Issue 1, Spring 2012

The Crow’s Nest Musings from the top o’ the ship

By BOSN Eric Kvistad, OTO

District 8 Western Rivers

What is a Crow’s Nest?

Contents New PPE

Policy

Not while I’m driving

2012 OPS Workshop

DSAR 2012

Roles & Responsibilities

Cell Phone Use Underway

New Changes

Update

D8 WR DIRAUX

The Crow’s Nest was the highest observation point on the ship and as such was a prime place for a lookout to warn of approaching navigation dangers, other ships, sea monsters, the dreaded rogue wave and of course, the edge of the world. It was widely used on ships before the advent of radar. This newsletter is full of info, tips, and navigational warnings to assist you in your Auxiliary voyage. Enjoy!

The sheepshank hitch is used for temporarily shortening a piece of line. It consists of two bights of line, side-by-side, with a half hitch at either end.

The Sea Bag

The Sheep Shank Knot

History, Nautical Lore, and Sea Stories

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Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX

New PPE Policy

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In January DIRAUX issued a

new policy governing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program. This purpose for

this is to provide written guidance for those members directly affected by this

program.

The policy may be downloaded from the District 8 WR Auxiliary web site in the

Operations section.

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This policy provides guidance

on the ordering, issuance and accounting of PPE. It also provides guidance on how to

dispose of unserviceable gear.

In addition to the written policy found on the web site for

D8WR Auxiliary, there is also a slide presentation available for download to assist with understanding this new policy.

One should note, however, that the slide show does not

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substitute for the actual policy.

I encourage all operational members, especially those in leadership positions who are

responsible for PPE issuance and accounting, to read the entire policy at their earliest

convenience.

My goal is to ensure all of our operations members have the gear they need to be safe

while being good stewards.

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There are a few fundamental

changes in this policy to the way business has been done in years past. The first notable

change is the delegation of authority and responsibility down to the Flotilla level.

The FSO-OP will now manage the PPE program locally. The

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SO-OP is still involved but in

more of a support role. Also, large stockpiles of gear will no longer be authorized. Instead,

the SO-OP will retain on hand a minimum stock of basic issuance. All other gear shall be

ordered, as it is needed.

There is also a mandatory annual inventory and

Policy Highlights

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6

inspection to be conducted

jointly by the member and the FSO-OP.

See the PPE SOP on the D8WR

Aux web site for further details.

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Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX

1

Cell phone use is rampant in today’s society. Text messaging is now more common than any

other type of telephonic communication to include e-mail.

This method of messaging someone is quick and convenient. However, it can

also be deadly.

Essentially, there are three types of distracted driving as shown below.

1. Manual – Removing hands from wheel

2. Visual – Removing eyes

from the road

3. Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving

According to the US Dept. of Transportation, cell phone use while driving on the nation’s

roads account for 16% of all fatalities. This may seem like a small percentage but it is a rapidly rising statistic.

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Studies show that cell phone use decreases the brain’s capacity to focus on driving by

as much as 37% leading to an increase in driver reaction time equivalent to having a BAC of .08%.

In most states this represents the legal limit for alcohol

concentration in a driver’s blood. Interestingly, one does not need to be at the legal limit to be charged with a DUI.

One only needs to be impaired in their driving to be charged.

Ultimately, using a cell phone

to talk while driving increases risk of a crash by four times. Texting while driving further

increases that risk to 23 times!

Clearly, operating a motor

vehicle while distracted is a recipe for disaster. It is important to note there are plenty of other ways to drive

distracted.

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Among them are the following:

1. Eating and drinking 2. Talking to passengers 3. Grooming 4. Reading, including

maps 5. Using a navigation

system 6. Watching a video 7. Adjusting a radio, CD

player, or MP3 player

These activities are also things that people do on boats while

underway. Operating a vessel while distracted has the same potential for fatal crashes as driving a car on the road

Not While I’m Driving

Cell Phone Use While Underway

Cell phone use while driving equates to a BAC of .08%!

DEAD END

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Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX

4

The President issued Executive Order 1513 in 2009 addressing cell phone use while driving. In

it, the President specifically prohibited the use of a cell phone by any government

employee while operating a motor vehicle for official purposes.

Auxiliarists assigned to duty are covered by this Executive Order.

Additionally, Rule 5 of the

Navigation Rules states in part “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out . . .”

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The Coxn must ensure that whoever operates the vessel is not designated to also handle

communications via cell phone. Failure to appropriately manage crew tasking may result in a loss of situational

awareness leading to a MISHAP.

Choose another member of

the crew to handle communications via cell phone. It is also advisable to

slow your speed or come to all stop during the conversation to allow greater safety and

ensure the speaker can hear the conversation.

The Coxn, more than anyone else, needs to maintain

situational awareness at all times since he/she is responsible for the safe

navigation and operation of the vessel.

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Working a VHF-FM radio while operating the vessel does not appear to carry with it the

same level of risk compared to a cell phone. However, Coxns shall ensure use of the radio does not compromise the

safety of the vessel or crew.

Consistent practice of TCT principles and appropriate

Crew Resource Management will aid the Coxn in executing his/her primary responsibility as

noted above.

Continued

1

I have seen a few instances where a certified instructor or

mentor has signed off qualifications for a member of their immediate family. I want

to be clear that I do not have any reason to believe these individuals compromised their

integrity.

However, as a matter of principle, I require that any PQS

or similar document requiring

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the signature of an instructor, mentor or observer leading to

the qualification, certification or recertification of a trainee shall be provided by someone

who is not related through blood or bound by the bonds of close friendship whenever

an alternative signatory is reasonably available.

The purpose of this requirement

is to avoid the pretense of any

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impropriety and to maintain the overall integrity of the

training program.

In cases where this requirement may not be met due to

unavailability of an alternate signer then the instructor, mentor or observer shall attach

a signed note to the PQS or similar document attesting to the circumstances.

Sign-Offs for PQS and other Qualifications

TCT . . . it’s free !

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Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX

45

New Operations Workshop Policy

CELNAV

No, it’s not navigating by cell phone. Although anyone younger than 20 may think that. Celestial Navigation is a centuries old practice and still relevant today.

The beauty of CELNAV is that it requires no batteries or electricity to perform. All one needs are a sextant, sight reduction tables, plotting instruments, charts and an accurate chronometer. It is a tried and true method of open ocean navigation and still taught at the Coast Guard, US Naval and various Maritime Academies today.

CELNAV is impervious to GPS failures whether man-made or natural. Another side benefit is the increased sense of attention to detail.

There is not much practical use for CELNAV within the Western Rivers AOR. However, gaining a basic understanding of the principles of traditional navigation helps the modern mariner become more proficient in the use of modern electronic navigation systems.

The SEA BAG

Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX

Kimberling Inn severely damaged by tornado on February 29th.

New venue identified as the Chateau on the Lake in Branson.

Event date has moved to August 16th – 18th

Contact COMO Jack Gumb (D-CR)

Teams are still needed!

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The fundamental purpose of DSAR is to showcase practical application of SAR skills in a friendly, competitive environment. All grading criteria are drawn from the PQS for Boat Crew Member and Coxswain.

Despite losing our long-standing venue for DSAR to a severe tornado on February 29th we are moving ahead with plans to hold DSAR this year.

The DSAR Planning Committee, lead by COMO Jack Gumb (D-CR), has identified The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO as our alternate DSAR site.

The Chateau on the Lake is a four star hotel and resort

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situated right on the lakefront. It has ample docks, a helicopter pad for the CG Helo and modern, plush amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for all DSAR guests.

The negotiating team, led by Bob Tippet (DCDR 5) and assisted by IPDC Dan Maresh, will meet with the executive manager of the hotel on April 12th for final contract negotiations.

The DSAR 2012 web site will be updated as details become available.

I want to personally encourage boat crews to consider participating in this year’s DSAR event. DSAR is not just fun &

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games but also a serious training opportunity where boat crews can observe other crews and develop their own skills.

There will also be teams from D8ER and D8CR competing in this fun and exciting event.

Sector UMR and LMR will each be sending 25’ RB-S boats and crews and an CG HH-65 Helo from AIRSTA NOLA will be there as well.

This year’s DSAR is shaping up to be a memorable event.

See you there!