US Coast Guard Auxiliary - Members

US Coast Guard Auxiliary - Members - What's New

Auxiliary National Conference (NACON)
We are pleased to announce that registration and information regarding NACON 2008 is now available online. You may register for the conference online as well as make your hotel reservations through the links provided on the site. We are continuing to update the website as more information becomes available for posting. Plan to attend now, register and make your reservations early so you do not miss out.
[Posted: 27 MAY 2008. Source: Martin Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA]

DSC Radio Tutorial Available
A reminder that the BoatU.S. interactive tutorial on DSC Radio is a great asset for all boaters, including Auxiliarists and the general public.
[Posted: 27 MAY 2008. Source: John Potts, DC-B]

Lifejacket Use Clarification
Misinformation passed at a recent Auxiliary meeting stated that the USCG would be withdrawing approval of inflatable lifejackets for all boats capable of going 30mph or more. To clarify: Impending changes to authorized inflatable life jackets applies only to CG active duty, Reserves, and Auxiliary. By 2009 all life jackets authorized for use by CG personnel must be dynamic strength tested to 50mph. The Auxiliary will be less affected since it will only apply to Auxiliary personnel on facilities that have the capability to exceed 35mph. This change has nothing to do with the boating public and is strictly an "in-house" standard to ensure safety conducting missions utilizing high speed assets. The CG is not withdrawing approval for Inflatable Life Jackets, merely removing types it previousily listed in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual as approved for use by CG personnel. Again, it has nothing to do with the public, only CG. Please ensure this is communicated as appropriate.
[Posted: 26 MAY 2008. Source: CDR Valerian F. Welicka , Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety (CG-542), Chief, Auxiliary Division (CG-5421) ]

Safety Lines May 2008
The May 2008 edition of Safety Lines (PDF: 287 KB / 8 pages) is now available for downloading from the M Department website. In this issue are: Coast Guard REC Assistance in the Heartland, Promotional Materials Back in Stock, A New Approach for the Auxiliary Chart Updating Program and A Good Question.
[Posted: 20 MAY 2008. Source: Karel Kester, DVC-MO]

First International Drowning Report Published
The first International Drowning Report has been published, complete with a Power Point presentation, by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). This is a must read eye opener for those involved in promotion of water safety. Both documents are posted in the Boating Department's document library.
[Posted: 20 MAY 2008. Source: John Potts, DC-B]

1st Quarter 2008 Commandant Report
The Commandant's quarterly brief presents two topics in the Projects and Critical Issues categories that either require added attention and emphasis or are tracking on course at this time. The first item Coast Guard Auxiliary modernization was discussed in the most recent flag conference. The second item addresses the longer term Auxiliary Information Systems requirements. Following the discussion of critical issues is a section on Accomplishments and Initiatives that draws items of interest from activities in experienced by field units. Finally, The Course Ahead outlines the directions and efforts of the National Staff Directorates.
[Posted: 14 MAY 2008. Source: NACO]

Want To Publish Your Own Unit Website Or Learn PowerPoint?
The July AUX-04 Basic Technology C-School session has a few available slots still open which will be held at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown VA, on 24-28 July 2008. Travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed with CG travel orders, and the training is first class by professional Instructors. If you would like to attend, you must submit a Short Term Training Request (STTR) (PDF: 100 KB / 2 pages) to your DIRAUX ASAP. When you submit your STTR, please also submit a Student Questionnaire. For complete details, including prerequisites, visit the AUX-04 Student Support Website.
[Posted: 14 MAY 2008. Source: Brett Grooms, DC-I]

BoatU.S. Auxiliary Benefits Reminder
Check out BoatU.S. Auxiliary friendly web site for great deals on marine insurance plus 50% off annual membership, 10% off of the towing package and 20% off subscription to Seaworthy Magazine. Go to ShopAuxiliary.com and click on Members Only; then enter your member number and password used for the eDirectory. Then click on the BoatU.S. logo.
[Posted: 14 MAY 2008. Source: John Potts, DC-B]

BoatUS Announces Grants Awarded To Auxiliary Flotillas
BoatUS has announced their latest awards (PDF: 68 KB / 1 page) to Auxiliary units. This program has passed out over $735,000 over the last 18 years to organizations, funding great ideas to promote boating safety.
[Posted: 12 MAY 2008. Source: Bill Griswold, BC-BRG]

Coast Guard Auxiliary Receives Proclamation
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was recognized for 60 years of boating safety education at the 12th annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) held recently in San Diego, CA . Presenting the proclamation was Ruth Wood, Chair, National Safe Boating Council, and Arlyn Hendricks, President, National Water Safety Congress. Accepting the plaque on behalf of the Auxiliary is Warren McAdams, National Chief of Staff, and Robin Freeman, DC-E. The proclamation was also signed by John Fetterman, President, NASBLA. A photo of the ceremony is available.
[Posted: 03 MAY 2008. Source: Commodore Ed Sweeney, NADCO-RBS ]

Special Member Benefit Available
Through aspecial arrangement, the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN) has a limited quantity of the Coast Guard Blue Utility Jacket available at a greatly reduced price. Members may go to the ShopAuxiliary.com website then click on the District Stores button and login with their EMPLID and Aux eDirectory password. Once at the District Stores site then click on Closeout Specials. Please note that these are a discontinued item so all sales are final.
[Posted: 02 MAY 2008. Source: Martin Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA]

National Safe Boating Campaign News
What event led to developing the inflatable life jacket? Find out in the May issue of the National Safe Boating Campaign News (PDF: 88 KB / 1 page).
[Posted: 02 MAY 2008. Source: Harriet Howard, DVC-AS]