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WHAT'S NEW ARCHIVE - NOVEMBER 2005
- New National Web Site (NWS) Formally Launched
On Tuesday, November 15, 2005, the new National Web Site (NWS) was launched. For more information please see our Special Announcement.
[Submitted: Jeff Mahl DC-I]
- 2006 Vessel Safety Check Decals Available For Order
The Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) has received an initial supply of 2006 Vessel Safety Check Decals. Information regarding ordering and distribution may be found on the National Department of Vessel Examination's SafetySeal.net website.
[Posted: 26 November 2005. Source: Peter Urgola DC-V]
- No Holiday For This Auxiliarist
Government officials are lauding the work being done by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary aboard the cruise ship “Holiday,” berthed in Pascagoula, MS, since Oct. 29 and being used as a "floating shelter" for displaced people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The ship is now housing approx. 1500 persons. The Auxiliary has been active in this activity since the beginning of its use as a shelter. Read this amazing story about one Auxiliarist’s unusual task, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine.
[Posted: 26 November 2005. Source: Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP]
- Practical Flare Instruction
There are many different types of marine flares available on the market, however when you are faced with an emergency you do not have time to sit down and read the directions. Providing sufficient information on the proper use of the numerous marine flares available has always been an area of concern. Read how this California Flotilla handled this task, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: 23 November 2005. Source: Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP]
- Attention Auxiliary Webmasters
The unit website migration is well underway and many webmasters have already moved their Auxiliary website from the old RaQ server to our new LINUX server. Each DSO-CS now has the new unit website addresses, and access information for every hosted Auxiliary website within their District. They will be getting that information out to each of their webmasters in the near future. Webmasters will want to act promptly when they do receive that information from their DSO-CS.
The actual migration process is easy, with each webmaster simply republishing their existing site to the new address. In most cases it has taken only a few minutes for the unit webmaster to accomplish. Please remember that 10 DEC 2005 is the deadline for completion of the migration process.
Units may start using their new sites as soon as they are posted. For additional details, please see the full list of updates on CS News.
[Posted: 23 November 2005. Source: Jeff Mahl, DC-I]
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) Loan-To-Grant Conversions
The CGMA loans made during Hurricanes Katrina & Rita can now be converted to Grants. Additionally, members who suffered losses are still able to file for Grants/Loans. Criteria information, policies and application forms for the CGMA loan to grant conversions are available on the CGMA website.
[Posted: 22 November 2005. Source: CGMA]
- Flotilla Finder Using Zip Code Now Operating
The Flotilla Finder Using Zip Code function is now operational. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused during the transition.
[Posted: 21 November 2005. Source: Tony Gadomski, BA-IWD]
- NACO Thanksgiving Message
A Thanksgiving message to the Auxiliary from the National Commodore.
[Posted: 21 November 2005. Source: NACO]
- Flotilla Finder - Zip Code Function
We have received numerous inquiries as to the status of the Flotilla Finder by Zip Code function.
We realize this is an important tool for many of our members, unfortunately we were not able to implement this function in time for the launch of the new website.
We are working diligently to restore this function to the site. Regular service is expected to be restored soon. We appreciate your patience during this time of transition. A notice will also be posted on this page once this function is returned to operation.
[Posted: 20 November 2005. Source: Tony Gadomski, BA-IWD]
- 2006 National Calendar Posted
The 2006 National Calendar is now available for review on the NACO website.
[Posted: 19 November 2005. Source:
NACO]
- Volume 1, Issue 2 Of The Sector Bulletin Published
The Marine Safety and Environmental Protection ("M") Department now has available Volume 1, Issue 2 of The Sector (PDF:176 KB / 2 pages) a bulletin devoted to sectorization.
[Posted: 16 November 2005. Source: Joe Nekrasz, BC-MOI]
- District Standardized Standing Rules Now Available
Approved at NACON 2005 the District Standardized Standing Rules are now available on the NACO website.
[Posted: 16 November 2005. Source: NACO]
- The Aftermath, The Kids
Following the terrible natural disasters of Katrina and Rita assistance poured into the area from many individuals, groups, and organizations, including the USCG Auxiliary. One Louisiana Flotilla saw an "underlooked" need, the children of the area. Questions had to be answered and some normalcy had to be returned to their lives. Concerns such as no home, no school, missing friends and relatives, or food and water shortages are heady enough issues with which adults struggle to cope; imagine the stress they place on the children of the areas. See how this Flotilla saw the need and "did the deed," now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: 13 November 2005. Source: Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP]
- ANSC You're In Command (YIC) Literature Update
Item 3003 - You're In Command (YIC) Boat Responsibly is back in stock. Item 3001 YIC - Waterfowl Hunting Tips from Wade Bourne has been added to the ANSC list. They have 81,000 copies in stock.
[Posted: 12 November 2005. Source: Stu Soffer, N-MS]
- NACO Briefs USCG Flag Officers On State Of the Auxiliary
Earlier this month at the Commandant Flag Conference, NACO provided a briefing to flag officers that is now published on NACO's website.
[Posted: 11 November 2005. Source: Gene M, Seibert, National Commodore]
- Auxiliary Credit Card Program Clarification
Questions and concerns were recently received regarding the member benefit program's Coast Guard Auxiliary Association credit card provided through MBNA. Gene M. Seibert, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association provides clarification on the program. Please visit the CGAuxA website for more information.
[Posted: 9 November 2005. Source: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director CGAuxA]
- Public Education Opportunity
As a result of the dedicated effort of fellow Auxiliarists, a very special PE opportunity is now reality. As already announced to the District Commodores, your District Staff Officers - Public Education, and the Flotillas that will likely be involved, the Auxiliary has entered into a partnership with Skier's Choice Boats, manufacturers of the Moomba and Supra brands of wakeboard boats. Under this agreement every new boat buyer starting with their 2006 model year will receive a certificate entitling the purchaser admission to a Coast Guard Auxiliary conducted America's Boating Course class. The Education Department has notified the Flotillas nearest each Skier's Choice dealer of the details but the short version, simply stated, is that the customer will present to the Flotilla a certificate that, when mailed back to Skier's Choice, will result in a payment of $50.00 to the Flotilla that enrolls the customer in an America's Boating Course class.
This is but the first of what we hope will be a trend that will result in bringing more students into your Flotilla-conducted America's Boating Course classes in the months ahead. Additionally, every new boat sold by Skier's Choice will have in the new owner's literature packet our America's Waterway Watch brochure and an America's Waterway Watch decal for the vessel.
[Posted: 8 November 2005. Source: Richard Clinchy, DC-E]
- Hitting The Airwaves
For Auxiliarist Tom Conroy of Baltimore, MD, 30 plus years of part time broadcasting really paid off when accepting his Public Affairs position with the USCG Auxiliary. "When you do something like this for so many years, you make a lot of good contacts," he said. And those contacts really helped as he was able to produce some very meaningful radio broadcasts. Read about it, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: 5November 2005. Source: Mel Borofsky, DVC-AP]
- ABC: Just One More!
This is a theme you will begin to see repeatedly from your Education Department in order to increase the number of recreational boaters that we reach with basic, necessary boating safety education. The number of boaters taught safe boating practices each year is around 400,000 in total. To push boating safety, increase Vessel Safety Checks, promote America's Waterway Watch, and improve our recruiting efforts, we need to find a way to reach more boaters. To increase our productivity without overly burdening our members, America's Boating Course offers the most effective opportunity. Many boaters can be drawn to ABC during the boating season due to the limited time commitment to complete the course.
In the past few years, we have seen a decline in the number of boaters we are reaching in virtually all areas of Recreational Boating Safety. Why? Since 9-11, our members have been asked to involve themselves in more and more mission areas with a heavy emphasis on operations. A number of new players have emerged offering self-study and online courses in addition to a similar offering of America's Boating Course. The state courses represent stiff competition in spite of the fact that Auxiliary-conducted courses are value-added opportunities. Taking all those things into consideration however, the total number of boaters taught safe boating practices each year still remains around 400,000 in total.
Many Flotillas teach BS&S as their only boating safety education offering and the courses are largely taught "off season". Today's boater first should be exposed to "need to know" information on boating safety and may later wish to learn "nice to know" information added in the BS&S courses. More frequent ABC courses will reach more boaters and encourage many to take expanded courses or specialty short courses. More boaters exposed to necessary boating safety education will result in more Vessel Safety Checks and more new members.
In an effort to reach more boaters each year, your Education Department is launching a campaign emphasizing ABC..."ABC: Just One More!" We are asking all Flotillas to teach just one more ABC course each year than they did the year before. For some Flotillas, it may be the first time they will teach ABC. For others, it may be the first time they teach a one-day course during the boating season. The resulting impact will be an impressive growth in the number of boaters that the Auxiliary reaches each year. We ask you to support the concept of teaching one more ABC course than you did last year before and welcome your ideas on how we can maximize the impact of this effort.
[Posted: 4 November 2005. Source: DC-E]
- RBS Device FAQ Posted
To assist members in further understanding the logistics of the RBS Device, the Boating Department has published a document covering Frequently Asked Questions (PDF:51 KB / 1 page). It is a companion document to the RBS Device approved procedure (see following news item "RBS Device Approval and Award Criteria"). It is hoped that RBS Device candidates, DIRAUX's, District staff, elected leaders and others will find the FAQ to be a useful document.
[Posted: 3 November 2005. Source: DC-B]
- RBS Device Approval & Award Criteria
The NEXCOM has approved the criterion, recently developed by an RBS Directorate committee, for members to earn a new device. Called the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Device, it is intended to recognize members who extraordinarily support the Auxiliary's programs and activities within, or related to, the traditional RBS missions and programs. The Department of Boating's website has posted the requirements for award of this device (PDF:16 KB / 1 page). It is hoped that the earning of this new device will be a source of pride to our members who choose to devote their resources and efforts toward recreational boating safety.
[Reposted: 3 November 2005. Source: DC-B]
- New B-Department Org Chart Posted
The Department of Boating has posted a new Organizational Chart (PDF:6 KB / 1 page) containing latest changes in personnel and leadership.
[Posted: 3 November 2005. Source: DVC-BR]
- Uniform Distribution Center Fiscal Year 2006 Pricing
The Uniform Distribution Center in Woodbine, NJ advises that for Fiscal Year 2006, prices for stock items changed on 1 October 2005. Changes to reflect the updated prices on the UDC web-site are in progress. New pages in the UDC Stock Book will indicate "Price effective 10/01/2005" as these changes are made. Your patience is appreciated while this update is in progress. All orders made with UDC, either by fax or phone, will be placed using the current fiscal year (2006) prices.
[Posted: 2 November 2005. Source: DVC-PX]
- Influenza Preventative Measures
The following are preventive measures to guard against potential infection with any influenza virus or other contagious, febrile respiratory illness:
- Get your flu shot ASAP.
- Stay at home if you are sick (this must be emphasized to our active duty personnel...carrying your illness into work and exposing your shipmates is not in the best interests of the Coast Guard nor the Nation).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean your hands often with soap and warm water or alcohol-based gels to protect yourself from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs are often spread when you touch something that is contaminated and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Contact a health care provider if you had a flu shot and you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches). Before visiting a health-care setting, inform the health care provider about symptoms and recent possible exposures. (This will allow the clinic, medical office, or sick bay to provide an alternate setting for the ill person to wait rather than expose others in the clinic to a contagious illness).
For more information on pandemic influenza and avian Influenza, see ALCOAST 533/05.
[Updated: 2 November 2005. Source: Richard C. Lavy, M.D., N-CGS-k]
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