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Monthly Voice of USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 14-8 Jacksonville, Florida

Seventh Coast Guard District Volume XLII No. 2 February 2016

FLOTILLA COMMANDER Whatley Law wlaw75@gmail.com FLOTILLA VICE COMMANDER Paul Thomas ptcgaux1@att.net PUBLICATIONS OFFICER Paul Burns PBurns@SafeBoatingJax.com

FFRROOMM YYOOUURR FFLLOOTTIILLLLAA CCOOMMMMAANNDDEERR Shipmates,

We had a great change of watch for 2016 , if you missed the COW you missed a great time and fellowship. Bravo Zulu to Paul Burns for orchestrating a wonderful time by all at the Mediterranean restaurant.

Staff officers are quite busy planning events for 2016 and several events have already been planned for vessel exams blitzes, public affair events and boater education classes.

Paul Thomas, our Vice Flotilla Commander will be holding staff meetings, periodically throughout 2016 prior to Flotilla meetings each month , FSO's please make every effort to attend staff meetings if you can .

It would be great if all staff officers would be prepared to briefly discuss planned events for 2016 at the Flotilla meeting.

Please be sure to report your time spent working for the Auxiliary.

We will have our Monthly Social Dinner at Los Loros on Baymeadows Rd, Tuesday, Feb 16th.

What can I do to support your efforts for 2016, please share your thoughts at our next staff meeting or social event.

Photos by Sheila Kalil Whatley Law, FC 14-8 2016

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FFLLOOTTIILLLLAA VVIICCEE CCOOMMMMAANNDDEERR’’SS RREEPPOORRTT

I would like to thank everyone that attended our change of watch in January. That is the second time we have held our change of watch at Mediterrania and food was great. The FC was very entertaining as an emcee and should consider doing standup. I would like to give all the FSO’s a thank you for stepping up and accepting a position in the Flotilla. A Bravo Zula to all the FSO’s that have multi-positions. I thank Paul Burns for taking on the HR job while holding three other positions plus working full time. I believe each of us should be a recruiter for and

mentor to all the new applicants that choose to join our flotilla.

The future of all the flotillas is to recruit younger members to join a flotilla. The Mandarin area is full of young people, so how do we get them interested in joining us? I welcome all suggestions, they can be emailed to: ptcgaux1@att.net or call me at 904-673-2283. I look forward to working with each of you in trying to achieve the goals that we have been tasked with this year.

Paul Thomas, VFC 14-8 2016

IIMMMMEEDDIIAATTEE PPAASSTT FFLLOOTTIILLLLAA CCOOMMMMAANNDDEERR’’SS RREEPPOORRTT Proud of our flotilla's representation and activity as 2016 begins.

We had several members representing Flotilla 14-8 at events in January. Our own change of watch was well attended with over 30 people. It was a great time and a great way to start off the new year.

Flotilla 14-8 also had a good showing at the Division 14 Change of watch. So many in fact that we could not all sit

at the same table. Our own member, Jolene Richardson was recognized as an outstanding "New Member in the Division along with Tony Skinner Flotilla 14-7, and Dr. Robert Miller Flotilla 14-4. These are members who have made an extrordinary and noticable impact on Division 14 in a short time since joing the Auxiliary. Joline Richardson, Tony Skinner, Robert Miller, Victor Aquino DCDR

The January Division quarterly meeting and training seminar in St Augustine, was attended by 8 members of flotilla 14-8. More than any other flotilla.

Thanks to all who came to the Division Meeting for the first time. I hope that you got to see a little more about how the Coast Guard Auxiliary works.

Paul Burns, IPFC 14-8 2016 January Division Meeting and Training Session Photo by Paul Burns

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COMMUNICATIONS – KEVIN KALIL

I will be attending the fourth annual District 7 Coast Guard Auxiliary Communications meeting which will be held Saturday February 13, 2016 at the Golden Coral restaurant located at 8032 International Drive, Orlando Florida 32819.

Kevin Kalil, FSO-PM 2016

COMMUNICATION SERVICES – PAUL BURNS

An issue with the National Web Network temporarily made zip code based searches unavailable, (like finding a PE class, or local Vessel Examiner, or even what flotilla is closest). It looks like they fixed the problem pretty quick. It all seems to work now.

ONLINE TRAINING HELP If you would like some help this month with online training. I will be available throughout the morning during our Boating Safety Class on February 13th.

Paul Burns, FSO-CS 2016

INFORMATION SYSTEMS – MARION LINDA

By now everyone should have received their annual letter. I want to thank everyone who replied back to me that all the information was correct. I also want to thank the members who made corrections in their address, phone, email, etc. I am in the process of making the changes. But, most importantly, I want to tell you a story about one of our members. It came to light, as a result of the annual letter, that he is missing as much as 500 hours of credit. I cannot stress enough how important it is to receive a confirmation email from me stating “I have received your report and entered your hours into AUXDATA.”

I try to enter reports into AUXDATA by Sunday of each week. There can be weeks that I just cannot get to it and it might take 2 weeks. Anything more than that, please question whether I have received the report. There may be a couple of reasons why I do not receive a report but most of the time it is simply a mis-typed email address. Even 1 letter or number mis-typed and it does not get to me – it just floats around in cyber space. The 7029 reports have my email automatically in the e-form but in the other e-forms you need to type in my email – erandml@aol.com. Also, it might make sense to periodically check your hours in AUXINFO. And, if you are not sure how to look up information in AUXINFO, I am happy to show you. Any time before or after a flotilla meeting would be an ideal time to get a quick lesson. Just ask!

Marion Linda, FSO-IS 2016

VESSEL EXAMINATION –DAN HESS

*Received and distributed new 2016 "Decals" to our Flotilla VEs

*Communicated (by email) to all Flotilla VEs the "goals" for each VE this year

*Scheduled date and locations for upcoming VE "blitz" for February

*Personally met with the Harbor Master at the Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club to set up a special VSC inspection day in March at their private dock and marina

*Starting to prepare for VE events for NSBW

*Number of VSCs performed this month by Flotilla: 5

Dan Hess, FSO-VE 2016

PUBLIC AFFAIRS - DAVID HOWELS

Paul Thomas represented the 14-8 at the Jacksonville Boat Show on January 23rd and 24th.

Chris Landry, working with Gold side, manned PA tables at the River City Marketplace on Friday evening and Saturday evening was joined by Paul Thomas, David Howells and Esteban Bonilla from Flotilla 14-2. These tables served as a recruiting outreach for the Coast Guard during the running of the movie The Finest Hours.

13 RESCUED FROM YACHT 1/25/2016

The U.S. Coast Guard saved 13 people from a sinking yacht off the coast of Lauder-by-the-Sea, Florida on Monday January 25th. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach received reports that the 106 foot motor yacht Serena III was taking on water and dispatched 2 vessels and a helicopter to the rescue. All 13 passengers and crew were saved with no injuries and were then taken aboard the Sentinel class 154 ft cutter Margaret Norvell for the ride back to station. The Serena III sank in unrecoverable waters and was a loss.

U.S. COAST GUARD HUMAN CAPITAL STATEGY

Coast Guard Admiral Paul Zukunft signed the Human Capital Stategy on 26/01/2016. This initiative focuses directly on the Coast Guard workforce, (including us), and how the management system will be changed and enhanced. A modern framework will be put into place to recruit, train, motivate, and retain the Coast Guard human assets. This program is working to serve the 88,000 active duty, reserve, civil servant, and auxiliary personnel and provide a more dynamic and engaged workforce.

David Howells, FSO-PA 2016

MATERIALS – PAUL THOMAS

Ordered fingerprint kit and cards for FSO-HR, ordered vessel and paddleboard forms for FSO-VE.

Paul Thomas, FSO-MA 2016

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MARINE SAFETY – PAUL TYNDA

Hello fellow members of 14-08. I am pleased to have been appointed as the Flotilla Staff Officer – Marine Safety for 2016. I look forward to working and training with you all in the marine safety field. There are many opportunities for members to get involved in many different ways. The training requirements for the various PQS in the MS field can be intense and require a lot of study and practice, but are doable. If anyone need help or has any questions I will be happy to help. I can be reached by email at tyndap@gmail.com. How do you eat an elephant? By taking one bite at a time and starting with the Marine Safety Training Ribbon (MSTR). The MSTR requirements are:

Introduction to Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (IMSEP) (taken after 01 Oct 2010) or IMSEP (taken before 01 Oct 2010) and Initial Indoctrination to Marine Safety (IIMS) (IIMS is no longer available).

Good Mate Course. ICS 100. ICS 200. ICS 210 or ICS 300 (effective 01 Apr 2009). ICS 700. ICS 800. Complete one marine safety PQS. Submit the application for the Marine Safety Training Ribbon.

There are two Auxiliary specific PQS available to members and any others are dependent on the needs of the sector. All additional PQS completed result in a star placed on the MSTR. IMSEP course is also worth two elective credits towards the AUXOP device. As you progress in the marine safety training and additional PQS you get closer to earning the Marine Safety Device (Trident). To earn the Trident device you need:

All the items listed for the MSTR. Complete three additional marine safety PQS. Have five years in support of the marine safety field with a minimum of 96 hours per calendar year (need not be

consecutive). Submit the application for the Marine Safety Device (Trident).

Each PQS may have specific prerequisites as part of the requirements and can take some additional courses and time. One example is the AUX-MEES PQS; it has IT qualification and IS-5 as a requirement. I have taken IS-5 and it is over 10 hours worth of HAZMAT information and is available on the FEMA EMI independent study website at https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-5.a

Paul Tynda, FSO-MS 2016

Paul Tynda receives certificate for completing the "Good Mate" Course at the December flotilla meeting.

The Good Mate program is designed to raise awareness and promote environmentally responsible boating and marina operations through educational seminars and public activities.

The goal of the Good Mate program is to raise understanding and awareness of recreational boaters and marina staff about how they can help protect aquatic environments while enjoying their recreational boating activities.

Whatley Law, Charles Trippe, Paul Tynda Photo by Paul Burns

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PUBLICATIONS – PAUL BURNS

Thanks to those of you who submitted reports and photos for this issue. New material helps to keep this publication fresh and worth

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reading.

The deadline for the next issue is February 28th, but earlier is better

Paul Burns, FSO-PB 2016

HUMAN RESOURCES – PAUL BURNS

e hope to see a couple of new member candidates

n just attend a monthly meeting should be our

ne of these new members to accompany them during their activities to give them exposure to our programs.

Paul Burns, FSO-HR 2016

the rations

rograms with the "Pete Field Award"

Peter Z. Field, who wa-

his boat,

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ete Field Dan Hess 2015 Pete Field Award Recepient Photo by Sheila Kalil

Congratulations to Zachary Kelly, now an official member of The Coast Guard Auxiliary and Flotilla 14-8. Wat the February 9th meeting.

Mentorship will be a very important issue for 2016. Half of our active membership is reletively new to the Auxiliary. Helping turning them into members who do more thabiggest goal for the year.

Our flotilla needs more Vessel Examiners, Program Visitors, Instructors, Promoters at our PA Booths. Veteran members when planning an activity

should think about inviting o

The Pete Field Award This year's receipient, Dan Hess

Every year at our Change of Watch and Awards dinner, we recognize the member who has spent most time on the water in Auxiliary Opep

s a Flotilla Operations Officer, worked at an on-thewater job and still spent all of his free time onthe DOLPHIN.

Pete was extremely active in Operations from the time he joined the Auxiliary in 1until his death in 1984.

P

Flotilla 14-8's new Outreach Parter, The USCGC DIAMONDBACK (WPB 87370) One of the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is operational support of the active duty Coast Guard. Flotilla 14-8 has struck a new and exciting new mutual support relationship with the United States Coast Guard Cutter "Diamondback"

We look forward to the opportunities for volunteer activities with this Jacksonville based Coast Guard unit. Stay tuned for more exciting updates! Photo By , United States Coast Guard

Photo by Whatley Law

Whatley Law FC, and Paul Thomas VFC, onboard the USCGC DIAMONDBACK with our outreach partner, and Diamondback Commanding Officer, Lt Josh Schwartz and special guest , Sector Command Master Chief Tom Daniels.

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Flotilla 14-8 Change of Watch, January 14, 2016

Whatley Law FC and Paul Thomas VFC sworn in as 2016 elected officers, Photos by Paul Burns

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Mandarin News   Flare Alternative or Augmentation? By Contributing Writer Ralph Little, Flotilla 14-8 Distress signals are a feature of boating safety that boaters frequently fail. Having the correct devices may represent your last chance for rescue. Auxiliary Vessel Examiners (VE) were recently notified about the SIRIUS SOS C-1001 electronic distress light. It has officially been accepted as a

nighttime visual distress signal and includes a daytime distress flag, giving the package a combined day/night signal capability. In the interests of boating safety, we pass this information to boaters with our own concerns. The big news here is of a flare alternative that is easy to use, operates for 60 hours vs. 30 seconds for an aerial flare and doesn’t have to be replaced every 3-4 years. The device itself is a mushroom shaped, orange flashlight body with a 360° lens. It is waterproof and floats if you have to abandon ship. It operates as a repetitive SOS signal and is a very bright LED so do not look at it. The light has a 10 nm range, but preferable use would have it mounted as high as possible on your boat. You will have to test it periodically and replace its three C cell batteries. VEs will check that it is operable. At $100, the price is a bit stiff. Flare packages are $30-140 and need replacement every 42 months. Lit flares last for short periods and rely on someone seeing them and being able to find your boat after the flare is out. The SOS light will maintain its signal providing a beacon for rescue.

Our VEs and instructors have concerns about the package and believe it is more useful to augment other measures. A blinking light is not a generally recognizable signal, especially to observers on the St. Johns River. There is a general lack of education in Morse Code, confirmed by surveys of

our safety class students. At sea, it would have more meaning to professional mariners. The light will not be of much use in daylight, even with the flag. While a flag technically satisfies the safety requirement, I would like something more proactive in daytime, like smoke flares. While brief, aerial flares do attract attention and perhaps can augment the SIRIUS. EPIRBs are the best ocean alternative, but are pricey. Our live, one-day Boating Safely classes this year are on the second Saturday of each month. The March 12 class is at the Florida Gun & Tackle Club on Goodby’s Creek at San Jose Blvd. Contact us through our website, http://www.SafeBoatingJacksonville.com or call Bob at 904-721-1346 for class information.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

FEB 9 Regular Flotilla Meeting – 1900 – Florida Tackle and Gun Club

FEB 13 About Boating Safely, PE Class 730, Florida Tackle and Gun Club

FEB 13 Member Training 830 to 1200, Florida Tackle and Gun Club FEB 16 (3rd Tuesday) Social Dinner at Los Loros Mexican on Baymeadows Rd

FEB 28 Eight Bells Newsletter Deadline for Staff Reports, Pictures, and Articles

MAR 8 Regular Flotilla Meeting – 1900 – Florida Tackle and Gun Club

MAR 12 About Boating Safely, PE Class 730, Florida Tackle and Gun Club

MAR 15 (3rd Tuesday) Social Dinner

Celebrity Coast Guard / Coast Guard Reserve / Coast Guard Auxiliary

Commodore John J. P. Ryan AKA Jack Lord

"Book'em Dano, or better yet, just examine their boat" Best known as Steve McGarrett on the 1970's TV series Hawaii Five-0, actor Jack Lord, was named honorary commodore in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1972. The Coast Guard Auxiliary's Courtesy Marine Examination program made its way onto Hawaii Five-0 in the episode, "And a Time to Die" (Season 3).

So often did the USCG Station Cape Corwin appear on Hawaii Five-0 that crew members called it the Cape McGarrett.

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EIGHT BELLS is published at no expense to the government. Cost of its publication is borne by the dues paying members of Flotilla 14-8 of the 7th District U.S. Coast Guard. PRIVACY ACT: Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization.