, INCLUDING COLLAR RANK AND SPECIALTY INSIGNIA. ALL COLLAR RANK INSIGNIAS, WITH EXCEPTION OF O3 AND O6 SHALL BE PLACED ON THE IMAGINARY LINE BISECTING THE ANGLE OF THE COLLAR WITH THE BASE OF THE INSIGNIA (NOT THE EMBROIDERED PATCH) APPROX 1 1/8 INCH FROM COLLAR POINT. DUE TO THEIR HORIZONTAL FORMAT, EMBROIDERED O3 AND O6 RANK INSIGNIA SHALL BE PLACED 1 1/2 INCHES FROM THE POINT.

Make Way Education Surge Operation Report (19-20 March 2010)

Shipmates,
On Friday and Saturday we had members on local boat ramps around the region, in the Sector Portland Incident Command Post, on the water and in the air for a major education effort to inform boaters of their obligations under Navigation Rule 9. Over the two days we made an estimated 615 contacts on local boat ramps. This is an outstanding performance and a credit to each of you who participated in the planning or execution of this effort.

We've prepared a video with an overview of the operation and some scenes from around the area showing the variety of our participation.

Thank you for all your hard work.



If the video does not show please view it on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYCNuIl0cYQ - remember to choose 720p if your internet connection supports HD.

While this was a focused effort over two days it can be replicated on a smaller scale by any member by getting a buddy, asking your FC, VFC or appropriate FSO to assign you to duty, and heading out to a ramp on any weekend morning in heavy fishing season to champion the message of boating safety.

Information specific to the Make Way mission can be found here: http://www.division7.org/2010/03/2010-make-way-ramp-education-kickoff-on.html

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates.

Managing risk: Another perspective

Shipmates, I post very little external content on the Division blog. Yesterday one of the photographers I follow online, Chase Jarvis, posted about a new project which is about risk. The first video in the post is about Jason Sutherland, a skateboarder. As you listen to Jason you will hear many of the same points we constantly discuss about risk, managing risk, and the value of practice should things go haywire. Chase is an incredible storyteller as this work clearly illustrates. I hope you enjoy this particular perspective and I look forward to your feedback.

First my video introduction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwVuR-T5omw):



View the Jason Sutherland video by Chase Jarvis here: http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2010/03/exploring-risk-conversation-yields.html or go to YouTube and watch the video in HD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSEt54GZ_pc&feature=player_embedded

The second video is just as worth watching "Glass blowing isn't something you want to do with just anybody".... isn't that the truth.

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren

Flotilla 73 Crew/Coxswain Academy Resource Page

IPDCDR Doug Balkema (a FL73 Member) discusses portable
pump operation at a training event earlier this year.

Last night the Flotilla 73 Crew/Coxswain Academy kicked off for 2010.  The Academy trains candidates from across the Division and also has candidates from Division 6 again this year.

FC73 Brian Rollins has developed a resource page for the Academy at: http://www.flotilla73.org/crew-academy

This page has links to all the required manuals as well as the schedule.

Since its inception the Academy has proven highly effective in preparing new crew and coxswains as well as improving the skills of those already in the program. Thanks to the very hard work of IPFC73/SO-OP7 Don Verkest and the Academy cadre we have a larger, safer and more effective operations program.

Changes in the Auxiliary Sector Coordinator role

Shipmates,

Hopefully you all received notice today regarding the transition and appointments for our Auxiliary Sector Coordinator - Sector Columbia River and AUX-C - Portland. These changes reflect our ongoing effort as a District to anticipate the needs of the Coast Guard and organize ourselves proactively to meet those needs.

Personally and as DCDR I've very pleased to see Todd and Lynn assume these new roles. For both of these shipmates this is a continuation of their current excellent efforts. They each have my personal commitment to make the transition a success and lay the groundwork for our future partnership with the new Sector and our new Portland Field Office. 

Congratulations Todd!

Congratulations Lynn!

As the Coast Guard moves forward with changes to Sector Portland and the establishment of Sector Columbia River the Auxiliary is making changes to ensure we stay current with requirements associated with the active duty changes.

Effective immediately CMO Hoppman announces the following appointments:

ASC Sector Columbia River: Todd Mains

AUX-C Sector Field Office Portland: Lynn Easton

Please join me in congratulating these officers on their appointments. Although the actual sector changes within the Coast Guard will take place over a period of several months, we are making these changes now to provide maximum support and flexibility in the coming months.

At this time jack Bradbury is relinquishing his appointment as AUX-C group Air Station Astoria. Jack has served with distinction in this position for several years, and we all owe Jack a big "Thank You and Bravo Zulu" and a debt of gratitude for the service he has provided in this position. Thank you Jack.

Peter

Peter Raiswell

Chief of Staff

US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13

2010 Make Way Ramp Education Kickoff on Friday and Saturday

On Friday 19MAR and Saturday 20MAR we will be kicking off our 2010 Make Way Education efforts with a presence at ramps and other selected locations around the region. Thank you to all who have signed up to assist with one or both days.

We've been conducting the on-the-water Make Way mission for a number of weeks and this is a great opportunity to get more of our members involved and educate our fellow boaters before they get underway.

While this is a mission some of us have done for years it may be new to others. To help members understand the issues and to promote consistency in our message I have prepared a mission job aids. I encourage all participants to review the job aid and provide feedback based on your prior experience and what you learn over this two morning effort. Feedback on the job aid approach is also welcome - we are looking at developing these for other local topics like invasive species awareness and cold water awareness.

Div7JobAid_MakeWay_17MAR10A

[This document is uploaded to Scribd - if it does not display please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/28537899/Div7JobAid-MakeWay-17MAR10A]
To download or print the document please visit the following link: here

Materials:
The materials we have are described in the job aid.


There are currently materials for Make Way in the Auxiliary office at Sector Portland. Please be aware the supply is limited and only take as many flyers as you think you will use in these two days. Please coordinate with fellow participants at your ramp to assure you are not doubling up on supplies. We are working on re-supply but have not yet received materials. Unless you know traffic will be heavy please limit what you take to 50 flyers or packets per ramp per day. If there is no supply remaining, or if you take the last of the materials, please call or email me immediately and we will work to get you what you need.

Vessel Exams:
While this is not a VE focused operation VEs are welcome and encouraged to do VEs as time and conditions permit. Please focus on maximizing the quantity and quality of contacts which carry the Make Way message. Doing VEs, particularly if someone else is passing out flyers and having brief conversations may be the most effective approach for those particular boaters.

Reporting:
I would appreciate feedback as to where you were, what times, the number of contacts, the number of flyers distributed and any lessons learned via your FC with a cc to me: veryuseful@gmail.com. We will be reporting the results to the Sector Commander. This is a mission which can be reported as public affairs on your 7030.

Safety:
Please work in teams, this is a great opportunity to bring along a newer member. Please wear life jackets for flotation, visibility and to show responsible boating behavior. Per our standard practice life jackets are required if you will be on the dock.

The ramp work was organized by the Flotillas - please make sure your FC, VFC or designated officer knows you are going out to assure proper assignment to duty and therefore liability coverage. Should you need proper assignment to duty the Division leadership would be happy to assist by providing it via email.

Be safe out there and look to the safety of your shipmates.

Thank you for your service,
Daren

UPDATE:

The black and white flyer can be found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/28558024/B-W-Printable-Make-Way-Flyer

B&W Printable Make Way Flyer

The power of "I really appreciate it when..."

Turn a gripe positive

Division Directory update and a video tutorial on auxofficer.cgaux.org

Shipmates,
Many of you will be glad to know that our 2010 Member Directory has been sent to the GPO for printing. Based on the number of inquires I've received I know this is a much awaited publication. Having member information, facility information and all the general information contained in the Directory readily at hand makes us more effective as Flotillas and as a Division. A very big thank you is owed to Carol for her work on the Directory - it represents hundreds of hours of work to check the entries, make updates, manage changes and produce.

Bravo Zulu!

We do not yet have an ETA on when we'll see the 2010 edition. In the meantime much of the member contact, qualifications, and officer list information is now easily available online at: https://auxofficer.cgaux.org/

This resource uses the same password you use to access the eDirectory and ShopAuxiliary.

I've prepared a brief introductory video tutorial that shows the basic features of auxofficer.cgaux.org

Please remember all member directory information, online or printed, is to be used for official Auxiliary purposes and should be treated with care. Just as we look to the safety of our shipmates while operating we also owe them the security of their contact information and personal details.



This post contains video content in HD - high quality playback options can be found in the player. If you cannot view the video content in this post please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhtbwNyN8w4

National Staff Help Wanted: Director Performance Measurements

Shipmates,

I've received a very interesting help wanted request via the District Chief of Staff for a Director of the new Performance Measurement Directorate. If you have the requisite skills I encourage you to apply for the position. It is likely that they will also be staffing some of the Directorate positions with applicants for the Director position.

So why does this matter? The key item is in the vision statement for the Directorate: "identifying and measuring outcomes and results, not just member activity". An outcomes and results focused set of measures will make a far better case to the Coast Guard, DHS, Congress and the President that we are the absolute best value in government and that our efforts deserve to be funded.

In addition there is a saying in business "what gets measured gets managed". We currently tend to manage for recruiting (and to a lessor extent retention) and hours/activity in certain missions because these are the things for which we have numbers. I've spoken before that there are a whole series of things that happen between recruiting and actual mission performance including member training, qualification maintenance, and member satisfaction. We need processes in place which collect the data for our Flotilla leaders to manage these and other issues while simplifying the reporting processes for the members -- this position working with IT will be responsible for moving us towards giving our leaders the tools they need.

What might this look like? What if, as a Flotilla Commander, you could easily track where all your members are in qualification processes? What if the system let members indicate which training and qualification they wanted to pursue (online individual development plans) so you could manage training programs? What if you could access a risk profile for an adjacent, unserved or underserved area and plan your expansion in light of the data and ask for the requisite funds based on how you will reduce the risk in that area? What if you could get an estimate of the lives saved by your PV, VE, PA and PE programs?

Interested? Have a look at the Director position, the Directorate description, and keep your eyes open for more information in the months ahead.

DIRECTOR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS  (DIR-M)

Mission:  The Director, Auxiliary Force Readiness Performance Measurements, under the direction of the Assistant National Commodore, Planning and Performance Support, assists Auxiliary leadership in the development of measurement tools, concepts and strategies in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Auxiliary programs, provides the Leadership with insights and strategies  to better align performance with measurable outcomes, and offers  recommendations for increasing program effectiveness.

Functions:  Under the general direction and supervision of the National Commodore; the Deputy National Commodore for Force Readiness, and the Assistant National Commodore for Planning and Performance Support, the Director of Performance Measurements shall have the following duties:

• Be responsible for the vision, direction, leadership and administration of the Auxiliary’s performance measurement.
• Supervise and provide quality control of the programs and projects administered by the Performance Measurement Directorate.
• Maintain close liaison with related offices in the Coast Guard to assure that service policy and procedures are understood and followed.
• Coordinate closely with other Directorates in developing an effective evaluative process of the outcomes of relevant programs.
• Coordinate specific activities and/or requests as assigned with the Auxiliary leadership and appropriate Coast Guard offices. 
• Partner with other National Directorates and programs to insure seamless integration and maximum efficiency for the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
• Write articles on performance measurement topics for Navigator and other publications.
• Design and deliver training and presentations on Directorate-related topics as required.
• Carry out special projects as requested. 

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS DIRECTORATE

Vision: The Auxiliary Force Readiness Performance Measurements Department will evaluate the contributions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to our principal “customers” – the recreational boating public and the U.S. Coast Guard - identifying and measuring outcomes and results, not just member activity.

Mission: The Auxiliary Force Readiness Performance Measurements Department is responsible for measuring and evaluating Coast Guard Auxiliary performance in each of its mission areas, as well as its overall effectiveness and contribution.

In the area of recreational boating safety, we evaluate the Auxiliary’s impact in protecting boaters from boating casualties.

In the area of Coast Guard Support, we evaluate our readiness and ability to augment Coast Guard missions.

Strategic Imperatives: 

Identify the key sources of data and other information required to measure performance; evaluate the integrity of the data; participate in the improvement of data collection systems and the development of new systems; and create new information collection systems, such as surveys and other qualitative measurement tools.

Identify measures of effectiveness in recreational boating safety nationwide, and by geographic region, collaborate with Coast Guard districts and Auxiliary districts and regions to correlate Auxiliary activities with recreational boating safety outcomes.

Coordinate our efforts with those of the performance measurement resources within Active Duty FORCECOM to integrate Auxiliary efforts and assist in advancing Active Duty FORCECOM doctrine and readiness programs.

Collaborate with each Auxiliary Department and the Auxiliary National Leadership to develop outcome-related measurements of the effectiveness of each of our programs, as well as the impact of those programs on our impact as an organization.

Develop and maintain specific measurements of Auxiliary training, standardization, interoperability and readiness to support and augment Coast Guard mission areas and advance operational doctrine.

Support Area/District/Sector efforts to evaluate the contribution of the Auxiliary in qualitative and financial terms.

Develop Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) as well as practical tools to enable unit leadership (Flotilla, Division, District and National elected and appointed officers) to evaluate readiness and performance in each mission area. These tools should be easier to access than the current AUXDATA/AUXINFO resources, and should provide for appropriate drill-down and communication with staff officers. Some sort of “dashboard” may be developed to assist elected leaders with these tasks.

March 2010 Commander’s Comments

Guardians,

As we ramp up to another boating season the recreational fishermen are upon the Columbia and Willamette in large numbers. With our 2010 Vessel Examination stickers in hand we can begin the annual VE checks and this is a great time to catch up on Program Visits to assure our local dealers are well stocked with materials. As you conduct these critical RBS missions I’d like to ask you to do a few things.

First, look to the new and existing membership of your Flotilla and ask a non-qualified or trainee member to join you for your next PV or VE mission. A cursory examination of the recreational boating numbers within our area of operations shows that we only reach a small portion of the boaters each year. We can extend this reach by helping every member become qualified in one or more of our RBS mission areas and VE and PV are a great place to start.

Second, consider boaters, boats and dealers we do not traditionally serve. We have large numbers of paddle craft in our area of operations and they can and should receive Vessel Examinations. The paddle craft community also supports a large population of dealers and clubs/associations. Please look to these dealers and organizations as RBS partners as part of your Program Visits.

Third, in recent weeks the Sector Command has been very concerned with the interaction between recreational boaters and commercial vessels. In March the Coast Guard will focus significant attention on Rule 9 and the requirement for recreational boaters to give way. We can play a significant role in educating recreational boaters on the requirements and the dangers inherent in failure to follow the navigation rules. Please discuss these requirements with boaters on the ramps, docks, in classes and underway – particularly when you find boaters anchored in the channel.

Finally, as you conduct these RBS missions please consider safety as the highest priority. There are a few easy steps you can take:

• Wear your life jacket when doing VEs on or near the water, including while at the boat ramp. Your life jacket serves the traditional purpose of keeping you afloat if you fall in plus it serves as a visible reminder to the people who you are educating and those who simply see you. On busy boat ramps the life jacket also makes you easier to see. 
• Work with a buddy. Having two Auxiliarists, even if the second is not qualified, means we are watching out for each other, you have a second person judging risks and you have a shipmate on hand should the situation go lopsided in a minor or major way.  [Addendum: Gay Sipes reminds us that a a Vessel Examiner and a Public Affairs Officer make a great team - and any BQ member can serve in the PA role - no qualification required]
• Practice risk management. While Operational Risk Management/TCT training is not required for VE or PV qualifications I strongly recommend all members familiarize themselves with the Coast Guard’s risk management techniques. There are a number of basic things you can do, like taking off rings before climbing aboard and around boats, and issues that are unique to a particular situation which you will need to “risk manage” on the spot. 

We’ll continue to discuss Recreational Boating Safety as the boating season approaches. Thank you for your service. Be safe out there and look the safety of your shipmates.

Very respectfully,

Daren Lewis

USCG News: USCGC Waesche arrives in Alameda

Shipmates, Here is a great photo of our two National Security Cutters cruising together from the Commandant's blog.

It is great to see these cutters together. I grew up across the Alameda Estuary from Coast Guard Island, the 378s were a constant backdrop. All but three of the Hamilton class were commissioned before I was born and I will miss them when their service is complete.

VSC Powercard

At the 76 Detachment meeting we discussed the need for something more than a buiness card for VSCs to put up at ramps, marinas, clubs, and other locations to promote VSCs.

4x6 inch photos only costing $0.14 at Costco and many other vendors allows the easy creation of a “Powercard” (Tim Young’s great term) that can be posted at the location of your choice.

Printed on Matte paper these are much more weather and fade resistant than color copies.

Just download the file and print at your favorite vendor, write in your info and post to the location of your choice.

To download and reproduce:

• Go to this link on Flickr
• "Choose the Download the Original Size" and save to your selected location
• Take to a photo vendor on a disk or use the online ordering option for the vendor of your choice
•  If possible have the photos printed on matte paper - it holds up better

I have 50 and I’ll send 5 each to the first 10 members who email me: veryuseful@gmail.com