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WHAT'S NEW ARCHIVE - JANUARY 2008

• NTrain 2008
  The 2008 National Training conference concluded on Sunday morning, January 27. Read about the significant events that took place during the conference which are now now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine. NOTE: Since items will be added to the coverage throughout the coming week we suggest you check back often.
  [Posted: 28 JAN 2008. Source: Mel Borofsky, PRCO]

• 2008 Instructor Workshop
  The Instructor Workshop for 2008 is now available with a more user-friendly background. This background will be advantageous to both the audience for viewing and the Instructor for more economical printing. To view and download, go to the E Department Library.
  [Posted: 20 JAN 2008.  Source: Anne R. Lockwood, DC-Ed]

• West Marine Offers Safety Equipment Discount
  West Marine will again offer a 10% discount on safety equipment to boaters who receive a Vessel Safety Check. The discount coupons are available for downloading on the V Department website. West Marine has long been an active supporter of the VSC program and the educational value it brings to the recreational boating community.
  [Posted: 20 JAN 2008. Source: Pete Urgola, DC-V]

• Boating Safety Organizations Join To Speak With One Voice In 2008
  The Office of Boating Safety has requested that all Auxiliarists follow their lead in transitioning from using the term "PFD" to using the term "life jacket" exclusively for all non-regulatory purposes, both internally and externally. This change is part of a national thrust being spearheaded by the National Safe Boating Council with the full support of the Coast Guard, all state boating authorities, and affiliated organizations and associations to promote life jacket wear.
  [Posted: 20 JAN 2008.  Source: Stu Soffer, N-MS]

• 2008 Fit To Float Campaign
  The 2008 Fit to Float Campaign dates for all Bass Pro Shops stores in the country will be May 17, 18, and 19, 2008. This will permit flotillas to support in-store activities and avoid scheduling conflicts with North American Safe Boating Week activities over the long Memorial Day weekend. SO-PV's are asked to coordinate with their VCP to identify a Fit to Float Campaign point of contact for each Bass Pro Shops store in their area of operation and provide the information to cgauxstu@yahoo.com no later than Februrary 28, either directly or through their district DSO-PV.
  [Posted: 20 JAN 2008.  Source: Stu Soffer, N-MS]

• BoatU.S. Auxiliary Members Only Website Improved
  Auxiliary members will find partner BoatU.S. website more user friendly. Auxiliary membership is discounted 50%, the Towing Package is discounted at 10%, and, 20% off the subscription rate for Seaworthy Magazine. Check out all their offerings by going through ShopAuxiliary.com, click on MembersOnly and log on using your member number and password used to access eDirectory. Then click on BoatU.S. and explore.
  [Posted: 14 JAN 2008. Source: John Matthews, BC-BLB]

• Track Your Progress Toward The RBS Device
  Amanda Armstrong, FSO-PA in Pensacola, FL, created a handy way to track your points over a two-year period to earn the RBS Device. All you have to do is enter your hours from each item and the spreadsheet totals them for you and indicates if you have enough to earn the device. Two versions are available, one for OpenOffice users, and one for Microsoft Excel users.
  [Posted: 10 JAN 2008. Source: Doug Patterson, DVC-BR]

• Auxiliarists Take “The Plunge”
  Brrrr… These “cold weather” sailors practice frigid weather rescue techniques. Read how these Seward, Alaska Auxiliarists and active duty personnel handle the “freeze”… now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine.
  [Posted: 09 JAN 2008. Source: Mel Borofsky, PRCO]

• Two Additional Updated National Forms
  The Vessel Examinations, ANSC-7038 now allows multiple inspectors for M missions. The change does not affect VSCs or Facility Inspections; copies of the previous edition may be used until supplies are exhausted for those missions. The Unit Officer Report, ANSC-7007 is revised to reflect current authorized offices for flotillas and divisions. The previous edition is obsolete.
  [Posted: 09 JAN 2008. Source: Brett Grooms, DC-I]

• NACO Announces New NADCO-RBS
  The National Commodore takes pride in announcing the appointment of Mr. Ed Sweeney as National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety (NADCO-RBS), effective immediately. Sweeney previously served as the Department Chief for Public Affairs leading the public affairs initiative for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary through out the country since November 2006. Ed also has extensive RBS experience; he is a qualified Vessel Examiner, RBS Program Visitor, and Instructor, and has earned the new RBS device. He also has extensive experience working with our RBS partners and has received numerous awards from the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the RBS community.
  [Posted: 07 JAN 2008. Source: NACO]

• NACO Announces New DC-A
  Mr. Robert Nelson is appointed as Department Chief, Public Affairs (DC-A). Nelson has extensive experience in the department most recently as deputy to the Department Chief. Nelson started his Public Affairs career as an FSO-PA and served in all leadership positions at district and at National up to current appointment as Department Chief.
  [Posted: 07 JAN 2008. Source: NACO]

• January 2008 National Safe Boating Column
  When do you think the PFD was invented? Where? By whom? Find out in the January 2008 National Sfae Boating Column (PDF: 94 KB / 1 page).
  [Posted: 06 JAN 2008. Source: Harriet Howard, DVC-AS]

• Updated National Forms
  Several National Forms have been updated January 2008. They include Membership Application ANSC-7001, Activity Report Mission ANSC 7030, Aircraft Offer for Use ANSC-7005 and Vessel Examinations ANSC-7038. You can be assured of using the latest forms by utilizing the electronic versions located on the National Forms website. There are also many helpful topics many members forget to utilize including E-mail Version Forms, Letter Head, Business Card Templates, News Release Template, Forms News, Frequently Asked Questions, eSigniture Q and A, and On-line Technical Assistance.
  [Posted: 03 JAN 2008. Source: Brett Grooms, DC-I]

• The Norwegian Society For Sea Rescue
  This organization was founded on July 9th, 1891, with a clearly defined goal – To save lives at sea. The NSSR is a humanitarian organization aiming at saving lives and recovering property at sea. They maintain rescue services along the Norwegian coast, and neighboring sea areas where such services may be necessary. The NSSR also runs an information service and educational program designed to improve safety for boaters. There are many volunteers in this organization with tasks similar to our Auxiliary. Read about this “sister” organization, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine.
  [Posted: 01 JAN 2008. Source: Mel Borofsky, PRCO]

• Auxiliarist’s Skills Help Expand Coast Guard Radio Communications
  The mission of certain District 13 USCG units to maintain navigable waterways in Eastern Washington and Western Idaho depend on reliable patrol-level communications. Yet the geography of the Columbia and Snake River systems in this area are unsuitable for line-of-sight VHF radios. In the past, USCG patrols had to “make do” through the use of cellular and satellite phones. Both have their limitations. The newly installed Communications Staff Officer for Flotilla 85 thought there might be a better way and using his training and skill this Auxiliarist devised that better way. Read about his ideas and technique for improving communications for those Coast Guard units, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine.
  [Posted: 30 DEC 2007. Source: Mel Borofsky, PRCO]

• Education Connection Now Available
  The latest edition of the Education Connection is available from the E Department Library. Topics include updates on About Boating Safety; Which Life Jacket Is For You? posters; Calling All Kids-a fun contest for kids; an article on the Water Based Youth Initiatives Summit; Wearing life jackets at PE courses; 2008 Instructor Workshop; and an article entitled "Where Am I Going? Where Have I Been? How Do I Get Home? How Long Will It Take?"
  [Posted: 30 December 2007. Source: Carl Gross, DVC-EP]