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