Becoming a Program Visitor

The Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitation Program (RBSVP) continues to play an ever increasing role and is an integral component of the USCG’s Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) program. Program Visitors (PV’s) serve as “community ambassadors”, and promote safe boating through the aid of Program Partners who are businesses or organizations where the boating public might frequent. This community outreach program not only provides Program Partners with safety/boating related literature, but serves as a resource link (point of contact) for Program Partners who may need more information including, but not limited to, answers to questions such as: documentation, recall status, or technical questions. The RBSVP interfaces with other RBS programs and provides additional information to Program Partners such as schedules and details for vessel examinations (VE), boating safety classes (PE), and special events (PA). Under all circumstances, PV’s must maintain the best of personalappearance and CORRECTLY worn uniform along with a solid knowledge base of safe boating practices.

Here’s how to become a Program Visitor:

1. Contact your FSO-PV and have him answer any questions you may have regarding RBSVP and let him know that you are ready to begin preparing for this qualification.
2. Download the RBS Visitation Program Manual and begin to study. 
3. Download form ANSC 7046 where you will record your PV activity. Form ANSC 7047 is not currently being used.
4. Download the Vessel Safety Check Manual. All PV’s are required to have an excellent knowledge of vessel examinations and at least 25% of the questions open book PV Examination come from this manual. You do not need to be VE qualified, but it is highly recommended.
5. Download the updates and changes to the Vessel Safety Check manual M16796.8 Changes
6. Ready to take the RBSVP Qualification Exam ? Click Here
7. After you have completed the exam with a score of 90% or greater, contact any certified PV and under his supervision perform two Program Partner visits. Then give your FSO-PV a copy of your test score detail that you will receive online, affix that information to the Program Visitor Initial Qualification and Re-certification Application (use a copy of the form in the RBSPV Manual)* and he will obtain the appropriate signatures and send to DIRAUX. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a PV Letter of Certification, PV Certificate, and Examiner Program Ribbon. PV’s can also earn the prestigious RBS Device. Criteria

*Follow for the new Certification / Re-Certification form MT-2 not currently available for District 13.

Submitted by:

Gayland V. Rogers
Division 7 SO-PV

Southern Area Training Conference: Canceled

Shipmates,
The Southern Area Training Conference, scheduled for May 14-16 has been canceled.

Becoming a Vessel Examiner

Today the Division conducted our annual workshop on Vessel Examination. This year's workshop is not mandatory. These workshops serve as an outstanding opportunity to discuss changes, explore interesting cases and standardize our practices across the VE cadre. These workshops also serve as a good introduction to the mission and we had a number of prospective Vessel Examiners in attendance. To facilitate becoming a vessel examiner please review this post which originally appeared at flotilla76.org.

Thank you to Ken Babick for teaching the workshop and Jon Polimeni for organizing today's sessions.

Becoming a Vessel Examiner

Vessel Examination is one of our cornerstone missions. By talking to boaters while they are safely ashore or dockside, discussing requirements and recommended equipment we reduce the risks those boaters face once underway - we are doing preventative SAR before the boaters get in trouble.

Vessel Examination is one of the easiest of our missions to accomplish as it does not require any equipment or scheduling - you simply need to be qualified, the forms and to be present where boaters congregate.

So how do you become qualified?

1. Request a VSC Manual M16796.8 or download a copy here.
2. Download Forms ANSC-7003, ANSC-7008, ANSC-7012, ANSC-7038 and ANSC-7045 here.
3. Download the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual here.
4. Study the entire VSC Manual, the forms and the sections of the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual concerning requirements for surface operational facilities.
5. Take the VE test at the Auxiliary National Testing Center.
6. Conduct five mentored vessel examinations with a currently qualified VE mentor. 
7. The mentor VE will file a 7038 showing you as a trainee with the FSO-IS for entry into AUXDATA. As with any form which includes your activity you should request a copy.
8. The mentor will also complete a D13 Request for VE Certification which is sent to the District Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations (not the DIRAUX).
9. Once you receive notification of qualification.... get out and do Vessel Exams.

As noted previously please inform the FC, VFC or FSO-VE by phone or email when you are planning to do exams to insure you are properly assigned to duty and under the (qualified) umbrella of USCG legal protection.

Commanders Comments: May 2010

Shipmates,

May 22-28 is National Safe Boating week and serves as a great time to ask ourselves if we are RBS Ready - do each of us have the knowledge, training, qualifications, and materials to execute the Recreational Boating Safety mission. The work we do as instructors (IT), vessel examiners (VE), public affairs officers (PA), and program visitors (PV) to promote RBS is job #1 for the Auxiliary. I would like to move towards a culture where every member is qualified and active in the RBS mission.

Why the focus on Recreational Boating Safety? 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 take along another member when conducting RBS missions other than PV for safety - this is a great opportunity to take along a newer member and introduce them to the RBS mission.]

Finally, while we seldom know the direct impact on lives saved from a given RBS mission there is no doubt that we do save lives by our efforts. In stark terms parents get to go to graduations and weddings, children graduate from school, spouses are there for each other in their golden years, and so many other precious moments occur in the lives of those we save by the simple act of doing a vessel exam, teaching a class or posting a flyer.

I look forward to seeing you out there!

Thank you for your service. Respectfully,
Daren

Slideshow: Opening Day

Shipmates,
Thank you and Bravo Zulu to all who participated in Opening Day or served elsewhere in our region this weekend. Your service saves lives!

Here are a few photos from today.



Thank you for your service,
Daren

Safe Kids Day at the Oregon Zoo

Shipmates,

Saturday is Safe Kids Day at the Oregon Zoo. This is a great opportunity to take your children, grandchildren, younger siblings, etc. to the Zoo and learn about a variety of safety topics -- including water safety and life jackets. We've participated in the water safety program with our partners from Oregon Parks, AMR River Rescue and the Army Corps of Engineers.

SAFE KIDS DAY at OREGON ZOO MAY 1

Stations and activities throughout zoo highlight importance of summer safety

The Oregon Zoo is hosting its twelfth annual Safe Kids Day on Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Safe Kids Portland Metro. Exhibits and hands-on activities will teach families about safe behaviors like: wearing bicycle helmets, lifejackets, using car seats and safety belts. Studies show that during the summer months children are at greater risk of all kinds of injury and simple safety measures can greatly reduce this risk. The event is free with zoo admission.

Local health and safety partners of Safe Kids will offer ten safety stations with tips on water safety, poisons, helmets, fire safety and more. Anyone who completes the "safety safari" earns a prize. This is the zoo's twelfth annual safety day in partnership with Safe Kids Portland Metro, a coalition of injury prevention experts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, at the zoo, 4015 S.W. Canyon Road; $7.50-$10.50 admission. www.oregonzoo.org or 502-226-1561 and www.safekidsoregon.org or 503-736-3423.

We have some video from last year:

Sector Portland items soon to be collectable... 20% off at the CG Exchange

Shipmates,
With the coming stand up of Sector Columbia River our existing Sector Portland materials will soon be collectors items. If you are like me and have fond memories of the "Sector Portland" years now may be the last time to get that special coffee mug or t-shirt. All Sector Portland items are 20% off at the Exchange.

[Ball caps excluded]

Directories have arrived!

Shipmates, The Division directories have arrived and will be distributed via your Flotilla leadership. This means you have another great reason to attend your next Flotilla meeting. One copy was produced for every active member and facility owners get an additional copy for each active facility.

Thank you to Carol Bobo for all the challenging work to produce this very valuable resource for the Division.

Daren

Southern Area Training Conference - May 14-16

Shipmates,
Our annual Southern Area Training Conference will be held May 14, 15 & 16 in lovely Eugene Oregon.

Training topics include:

• Flotilla Leadership - for Flotilla Commanders and VFC plus your next VFC & New members! 
• Operational Communications - Do's & Don'ts - professionalism on the VHF! 
• Maritime Information Initiative (MII), District Web 2.0 and District 13's revised Web site! 
• USCG Auxiliary Chain of Leadership Do's & Don't's 
• Dialogue with your Coast Guard and Auxiliary Leaders

I'll be attending and I encourage you to consider attending as well. These smaller events are a great opportunity to meet members from our adjacent Divisions, the local Coast Guard leadership and our Auxiliary leaders.

I hope to see you there!

To ease review I've uploaded the schedule and dinner registration. There is no cost to attend and the Saturday night dinner is $20.

SATC - schedule for May 14--16 - 2010 - dtd -4-14-10


Registration

SATC - Registration Form for May 14--16 - 2010 - Dtd 4-14-10

The Sector Portland galley is back in service

Shipmates,
Renovations to the galley at Sector Portland are complete. The hours are:

Breakfast 0650-0750 (Mon-Sat)
Lunch 1130-1230 (Mon-Sat)

Please remember that unless you are specifically on orders you must pay for all meals. Orders, and thus paid meals, are not provided for Division training.

RBS Ready: Washington & Oregon Boaters Handboks

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.

In the first post in this series we looked at the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats, in this post we will look at the closely related boaters handbooks for Oregon and Washington. There is significant overlap between these three resources and you should choose the one most relevant to your location to be your primary Requirements resource. In any case we strongly recommend you have at least reference copies of all three to answer the full range of questions from Oregon and Washington boaters.

Adventures in Boating Washington: Handbook

This 7" X 4" inch, 98 page book contains sections on boating safety and boating law in Washington.

Oregon Boater's Handbook

This 8 1/2" X 11", 52 page book contains sections on safety and boating law in Oregon. The center section contains the boating regulations specific to particular Oregon waters. 

Guidance

Members new to the RBS mission: Choose the Washington or Oregon Handbook based on where you are likely to be pursing the RBS mission most often. Review the relevant handbook for the state specific requirements not contained in the Federal Requirements.

Plan to have multiple copies available whenever conducting RBS activities. Put a copy into the hands of boaters whenever possible - you never know when they will pick it up.

Vessel Examiners: Many examiners leave a copy with every boat on which they conduct an exam. At many launch ramps we inspect both Oregon and Washington recreational boats so it is worth having copies of both handbooks.

Public Education: Much of the material in the handbooks is contained in both the ABS and BS&S books - the exception is the specific state requirements. Every student should receive the relevant handbook.

Program Visitors: The relevant handbook should be stocked at all program partners. These publications are one of our highest demand items.

Public Affairs: The relevant handbook should be available at all PA events to hand out and to use to answer boater questions. At least a few copies of the other State handbook should also be on hand.

Operations: The Federal Requirements should be the primary item carried for RBS but these handbooks are also worth carrying if space permits.

Availability

The publication is ordered via your Flotilla Materials Officer (FSO-MA) from the Oregon State Marine Board for the Oregon handbook and from Washington State Parks for the Washington handbook.

Sea Story: Managing a leak on 242325

Shipmates,
This story originally appeared in the April edition of Flotilla 78's award winning newsletter, Waterways. These stories are always useful as we discuss operational risk management and responding to issues while underway - particularly when the stories involve members we know and facilities we've crewed upon.

The author, Wayne Monroe, offers a lesson learned. What would you take away from this case?

Routine Patrol … Until

Saturday 27March2010 AUXFAC CHESSIE (242325) departed Steamboat Landing Marina for a Safety Patrol on the Columbia River with our target area of operation defined as CRM 85 to CRM 115 and WRM 0 to 8. Since it was spring salmon fishing we expected the river to be crowded and our focus to be “Make Way”. 

We started downriver at 0848 and inspected the damage at Donaldson's Marina from a previous boat explosion and then continued downriver. We monitored traffic from the stern wheeler Columbia Gorge about to enter the Columbia at Kelly Point and decided that the large number of fishing boats warranted running to meet her and escorting her upriver. Bob Wilkinson was at the controls and proceeded to advance the throttle to get CHESSIE on plane. CHESSIE seemed to be struggling and didn't respond well to the advanced throttle setting. 

Our first thoughts were that some equipment was not operating properly; maybe the trim tabs or the trim of the outdrive. After trying different settings and still not getting favorable results Bob finally said, “It feels like she’s heavy with water”. I immediately stepped into the cockpit and raised the engine cover to discover about 6” of water in the bilge. The belt was flinging water and knowing the bilge pumps had been running I felt like the water was probably gaining ground. 

I told crew person Betsy Allen to contact Sector Portland and alert them to the situation and ordered Bob to head for the beach at Terminal 6. We did beach the boat and the pumps removed most of the water in about 10 to 15 minutes. A thorough search failed to expose the source of the leak. By this time Todd Mains arrived in Red Dog and, assuming the leak was coming from the engine while it was running – the water was warm, we decided to tow the boat to Sells Marine Repair in North Portland Harbor.

 Once underway, more water entered the boat but the pumps were keeping up with it and we had manual pumps deployed to supplement the electric pumps in case we lost power. More searching finally revealed that the water filter for the built-in live tank had sustained a crack and was leaking only when CHESSIE was making way. By the time we discovered the through-hull that supplied the live tank pump we were almost to Sells but we were able to close the valve and the water leak stopped instantly. We were able to make our way to the dock under our own power. We monitored the situation and satisfied ourselves that with the valve closed the problem was neutralized and we felt confident leaving CHESSIE unattended at Sells until Monday when they could make the necessary repairs. We secured our patrol at 1151. 

Lessons learned: Check out the worst case scenario first and then work backwards to the lesser possibilities. (Look in the bilge first.) All repairs have been made and CHESSIE is again fully operational and awaiting her next scheduled service for the Coast Guard.

Respectfully submitted, Wayne Monroe, FSO-NS FL78

April 2010: Commander's Daymark Comments

Guardians,

As I write this [Note: This was prepared on 21MAR to meet the Daymark publication schedule] we've just completed two days of focused outreach to Columbia and Willamette fishermen participating in the Spring salmon run. Over two days you made contacts with 750 fishermen launching from locations around our region. I had the opportunity to see a number of you in action on the ramps, in the Incident Command Post, and on the water. It was an impressive effort and I thank everyone who participated in planning and executing the effort. Bravo Zulu! Beyond simply looking at the numbers this operation showed a number of our strengths. First, our members local knowledge helped the Coast Guard understand the issue and allowed us to approach the effort effectively. This local knowledge is something that the active duty simply cannot accumulate in the short few years they are here. Second, our Flotillas took different approaches to organizing their ramp presence and made changes on the fly as the situation developed. As we try different approaches and then share what we've learned we build experience among our membership and find the best methods to meet our missions. Third, we used a wide variety of member skills and capabilities including our surface and air facilities, our PA and VE teams, and our communications teams.

As we consider our activity and our goals it is important not only to gauge ourselves against other units or our past performance but also against the size of the task we face. To put this task in context please keep these facts in mind about the area we serve in Washington and Oregon:

- 2.25 million residents

- 80,000 registered boats* and many visiting boats from the surrounding area and further afield

- 66,000 people getting on the water to kayak at least once each year*

- 66,000 people getting on the water to canoe each year*

- 2,500 port calls of commercial traffic*

- Large number of waterside facilities

- Numerous major ports

- Significant critical environmental habitat

- Critical highways, bridges, rail, pipelines and other infrastructure

- Year-round boating and fishing events

- Unexpected weather and regular high winds

- Significant history of, and potential for, natural disasters including storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, ...

- Cold snow fed rivers

- ...all focused in a relatively few square miles of rivers which are the heartbeat of our region

With 248 Auxiliarists we need to think creatively to approach these challenges as individuals, in teams, as Flotillas and as a Division. What's your idea?

Respectfully,

Daren Lewis

*Estimates based on State/regional statistics

April Division Meeting: Rose City Yacht Club

Shipmates,
A reminder, we'll be meeting at the Rose City Yacht Club tomorrow night rather than Sector Portland.


Division 7 Meeting
1900 Monday April 5, 2010
ROSE CITY YACHT CLUB

3737 NE MARINE DRIVE

Hope to see you there!

Leadership: Polishing boots

Note: Each April the CG-133 (Coast Guard Leadership and Professional Development)  sponsors a Leadership Campaign to focus attention on the topic of leadership. Over the course of the month we'll have a number of posts focused on leadership as part of this year's "Spotlight on Leadership".

Shipmates,

The Coast Guard's twenty-eight leadership competencies (HTML/PDF) are organized into four broad categories:

• Leading Self 
• Leading Others 
• Leading Performance and Change 
• Leading the Coast Guard 

I had cause at this week after the Flotilla Crew/Coxswain Academy to consider two points related to the first of these categories, Leading Self.

We wear boots with our ODUs. The Auxiliary Manual does not say much about care of these boots and the CG Uniform Manual only notes that they should be well blackened. The Coast Guard cultural standard is that boots should be polished. Over the years since I bought the boots I currently wear I'd regularly taken the black Kiwi and shoe brush to my boots. Recently this boot first-aid has had less and less effect. At the Academy SN Elisabeth Hanna, FL76 member and one of our Coxswain candidates, shared her active duty perspective on the wearing of the ODU. Listening to Elisabeth I looked down at my boots I realized that I'd drifted more than a bit and my boots no longer reflected the standard to which I hold myself. The next day I decided it was time to learn how to polish my boots and it turns out to be a great metaphor for leading self. A good polish requires simple tools, lots of work and time, putting on thick layers of polish and working each of these down followed thiner and thiner layers, getting a little better at the process with each step and seeing slightly better results. While perfection isn't possible, knowing excellence is out there somewhere makes one keep working.  My boots are not yet where I'd like to be but, like my journey to leading self, I am on the path.

The second "leading self" moment came after reflecting on my contributions during Elisabeth's presentation on the ODU. As is my habit I offered a few clarifications. While correct these additions were not appropriate to my role at the time. I was there as a mentor to the candidates not to teach - if each of us were to offer our POV from the back of the room the instructors would never get to the points of their lessons. The class time belongs to the students first, those of us observing should do just that, observe. There will always be times to offer those clarifications, additions and comments it may just not be right then. Too often those of us in leadership use our role to talk when we should be listening. We've got plenty of time in the bully pulpit -- part of leading self is knowing when to let others speak. To paraphrase Epictetus, "I was given two ears and one mouth… you should use them in that proportion".


This isn't to tell you to polish those boots or listen more, the point is to lead ourselves. I invite you to join me on the journey.

Daren