NACON 2004 - Instructor Mahl

Operations Liability
By Karla Kiwior, DVC-AI

Just because you put on a uniform does not always mean you are covered. That was the message sent during the Operations Liability workshop.

"Most of the time it turns out OK, but sometimes you have to jump through hoops," says Don Krispin, DC-L. "Just make sure everything is documented."

Auxiliarists involved in a mishap while under orders must prove that their injury is related to their duty on an Auxiliary patrol. These claims go through the Department of Labor. There is no set policy; accidents are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can sometimes be rejected.

"Think about what you're doing. You can't hurt people while trying to save people," says Mr. Krispin. "The best thing is to avoid being involved in the first place. It is called preventative maintenance."

Other topics discussed included fundraising, administrative discipline, unsolicited gifts, Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN) changes, trailering, accommodations and Auxiliary unit-owned property. Chapter 12 in the AUXMAN is dedicated to courtesy and protocol.

PADDLE CRAFT & PWCS IN OPERATIONS
By Ed Sweeney, DVC-AP

Perhaps one of the most popular workshops at this year’s NACON was the “Paddle Craft and Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Operations.” Auxiliarist Jeff Gunn, BC-OSW, who discussed the use of PWCs, and Auxiliarist John Reseck, Membership Training Officer for District 13, who is the “founding father” of District 13’s Paddle Craft Program, led this seminar.

Mr. Reseck stated, “The Paddle Craft Operator (PCO) program is designed to be another tool for the Coast Guard to use in carrying out their missions. This can include new mission areas – such as conducting security checks under piers/docks, public affairs and information patrols, checking for shoreline pollution, and patrols on non-motorized (permit) lakes.”

Mr. Reseck also mentioned that some of our traditional missions, such as checking shallow water ATONS and chart updating, among others, may now be able to be accomplished in a cheaper, quicker fashion by using paddle crafts.

The PCO program is still experimental in nature, and is currently limited to Auxiliarists in District 13. Although Auxiliarists, Mr. Reseck and Mr. Gunn, hope it will become a nationwide program in the future.

“Qualification is relatively easy, especially for existing boat crew and coxswains,” stated Mr. Reseck. Depending upon their skill level and experience members can typically get qualified in 2 to 4 days,

“The biggest thing we ask is that you already have kayaking skills,” he said. These are typically available from a number of local providers, many are retailers who sell or rent kayaks. “Also, you must also own your own paddle craft, and be very familiar with your AOR.”

Mr. Reseck further mentioned, “This might be a unique way to recruit members into the Auxiliary who might not otherwise consider joining.”

Mr. Gunn discussed the use of PWC s in operations, which has been in existence in District 11-SR since 1995. “Establishing a PWC program takes commitment,” he stated, but added that it can be a beneficial asset to the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. “PWCs are great for covering large areas quickly in a SAR case,” he said.

Mr. Gunn cautioned that PWCs do have their limitations, and must patrol in conjunction with another PWC, or a mother boat, such as a Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, or local public safety agency vessel.

“You can fatigue very quickly on a PWC, and we recommend a maximum 8 hour patrol total, with three hours on and one hour off. This will allow the PWC operators to rest and recuperate from the affects of vibration, wakes, and sun and wind. We don’t want to bring victims to the scene,” he said. He was referring to the fact that a PWC operator does no good if he/she becomes victims themselves.

“Both of these programs do require a higher fitness level than that normally required for our boat crew program,” added Mr. Gunn, stating that “In these programs you must expect to get wet, and end up in the water at some point, and you must have the physical ability to re-board your craft.”

E-Auxiliary Made Easy
By Karla Kiwior, DVC-AI

Jeff Mahl, Deputy Chief, Department of Information and Communication Services, led a very "interactive" session titled "E-Auxiliary Made Easy," a guide to using the Auxiliary's on-line resources.

"We have a lot of tools and many Auxiliarists aren't even aware of them. In many ways we're even ahead of the 'gold side'," he said. "The movers and shakers in this organization are connected!"

Highlights of the presentation were finding each other in the national e-directory; how-to tutorials and AUXDATA; on-line e-training and learning resources, AUXimage and video files; e-commerce; SPAM and security concerns; the all-new DD-1351 "smart form," and some tips for successful browsing.

There are nearly 700 local auxiliary web sites. 58.6 percent of members have an e-mail address in AUXDATA, which includes 100 percent of DCOs, 92 percent of DCPs, 86 percent of FCs, 83 percent of coxswains and 72 percent of crew.
The cgaux.org site is currently being redesigned.

The E-directory is not AUXDATA or AUXINFO; it is its own entity and you must have correct info in AUXDATA. The website URL is www.auxedirectory.org.

Additionally, a variety of other tools were discussed such as the online Communications Services manual, Auxiliary e-commerce, software deals and tips including security and backing-up files.

WHAT’S HOT IN PE?
By Ed Sweeney, DVC-AP

The E department used a team approach to discuss what’s hot in the area of public education. The E-Team’s(the E stands for Excellence) principal instructors included Dick Clinchy DC-E, Robin Freeman, DC-Ed, Eric Hebert DVC-EI, and Pam Dillon, Executive Director of the American Canoe Association.

Mr. Clinchy began by reviewing the most recent changes to America’s Boating Course (ABC). He stated that this class is being dubbed “the entry level RBS class for the 21st century. There were some changes initiated by the National Association off State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), including expanded information on carbon monoxide, hypothermia and cold water immersion, homeland security, and non-native species and the problems they create.” Moreover, chapter three, “Finding your way on the water,” was re-written and beefed up by Mr. Bob Sweet, the author of “GPS for Mariners.”

Mr. Clinchy added that soon students could take the ABC exam online, and obtain state specific materials at www.boat-ed.com/abc/instructors/ . “Watch for a PE Speed Gram announcing the news.”

“ABC is and will continue to be the way for us to reach more and more recreational boaters in the years to come,” concluded Mr. Clinchy.

Mr. Clinchy also covered the topic of cold water immersion. “In the past we’ve worried about hypothermia, but in many cases, victims most likely perished as a result of being suddenly immersed in cold water.”

Robin Freeman DC-Ed, covered the new courses offered by the Education Department. These include “How to Read a Nautical Chart,” “Suddenly in Command,” and courses in development like “The Weekend Navigator,” and “Radar for Mariners.”

“’How to Read A Nautical Chart,’ which should be in stock shortly, should compliment well with the GPS for Mariners course,” stated Freeman. “’Suddenly in Command’ is a short safety primer aimed at those who are not normally at the helm. It is a great course for ‘first mates.’ And ‘The Weekend Navigator,’ which is still under consideration, is a complete guide to using all electronic navigation components aboard.”

Next, Eric Hebert discussed the resources available on E Department web site. The site features among other things, a complete PowerPoint library for all courses, course descriptions and utilities needed for PE classes.

The PE Best Practices Newsletter was also discussed, and Robin Freeman urged the attendees to submit their own best practices.

Pam Dillon, Executive Director of the American Canoe Association, discussed their Paddle Smart Course, available to Auxiliarists. This course, which takes 20-40 minutes, is available in a low-tech flipchart version (complete with instructor notes on the reverse side), or a high tech PowerPoint. “It is ideal for presenting to scout groups, kayaking groups, etc.,” noted Ms. Dillon.

Mr. Clinchy wrapped up the presentation with a detailed discussion on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. “It’s a more common problem than we first believed,” he stated, citing evidence recently presented at the International Boating & Waterway Safety Summit (IBWSS). That report indicates that many deaths previously thought to be caused by drowning were really a result of unsafe CO levels in the bloodstream.

“Lastly, we want the membership to know that always open to suggestions on how to improve our courses, and how to serve the members better,” concluded Mr. Clinchy.

TARGETED RECRUITING
By Leanne Sweeney BC-AWE

Gail Fisher DC-P, Dante Laurino DC-Pd, and Patrick Naratil, DVC-PR. led the Personnel (P) Department workshop on targeted recruiting. Among the items covered in this workshop were recruiting methods prior to 9/11/01, post 9/11 recruiting methods, the AUXPAL Program, and a list of “Action Items to Bring Back to your Districts.”

According to Mr. Naratil, “The recruiting methods used prior to 9/11 focused mainly on public education classes, vessel safety checks, recreational boating safety visits, and boat shows. These are the cornerstones of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.”

He continued, “In a post 9/11 era, we must shift our focus to ‘Job Specific’ needs. They should meet the immediate needs of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Department of Homeland Security. There are probably thousands of individuals who would be eager to join the Auxiliary who simply do not take public education classes or show up at boat shows or boat ramps.”

Mr. Laurino encouraged attendees to celebrate and encourage differences among members. “Be flexible in accepting the amount of time members can devote to the Auxiliary, the type of mission they want to participate in, and their desire to serve as elected or appointed officers.”

He also suggested that we celebrate and encourage other differences, such as race, ethnicity, physical ability, gender, and age. “The culture of the Auxiliary must change in order to remain a vibrant organization.”

The “Auxiliary Personnel Allowance List” (AUXPAL) program was discussed. This program can be used to attract younger members while simultaneously meeting the needs of local Coast Guard units.

A review of recruiting challenges was also discussed, including the personal security investigations (PSIs ) required for all new members. Mr. Laurino suggested that we undersell and over deliver this topic. “Be upfront and let them know it may take six to eight months for this to be accomplished. Help these members get prepared to accept missions once their clearance is approved.”

It was mentioned at this workshop that an official announcement should be forthcoming allowing prospective members awaiting the results of their personal security checks to actually take AUXOP exams, as well as all of the online courses.

“ALL missions are critical,” stated Ms. Fisher. “ALL missions need to be fully staffed to accomplish the mission.”

Ms. Fisher also asked members to refrain from feeding on the negative frenzy surrounding the personal security checks. “We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in an important capacity, oftentimes involving sensitive security information, and the Coast Guard needs to know who we are,” she said.

“A Virtual Tour of Aviation”
By Karla Kiwior, DVC-AI

Bob Shafer, DVC-OAV, led a lively overview of the aviation department with his presentation "A Virtual Tour of Aviation."

Point topics of the presentation included the new Risk Assessment Matrix, plane and pilot qualifications, safety gear, how to become an air observer or air crew and a typical air patrol.

Aviators routinely assist the Auxiliary by running SAR or safety patrols which observe pollution, recreational boat activity, commercial vessel surveillance, security around perimeters of certain facilities such as nuclear power plants, bridges and tunnels, and ice patrols.

Bob stressed the need for Auxiliarists to communicate effectively and work hand-in-hand with the aviation branch. "Aviation is evolutionary; it didn't just appear in the Auxiliary," states Bob. "Since the Auxiliary is a maritime activity, it's all the more important to integrate the two. This is why air crew need to take and pass a boating course. Our core mission is maritime safety. We have to speak the same language."

This is a district-level program; there are no division or flotilla staff officers.

MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT WORKSHOP
By Ed Sweeney DVC-AP

One of the NACON workshops this year dealt with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. This workshop was led by Greg Kester, DVC-MS, who is also unique in that he is currently serving as a Reservist on Active Duty at MSO San Francisco Bay, where he specialized in MTSA implementation and oversight for facilities.

This complex piece of legislation was enacted in late 2002, but did not become fully implemented until 1 July 2004. The workshop entailed a broad overview of the required elements of security plans that are called for under the act, as well as ways in which the Auxiliary can assist their local commands.

According to Auxiliarist Kester, “(Marine Safety Offices) MSOs around the country could use Auxiliary assistance in the form of Assistant Harbor Safety Specialists, Assistant Facility Security Inspectors, Assistant Vessel Security Inspectors, Port State Control Dispatchers, etc. MTSA has created an unprecedented amount of opportunities for any Auxiliarists wishing to serve their local MSOs.”

“What's New in PE? Apparently a lot of things.”
By Karla Kiwior, DVC-AI

Robin Freeman, DC-Ed, highlighted a number of new and updated courses and programs which are being piloted by various districts around the country.

Among them are "How to Read a Nautical Chart," which includes a chart with the book; "Suddenly in Command," a class for persons who suddenly find themselves at the helm due to a mishap or emergency; and "Boating Emergencies: Be Prepared," understanding the basics and how to respond to an emergency.

Several new one-lesson courses are also forthcoming: "Good Mate," a marine environmental protection course; "SmartStart for Paddlers," a course aimed at persons who use their boats for activities other than recreational boating, such as hunters and fishermen; and a new youth venture, "Officer Snook."

The Sailing Skills and Seamanship course has been updated but is not printed yet.

There are two additional courses under consideration, "Weekend Navigator," which discusses both electronic and traditional means of navigation, and "Radar for Mariners," both of which are directed at small boat navigation.

The radar course includes a CD with an searchable e-book copy of the navigation rules. Some of the new books' authors were present to give overviews and answer questions.

The presentation continued with an overview of the E-Department newsletter, "PE Best Practices," and the website, www.cgauxed.org, where Auxiliarists can download PowerPoint presentations and templates, order brochures, get instructor notes and communicate with E-Department personnel.

"The Education Department continually looks for input from instructors and is dedicated to developing and finding exciting and vibrant new PE courses such as Weekend Navigator and How to Read a Nautical Chart," says Robin.

Additionally, instructors were advised not to overlook the problem of cold-water immersion when teaching first-aid and safety classes.

Furthermore, Bob Melvin, Deputy Department Chief for Boating (DC-Ed), spoke briefly about the upcoming 2005 coupon book issued by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, which will contain a two-sided coupon focused on the Auxiliary. A quantity of 1,250,000 will be printed. "We are always concerned as to how to reach non-traditional boaters," noted Bob. "Here's a chance to reach 1,250,000 of them."

“Unified Homeland Security”
By Karla Kiwior, DVC-AI

Building maritime domain awareness through such programs as Trident, Marine Safety, Operations, SAR, Public Affairs, Waterway Watch and various other marine events was the topic of the Unified Homeland Security seminar.

Emphasis was placed on the fact that member training is needed across all missions and is ever changing and ongoing. "We're all interdependent on each other," the instructor said. "Operations bring it all together."

The Marine Safety program logged 90,000 hours in 2003 and has logged 60,000 hours so far through July this year, indicating that last year's numbers will be surpassed. Fifteen Auxiliarists been certified from the Trident program to date.