FLOT LINES USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2016
Congratula ons! Farewell and Good Luck! Detachment Chartered as Flo lla 77 Polk County By Do e Riley, FSO-PB
CDR William Seward, Director of Auxiliary District 7, U.S.C.G., presents Gilbert Thomas, first Flotilla Commander of 77 Polk County with its new charter Jan. 23, 2016 at a ceremony held at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Steven Hunnicutt, Flotilla Vice Commader 77 is to his left, with COMO Robert Weskerna, District 7 Commodore on the far left. Right of CDR Seward are Jeff Gines, Immediate Past Division Commander, CDR Victor Rivera, Chief, Response Department, Sector St. Petersburg, and Senior Chief Eamon McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg. Photo by D. Riley
W
ith the chartering of Flotilla 77 Polk County Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, Flotilla 74 officially set its detachment free to choose its own leadership and chart its own direction. The date marked the culmination of a three-year effort by Flotilla 74 Brandon to establish a new flotilla in Polk County, and the beginning of the new flotilla’s greater work of bringing the boating safety message to a vast area rich with lakes, rivers and thousands of boaters.
A joint Honor Guard representing Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Winter Haven Police Department, Polk County Fire Department, and USCG Auxiliary opened the ceremony. Sarah Ganey, a soloist from Polk State College sang the national anthem. (Continued on page 4)
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FLOT LINES Newsletter of Flotilla 74 Brandon
Flo lla 74 Staff Officers Communica on Services Christopher Alexander Diversity William Vildibill Finance Linda Brandt Human Resources Vacant Informa on Systems Vacant Materials Ron Matz Marine Safety Do e Riley Member Training Carlos Velez Naviga on Systems August Miller Opera ons Galen Johnston
Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Vice Commander Dustin Buxton, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander
In this Issue.... From the Helm
3
Division 7 Annual Awards Ceremony: Len Chiacchia Named Division 7 Auxiliarist of the Year!
5
Meeting News
7
Staff Reports
9
Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor
11
Nesting sea turtles, flashing cell phone photos a bad mix.
12
How Do FWC News Bulletins Aid in Planning RBS Activities?
13
Help Wanted Auxiliary Mandated Training
14
Note: Each title links to the article. Just click on the title to read. At the bottom of each page is a ‘Home’ icon like the one at right. Click on the icon to return to this contents page.
We’re on the web! www.cgaux74.org
Public Affairs Lawrence McKinnon Publica ons Do e Riley
FL 74 0n FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flotilla74/
Public Educa on Leonard Chiacchia, Jr. Program Visitor Mark Jaqua Secretary of Records Elaine Nabach Vessel Examina ons Vacant USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
FLOT LINES is a publica on of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flo lla 74, located at 3006 S. Kings Ave., Brandon, FL. The cost of publica on is provided by dues-paying members of the Auxiliary, an organiza on of unpaid, civilian volunteers whose mission is to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting boa ng safety. Ar cles may be reprinted only with the express consent of the author or photographer with proper credit given to same. For permission or for more informa on, please contact the editor: Do e Riley, FSO-PB, FL 74 at: do eriley1@verizon.net Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
3
From the Helm To all of my fellow members of Flotilla 74
See you out there!
I take great pride in putting my best efforts forward to be your commander for the year 2016, especially in light of the loss of many members who left us when our former detachment branched out and was chartered as a new flotilla. We wish them the best and we should remember that what does not break us only makes us stronger. With that in mind, I encourage you to step up and take a position on our staff, or take a lesson and become more knowledgeable about boating or one of our many qualifications like telecommunications operator.
Note: To keep our Recreational Boating Safety programs vital me need Public Education Instructors, Vessel Examiners and Program Visitors. The best part is that you do not need any experience. We train you and the training is free! Come attend a Public Education class just to check it out or meet us at the docks when we conduct Vessel Examinations to see what these programs are all about. No pressure or heavy-handed sales pitch. Just come see and enjoy the fellowship. One of the reasons we do this is because we have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
Perhaps you will be the person on the other end of that radio when you get a call for help and you are able to get that person the help they need. Radio operators have to have a calm voice and many of you do, and if you think you don’t, or if that doesn’t excite you, get into the action become crew qualified. I have done that plus Auxiliary Chef. There is no greater pleasure than cooking a meal and seeing the faces of appreciation and hearing the many thank you’ s. I’ve been on the base to cook many times but only twice on the USCGC Marlin in Fort Myers, but there are other stations and vessels out there that need our help, so, come and join me.
A word from our Flotilla Vice Commander Last year was a great year for our flotilla. I want to thank everyone for all their hard work and dedication in making Flotilla 74 a great flotilla to belong to. I want to thank all the members who decided to support our flotilla by taking on staff positions this year and also thanks to all our current flotilla staff officers for continuing on in their positions. Your dedication and support to our community and the Auxiliary are second to none. I cannot express enough in words how much this means to the Flotilla.
Carlos Velez
Flotilla Commander 74
members of the Auxiliary. Carlos Velez, our new Flotilla Commander and myself, and all of our staff officers and members are ready and willing to help you choose your path. Please know that if you are a new member and do not have your ID yet, there are still very many activities and training that you can involved in. Do not get discouraged. You CAN contribute in so many ways and we encourage our new members do so. We are all here to support each other as flotilla members. As we move into the new year, I want everyone to know that I am dedicated to serving all of you and along with your guidance, to make this Flotilla the best we can be.
Mark A. Jaqua
Flotilla Vice Commander
As most of you know, the flotilla has fewer members now due to the formation this year of Flotilla 77 in Polk County. That means that now, more than ever, Flotilla 74 is looking for motivated members to fill the roles of assistant staff and flotilla staff officer positions. We sincerely need your help. We must do what we can to fulfill our roles and commitments. With new members constantly joining us, it is very important to help and guide them to become active and motivated Background photo by Gil Thomas
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2016
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Cover Story ... (Continued from cover) Jeff Gines, Immediate Past Division Commander and Flotilla 74 member served as Master of Ceremonies. CDR William Seward, Director of Auxiliary, Seventh Coast Guard District presented the flotilla charter and along with COMO Robert Weskerna, District Commodore Seventh District, swore in the 18 charter members and elected officers. Gilbert Thomas serves as the first Flotilla Commander and Steven Hunnicutt as Flotilla Vice Commander. Paulette Parent, DCPT-West presented the unit its standard. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Thomas expressed appreciation to all of the individuals and agencies that supported them in their three-year long quest to form a flotilla and did not miss the opportunity to put out the call to recruit more members. Polk County covers over 2,000 square miles and it will take a great many members to provide adequate coverage of the entire area. Flotilla 74 faces a challenge as great as that of its fledgling flotilla. The flotilla must now fulfill its many Recreational Boating Safety missions with a reduced work force. For this reason, the participation of every member is more vital than ever before.
Special Guests and Dignitaries Attending the Chartering of Flotilla 77 Polk County Coast Guard and Auxiliary Special Guests: CDR William Seward, Director of Auxiliary, Seventh Coast Guard District, and Mrs. Cary Seward CDR Victor Rivera, Chief, Response Department, Sector St. Petersburg LT Larry Brant, Command Chaplain, Sector St Petersburg, Airstation Clearwater and Mrs. Tammy Brant CWO Charles Perry, Operations Training Officer, Seventh Coast Guard District Senior Chief Eamon McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St Petersburg COMO Robert Weskerna, District Commodore and Mrs. Jackie Weskerna Judith Hudson, District 7 Chief of Staff Paulette Parent, District Captain-West Ron Howington, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector St. Petersburg
State and Local Dignitaries: Gil Thomas and Lucille Eitt finish decorating tables the day before the chartering ceremony Jan. 23, 2016, at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Training Center. Thomas became the flotilla’s first commander. Photo by Dottie Riley, SO-PB 7.
Natali Knight, representing US congressman Daniel Webster John Wood, Florida House Representatives Keli Stargel, Florida State Senator Ed Smith, Polk County Commissioner
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!”
Mayor Howard Wiggs, Lakeland Nat Birdsong, Winter Haven Commissioner Major Paul Bagget, Polk County Sheriff’s Office (accepting the Honorary Membership of behalf of Sheriff Grady Judd)
--Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
5
Flo lla and Member News Flo lla 74 Member Honored at Annual Division 7 Awards Ceremony
Len Chiacchia Named Auxiliarist of the Year! By D. Riley CDR Randy Brown, Deputy Commander, Sector St. Petersburg, and Gene Keller, Commander Division 7 Tampa Bay present Len Chiacchia an Auxiliary Medal of Achievement at the Division 7 Awards Ceremony held Apr. 16, 2016, in Tampa. Len provided countless hours of service to the division in many capacities, especially as Staff Officer-Information Systems. In addition to this award, Len was honored with the prestigious “Auxiliarist of the Year” award. Bravo Zulu! We could not be prouder of him! Photo by Pat Prado, SO-PA7
F
lotilla 74 and individual members earned several awards presented at the Division 7 Annual Awards ceremony held April 16, 2016, at the Columbia House Centennial Room in Tampa. While the member awards reflect the contributions of particular individuals, the flotilla awards could not have been achieved without the contributions of members not specifically named. We are proud of our members and of all their accomplishments. A host of distinguished guests from both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary attended the presentations. These included CDR Randy Brown, Deputy Commander, Sector St. Petersburg, and spouse, Rachel (Representing CPT Gregory Case, Sector Commander); LT Larry Brant, USN, Chaplain and spouse, Tammy Brant; MCPO Dan Pesnell, Command Master Chief, Sector St. Petersburg; BMCS Eamon C. McCormack, Officer in Charge, Station St. Petersburg; and Chief Joe Slater, Executive Petty Officer, Station Saint Petersburg representing the Coast Guard. District 7 Auxiliary was represented by COMO Robert Weskerna, District Commodore and his wife (and Auxiliary member), Jackie Weskerna; Paulette Parent, District Captain-West; Larry Obrien, Division Commander 11; Ron Howington, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator St. Petersburg and spouse, Dianne Howington; and Donald Hoge, Immediate Past Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector St. Petersburg. Each witnessed the honors bestowed upon the flotilla and its members. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
The most prestigious Individual awards presented were to given Len Chiacchia who earned both an Auxiliary Medal of Achievement and the Division 7 Auxiliarist of the Year award. Len proved himself to be the ‘go-to’ guy in numerous situations and served superbly as Staff Officer-Information Systems for the past two years. This comes as no surprise to the members of Flotilla 74 who have come to routinely count on Len’s expertise and problem-solving abilities. We know Len earned these awards- many times over! Member George Papabeis was presented an Auxiliary Commandant Letter of Commendation for the role he played as a member of a B-0 crew that conducted two rescues backto-back on a single mission. The award was presented by CDR Brown and Gene Keller, Division Commander. Bravo Zulu, George! Galen Johnston earned the award for ‘Most Public Education Hours’ for the second year in a row. This year, Galen also earned the award for “Most Public Education Aide Hours.’ Carlos Velez accepted the awards on his behalf. Public Education is central to our Auxiliary mission and the flotilla has excelled in these missions for several years. Flotilla 74 earned two of the flotilla level awards. These are the Krough Award for Public Education and the Richie Award for Public Affairs. The Krough award is based upon (Continued on page 6) Issue #1
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Flo lla and Member News (Continued from page 5) a calculation that includes the number of hours expended in Public Education efforts as well as the number of course graduates. Since Polk County has become a flotilla and a contender for this award on its own merits, Flotilla 74 earning this award for 2016 will require more members to become engaged in our Public Education program. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Gene Keller, Division Commander presented
Flotilla 74 members Dottie Riley and Linda Brandt each a bouquet of roses for their efforts planning and coordinating the event. He then injected some humor by presenting Jeff Gines, Immediate Past Division Commander a jar of pickled eggs. The pickled eggs symbolized an inside joke between the two when discussing matters that touched upon absurdity. It was a fun way to end the morning. Congratulations to members of Flotilla 74 for your accomplishments in 2015. Hopefully, next year, we will repeat our performance!
Above: Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander 74, accepts the Ritchie Award for Public Affairs from CDR Randy Brown, Deputy Commander, Sector St. Petersburg, and Gene Keller, Commander Division 7 Tampa Bay at the Division 7 Annual Awards Ceremony held April 16, 2016 in Tampa. The flotilla also earned the prestigous Krough Award for Public Education. Photo by Pat Prado, SO-PA 7 Below left: Gene Keller presents a bouquet of a dozen roses to Linda Brandt for her assistance in planning the award breakfast. Photo by Pat Prado, SO-PA 7 Below center: George Papabeis accepts an Auxiliary Commandant’s Letter of Commendation from Gene Keller, Division Commander, for participating in two rescues on a single night during a B-0 mission. Photo by D. Riley Below right: Pickled eggs! In reference to an inside joke between Gene Keller, Division Commander, and Jeff Gines, Immediate Past Division Commander, Keller presents Gines with a jar of the sour delectibles. Photo by Pat Prado, SO-PA 7
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
7
Mee ng News
January 12, 2016- John Simone, Auxiliary Unit Co-
ordinator, presents George Papabeis an Auxiliary Medal of Operational Merit for his participation in several rescues at the meeting of Flotilla 74 Brandon.
March 8, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander,
presents a Coast Guard Meritorious team Commendation to Jeffrey Gines. Other members who earned the commendation but were not present include George Papabeis, Martin Seiden and Jeffrey Jones. Photo by D. Riley
February 9, 2016- Terry Hershman, Division Vice
Commander, a guest at the February meeting, clowns it up a bit with Len Chiacchia. Photos by D. Riley
March 8, 2016Members who attended the March 8 flotilla meeting were presented a Division 7 challenge coin. Mack Austin looks at his coin and smiles- a great reward for simply attending a meeting!
APRIL 12, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander,
presents August Miller his second Sustained Auxiliary Service Award. Below: Mark Jaqua receives the Vessel Examinations-Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program as well as Navigation Specialist. For successfully completing Part ‘A’ of the Auxiliary Navigation course.
All photos this page by D. Riley
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
8
Mee ng News
April 12, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander (right), presents a Coast Guard Meritorious team Commendation to Martin Seiden. Four members of the flotilla earned this award. Photo by D. Riley
April 12, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander,
April 12, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander,
April 12, 2016- Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander,
presents an Auxiliary Membership Service Award to Len Chiacchia for five years of valued service to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. Photo by D. Riley
presents the Boat Crew Coxswain Qualification to Galen Johnston- just in time to mentor members participating in the Division 7 Boat Crew program! Photo by D. Riley
presents the Commander’s Award to Omayra Velez. This award is presented to the most outstanding new member of the year. Photo by D. Riley
i want you April 12, 2016-
Carlos Velez, Flotilla Commander, presents the Auxiliarist of the Year Award to Dottie Riley. A member of the Auxiliary for 13 years, Dottie transferred to Flotilla 74 at the start of 2015. Photo by Lawrence McKinnon, FSO-PA
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
to attend the next flotilla 74 meeting! Issue #1
2015
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Staff Reports Logistics
Public Affairs -Lawrence McKinnon Gearing up for National Safe Boating Week.
Logistics Section-Ron Matz-Chief
Communication Services-Chris Alexander
Publications-Dottie Riley
Visit the Flotilla page for updates and our Facebook page often! You never know what you may miss!
Please remember to send photographs to me of activities and events. Be sure to name those in the photograph as well as who else participated in this activity, when and where this activity/event took place, and don’t forget to tell me who took the photograph! Any member is invited to contribute articles of interest. What interests you?
Updates on National Safe Boating Week activities will appear on the flotilla’s Facebook page.
Finance-Linda Brandt Financial report for February was submitted by Linda Brandt and needs to be approved at the next meeting.
Human Resources-Gilbert Thomas, FL 77 • • •
3 New members have been submitted for A/P numbers. 6 New members are being enrolled at this time. Total number of E-responder applicants we have worked with this year:10. • Total number of ‘Other’ applicants we have worked with this year: 2. • Total number of 7001s submitted this year: 3. Note: Gil Thomas continues to assist us as FSO-HR until a Flotilla 74 member is prepared to assume these duties. We are ever so grateful to him!
Materials-Ron Matz Ordered all materials requested by members and officers.
Information Systems Form
Jan
ICS certificates
0
7028
0
7029
4
7030
4
7038
4
7039
0
7046
3
# of Active Members
46
Flotilla 74 on FB
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flotilla74/
% for 7029* 10 * Unique member reports for the current month • • •
Prepared management reports for leadership. Assisted Flotilla 77 FSO-IS on occasion regarding AUXDATA technical issues and procedural questions. Continued performing duties as Division SO-IS while the SO was out of town. Continued on page 10 USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015
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Staff Reports Prevention
Response Operations-Galen Johnston No members of Flotilla 74 requested to attend the 2016 Boat crew (class). Galen Johnston, however, mentors trainees on the water.
Galen Johnston instructs a boating safety class at West Marine April 9, 2016. Photo by Omayra Valez
Public Education-Leonard Chiacchia, Jr. Members of Flotilla 74 conducted a Boating Safety Education class at West Marine April 9, 2016. Participants included Galen Johnston, Omayra Velez and Len Chiacchia. A new Boating Skills and Seamanship class was scheduled to start Apr. 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Galen Johnston and Len Chiacchia attended the Boating Safety Instructor and Course Provider course at Flotilla 72 March 26, 2016
Members of Flotilla 74 participated in this year’s annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Boat Parade in many capacities both on the water and Public Affairs tasks. Photo by Larry McKinnon
Program Visitor and Vessel Examinations-Mark Jaqua Two Vessel Examination events took place at Williams Park. On Feb. 13, 2016, we made 30 approaches and conducted 13 inspections of which only seven passed. Omayra Velez completed her five supervised Vessel Examinations at the Feb. 13 event. Congratulations, Omayra!
George Papabeis served as a crew member during the 2016 annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Boat Parade. As we have come to expect from him, George obtained some great photos- and, how can we not publish a photo of the Gasparilla pirate ship!
Omayra Valez and Mark Jaqua at Williams Park Feb. 13, 2016. Photo provoded by Mark Jaqua USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Be sure to read the upcoming issue of INTERCOM for articles and photos about the annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion and Boat Parade Jan 29, 2016. Continued on page 11 Issue #1
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Staff Reports Member Training-Carlos Velez
tion class as an observer or come to Williams Park when we conduct Vessel Examinations. Attend our meetings to learn when and where the next Public Affairs event will be held.
Get involved! Here are some great sources for training. Check out the links or contact the Flotilla Staff Officer in any area in which you are interested.
Remember, the level of satisfaction in membership with the Auxiliary directly correlates to your level of involvement!
Still not sure what you want to do? Attend a Public Educa-
Become a Vessel Examiner or Program Visitor Source: http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=job-aid-kits
A
s a certified Vessel Examiner you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water. The process of qualifying as a Vessel Examiner is quite simple. Links to the Vessel Safety Check Manual, forms used to conduct Vessel Safety Checks and the link to the Auxiliary National Testing Center are located at:
Once you complete the test, contact Steven Hunnicutt, Flotilla Staff Officer-Program Visitor to get your two supervised visits scheduled. Program Visitation and Vessel Examinations are both programs in the V-Directorate and naturally complement each other. Consider earning both qualifications!
http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=become-a-ve Once you successfully pass the online Vessel Examiner Exam, you should contact Mark Jaqua, Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examinations to schedule the five supervised Vessel Safety Checks required to complete your qualification.
R
ecreational Boating Safety Program Visits, also known as marine dealer visits, are not only a great way to pass on boating safety information to boaters, but can be fun way to get to familiarize yourself with the marine dealers and sporting goods outlets in your local area. Becoming Recreational Boating Safety-Program Visitor qualified involves a little study, taking an online test and performing two supervised Program Visits with a qualified Program Visitor. Download the RBS-PV manual from here:
http://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/RBSVP_ManualWeb. pdf
Marine Safety-Dottie Riley
spections, and marine safety outreach such as Sea Partners and America’s Waterway Watch. To learn more, go to:
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers many opportunities to assist the Coast Guard and they are as exciting as they are useful. Marine Safety activities include commercial vessel examinations (fishing boats, sailing schools, sightseeing tour vessels, etc.); port and facility activities like container in-
http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=p-dept
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
To read about the many opportunities available in the Prevention/Marine Safety segment, be sure to take a look at their current newsletter at: http://pdept.cgaux.org/Documents/UPV_Training/SafetyLines-iss1-2016.pdf (Psst...Dottie Riley edits that too!) Issue #1
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Ar cles of Interest
Nes ng sea turtles, flashing cell phone photos a bad mix. Source: FWC news bulle n dated Feb. 29. 2016
Sea turtles digging their nests to lay eggs on Florida’s beaches face a new 21st century hazard: someone snapping a flash photo with a cell phone. March 1 is the official start of the sea turtle nesting season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people not to take cell phone flash photos of sea turtles on the beach at night, because that can interfere with nesting. “It’s great that people are enjoying Florida’s beaches and are enthusiastic about our sea turtles,” said Dr. Robbin Trindell, who leads the FWC’s sea turtle management program. “However, most visitors to the beach don’t realize that any light on the beach at night poses a threat to these threatened and endangered animals. A nesting female may become frightened or disoriented by lights or a flash photo and return to the ocean without laying eggs. Lights on the beach at night also could interfere with adult or hatchling sea turtles trying to find the ocean after nesting or hatching.” Sea turtles have been on Earth for about 110 million years, and eager photographers are hardly a new phenomenon. However, today’s widespread use of cell phones and flash photos on the beach creates a risk for Florida’s nesting and hatchling sea turtles. From now through the end of October, three different species of sea turtle will land on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches to lay their eggs. In 2015, a record number of green turtle nests were documented in Florida: 27,975 on the 26 beaches that the FWC has monitored since 1989. How can people help conserve Florida’s sea turtles? Just remember these turtle-friendly practices: USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
•
Remain at a distance from nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
•
Remove chairs, canopies, boats and other items from the beach at night, because they block the movement of turtles and hatchlings.
•
Turn off or shield lights along the beach, in order to prevent nesting females or hatchlings from getting confused and going toward lights on land instead of the salt water, where they belong.
•
Avoid using lights on the beach at night. If you must have light, use a red LED flashlight, adjust cell phone screens to dark mode and don’t take flash photos.
•
Fill in holes in the sand at the end of the day, so nesting sea turtles and hatchlings don’t fall in and get stuck there at night.
•
Correctly dispose of fishing line, so it won’t entangle sea turtles and other animals.
•
Remember it is illegal to harm, harass or take sea turtles, their eggs and hatchlings, including getting too close to a nesting female.
•
Report sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 1-888-404-3922 (FWCC).
Support Florida’s sea turtles by purchasing the “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license tag at BuyaPlate.com. Tag funds go toward sea turtle research, rescue and conservation efforts. People also can donate $5 and receive an FWC sea turtle decal. For decals or to learn more about sea turtles, go to MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle. Issue #1
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Ar cles of Interest How Do FWC News Bulle ns Aid in Planning RBS Ac vi es? Do you subscribe to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission news bulletins? Ever wonder what to do with them or how you can best take advantage of them with your Recreational Boating Safety activities? A bulleting released Feb. 23, 2016, bears the following headline: “Snook reopens in Gulf state waters March 1” Unless you are a sports fisherman, you might be tempted to immediately hit the delete button. After all, what do snook have to do with the Auxiliary? But waitlots of anglers have waited for the opening of the brief snook season for quite a while. Anglers will be launching boats to catch these very tasty but highly regulated fish. Snook may only be harvested with line and hook and anglers may only keep one fish a day-and only if it measures between 28 and 33 inches. It is illegal to buy or sell snook, which adds to their sport fishing value.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission news bulletins may help us schedule Recreational Boating Safety events by alerting us to days when more anglers and boats may be at the docks!
USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
But, never mind the snook! Lots of anglers will be hitting the docks. That means as soon as Vessel Examiners read the bulletin, they should recognize that this will likely be a great day to perform Vessel Safety Checks and distribute Recreational Boating Safety brochures at boat ramps. So you see, news bulletins from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may help us organize and schedule Recreational Boating Safety events.
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
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Ar cles of Interest HELP WANTED Flotilla Staff Officer-Information Systems - Are you waiting for an opportunity to do something that you like within the flotilla? This may be your chance! Len Chiacchia has served as FSO-IS for the past five years and is looking to take on a different position within the Flotilla. If you want an Auxiliary position that you can do in the comfort of your home and on your own schedule, then this is the job for you! You do not need to be a computer expert and you will receive ample training and consultation. Anyone interested in the position, please contact Len Chiacchia. YOU could be the next FSO-IS! Public Education Instructor- We all know how important it is to educate the public about boating safety, but did you know that it is fun and rewarding as well? Why not get involved in the flotilla’s Public Education program? Your role can be tailored to fit your schedule and your interests. You can teach a single subject or multiple subjects. It is up to you. Inexperienced in teaching? No problem! You do not need to be a certified instructor to teach and we will give you all of the help you need. Galen Johnston and Len Chiacchia will get you ready. You won’t teach until you agree that you are ready. It doesn’t get any easier than that! Interested members should contact Len Chiacchia. Vessel Examiners Needed - Vessel Examiners and volunteers needed to help with vessels exams Saturdays at Williams Park boat ramp. Schedule is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This function is a cornerstone of the Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety program. Come on down... don’t be shy! Even if you are not certified we can use your help. We always have fun and interaction with the boating public can be very rewarding!
The Coast Guard has mandated a set of training courses for all Auxiliary members. This training is referred to as AUXMT by the Auxiliary. Completion of AUXMT places Auxiliarists on the same footing as other members of the Coast Guard workforce and allows seamless integration with their active duty, reserve and civilian employee counterparts. It also ensures that all members of the Coast Guard workforce stand ready to provide Service to nation, fulfill our commitment of Duty to People, and reflects our Commitment to Excellence. Mandated training requirements are spelled out in the table below: Course # Course Name
Frequency
502379
Building Resilience and Preventing Suicide
Every 5 years
810030
Security Fundamentals
Every 5 years
810015
Privacy at DHS / Protecting Personal Information
Every 5 years
810045
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Every 5 years
502319
Civil Rights Awareness
Every 5 years
Members can complete their training online at the National Testing Center - http://ntc.cgaux.org/ - or the Auxiliary Learning Management System (AUXLMS). http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=T-DEPT&category=auxmt. Help is also available at the flotilla building on member training nights every Thursday from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Uniform is not required. For additional information, please contact Len Chiacchia.
FLOT line is a military acronym meaning “Forward Line of Own Troops” (FLOT). FLOT line, or Forward Edge of Ba le Area (FEBA) are technical terms used by all branches of the U.S. armed services to designate the forward-most friendly mari me or land forces on the ba lefield at a given point in me during an armed conflict. We are not a military force engaged in armed conflict. We are, however, the front line of the struggle to save the lives of recrea onal boaters, and we face this great endeavor armed with vessel safety checks, public educa on classes and all of the all other Recrea onal Boa ng Safety programs in our arsenal. Our newsle er banner serves as a reminder of this mission. PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT The Privacy Act of 1974 protects names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses of Flotilla 74 members which may appear in this or other USCGAUX publications. As a matter of policy, information described above is not made available to the general public or outside groups without that member’s expressed and/or written consent. When such information appears, its privacy shall be safeguarded and the information will be clearly labeled. Publication of this information by the general public and/or outside groups is prohibited by the Privacy Act. USCG Auxiliary Flo lla 74 Brandon
Division 7, 7th District
Issue #1
2015