Posts Tagged ‘Coast Guard’
DrumPoint.org
September 8th, 2009 | 
Author: Calvert County’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla is now at http://www.drumpoint.org
Shameless promotion, because I created the site. 
Check it out. Southern Maryland’s boating safety website.
Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco honors fallen aircrew
SAN FRANCISCO — Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco participated in a tribute on Wednesday and Thursday in honor of the Honolulu-based helicopter crew who perished in a nighttime training accident in September 2008.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentNational Safe Boating Week Starts Saturday!
Calvert County Commissioners signed a National Safe Boating Week Proclamation at their Monday morning meeting, May 11, 2009. Present to accept the proclamation were members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Drum Point Flotilla and a member of the regular Coast Guard BM Logan from Station St. Inigoes.
On Friday, May 8, Commissioners Linda Kelly and Susan Shaw went boating on the Patuxent River with members of the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard to see first hand how America’s Volunteer Lifesavers do what they do.
Drum Point Flotilla Commander Dan McConnell accepted the proclamation for the Auxiliary.
All boaters are strongly urged to boat safely this boating season. Read more about National Safe Boating Week. Wear that life jacket please!
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Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard Unit Spotlight: Baltimore Sector Vessel Boarding and Security Team
I enjoy bragging about our Guardians! Our Coast Guard is absolutely top notch. Today Public Affairs for Sector Baltimore released a unit spotlight news release about the brave guardians that are trained in law enforcement in order to board vessels. In Southern Maryland we are fortunate to have our Guardians as well as agencies like the Calvert County Sheriff protecting our way of life on the Chesapeake Bay. Just knowing these guys and gals are there makes us all feel warm and cozy in our most vulnerable moments. Now the Baltimore Sector Vessel Boarding and Security Team:
News Release: Date: May 12, 2009 
Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(410) 576-2541
The Vessel Boarding and Security Team is located at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md. Their mission is to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist activity and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure in the Port of Baltimore. The VBST performs more than 100 boardings a year in the Upper Chesapeake Bay and the National Capital Region on commercial vessels. There are currently seven active duty members and 29 reserve members serving with the VBST. Members of the VBST go through extensive law enforcement training, weapons training and first responder training such as first aid and CPR. The VBST conducts training both internally and externally with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Leonard Posluzny uses a training baton on Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Anderson during law enforcement training at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md., Monday, May 11, 2009. Members of the Vessel Boarding and Security Team must be proficient in self-defense standards before performing law enforcement. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)
Robert Taylor of the Baltimore SWAT team goes over different maneuvers of tactical entry with the members of the Coast Guard Vessel Boarding and Security Team at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville, Md., Wednesday, May 6, 2009. The VBST regularly trains to improve their law enforcement skills and builds working relationships with state and local agencies. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Karl Banks approaches a suspect for handcuffing during law enforcement training at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md., Monday, May 11, 2009. Vessel Boarding and Security Team members practice proper handcuff techniques to keep themselves protected without harming the suspects. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentiCommandant: USCG Cutter Boutwell Shoutouts!
We have Guardians serving in near Djibouti. This Monday Admiral Thad Allen of the Coast Guard was on the Boutwell and published a great blog entry on his journal iCommandant. He asked that we take a minute to send a shoutout to our brave Guardians on the Boutwell. Take a minute to say hello and send a greeting to the Guardians serving on the Boutwell!
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentMemorial service held for Humboldt Bay Coast Guardsman
MCINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard held a memorial service here today, at Azalea Hall, for the 27-year-old Coast Guardsman who died after a swimming accident April 22, 2009. Seaman James A. Salac, a food service specialist at Group Humboldt Bay, was recovered from the Trinity River at Kimtu Beach in Willow Creek, Calif., by the Humboldt County
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard Hosts Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run in Baltimore, Maryland
Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(410) 576-2541
Members of Nate Bruckenthal’s family attend the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009. “I’m grateful for the dedication to Nate’s Memory,” said Laurie Freiman, Nate Bruckenthal’s mother. “I want to thank everyone for honoring him and his service to our country.” (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)
Noabeth Bruckenthal, Nate Bruckenthal’s sister, speaks to the runners prior to the start of the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009. Approximately 17 different Coast Guard units participated in this year’s event. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmy DiCanio, a member of Engineering Logistics Center Baltimore, participates in the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009. Participants of the run ranged from age five to 64 years old. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)
Chief Petty Officer John Wright, a Coast Guard recruiter in Fredericksburg, Va., participates in the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009. The 205 participants included Coast Guard active duty, reservists, retirees, civilians and military dependents.
(Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)
Read more about our Guardian Nathan B. Bruckenthal at CGblog.org.
See the video of a Coast Guard memorial service for Nathan also held today.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard: Notice to Boaters
This press release was issued by the United States Coast Guard 11th District Public Affairs Detachment for Los Angeles as a Notice to Boaters. While it is primarily aimed at the boating public in the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, we around the Chesapeake Bay can get something out of the release as well.
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Notice to Boaters April 23.2009
Coast Guard Urges Awareness to Recreational Boaters of Boating Safety Laws
SAN PEDRO, Calif. -In light of recent near misses and the start of the 2009 boating season, the Coast Guard will be increasing the enforcement of small vessel navigation rules. There have been several recent near misses in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach which were the direct result of dangerous maneuvers by small craft impeding the movement of large commercial vessels. Reports include small craft impeding port channels, cutting through Pilot Operating Areas, and cutting across the path of large ocean going shipping, all violations of federal regulations.
Recreational, commercial fishing, and small passenger vessels must use extra care when transiting in port channels, Pilot Operating Areas, as well as the entire Precautionary Area. The Precautionary Area is a convergence zone for the two major shipping lanes in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area and extends approximately seven nautical miles from the federal breakwater.
Increased Coast Guard Patrols to Begin
Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach has taken a heightened posture towards addressing these violations. Taking a tiered approach, the Sector is nearing the end of the Outreach and Education Stage. This included coordination with the Los Angeles – Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee, distribution of safety pamphlets, and increased boating safety classes and exams offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Enforcement Phase will begin in May with increased water patrols focused on navigation violations within the Port area. This corresponds with the National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2009 and Memorial Day weekend which is the traditional start of the recreational boating season.
Important Navigation Rules for the Port Area
Stay Clear of Pilot Operating Areas. Part 165.1152 Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations prohibits any vessel from entering the Pilot Operating Areas unless they are entering/departing through the respective gate. Vessels are further prohibited from stopping or loitering (including fishing) in the area unless they are embarking or disembarking a pilot. The Pilot Operating Areas are shown on NOAA charts as purple trapezoids extending seaward from each gate (extending approximately 1.5 nautical miles from Los Angeles’ Angel’s Gate and 2.5 nautical miles from Long Beach’s Queen’s Gate). NOAA nautical charts 18749 and 18751 have notes printed on them alerting boaters to this rule.
Don’t Impede Vessels in Narrow Channels. Rule 9 of the International and Inland Navigation rules stipulates that vessels less than 20 meters (approximately 65 feet), sailing vessels, or vessels engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only in a “Narrow Channel or Fairway”. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Public Notice 1-96 applies Rule 9 to the Pilot Operating Areas and all channels leading to deep draft berths within the port. This means that any large commercial vessel operating anywhere in the Pilot Operating Areas or anywhere in the port should not be impeded by small vessels. This supersedes the navigation rule which gives sailing vessels right of way over power vessels.
Rule 9 further states that vessels shall keep as near to the outer limit of the narrow channel which lies on the starboard side as is safe and practicable. This means that small vessels should not proceed down the middle of port channels or down the middle of the Pilot Operating Areas.
Maintain a Proper Lookout. Rule 5 of the International and Inland Navigation rules requires a proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means.
Maintain a Proper Radio Watch. Required by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act for power driven vessels over 20 meters (approximately 65 feet), as well as towing vessels over 26 feet, and vessels 100 gross tons or more while carrying one or more passengers. Vessels should monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 as well as passively listen to Vessel Traffic Service channels (CH 14 VTS outside breakwater, CH 73 Los Angles pilots, CH 74 Long Beach pilots).
Negligently Operated. Small vessels operating too close to a large vessel and impeding their safe passage are considered to be “negligently operated” and may be cited as such.
Avoiding Dangers inside a Commercial Port
The combined port complex of Los Angeles and Long Beach is one of the largest and busiest ports in the entire world. Thousands of recreational boaters, ships, tugs, barges, ferries, and other commercial vessels must share the use of the waterways everyday. This can be a challenge!
· Stay clear of commercial traffic lanes.
· Never pass between a tug and its tow or you may hit the long submerged tow line.
· Steer clear of large ships. Large ships have the right-of-way in channels and Pilot Operating Areas.
· Ship speeds can be deceptive. They cover distance much faster than it appears and it generally takes up to a mile and a half for these vessels to come to a complete stop. If a water skier or windsurfer falls a thousand feet in front of a moving tug, that person in the water has less than one minute to get out of the way of that vessel.
· A large ship’s blind spot can extend for hundreds of feet in front of them, so they may not even see a small craft which cuts in front of them.
· Take a Boating Safety Class. Get a Free Vessel Exam. http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.html
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Coast Guard reservists graduate Sector Baltimore Boatcrew College
You may be seeing some of these Guardians on the Bay this boating season. Don’t forget to say hello, give them a big smile, and be wearing your life jacket! Congratulations Reservists!
Coast Guard reserve members graduate from Sector Baltimore’s Boatcrew College at Station Curtis Bay, Md., Friday, April 10, 2009. Reservists from all over Maryland attended a two-week long course to learn about the Coast Guard’s 25-foot response boat and performed boatcrew tasks in order to become qualified rescue boatcrew members. (Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentYou Activated Your EPIRB, Now What
The “Unofficial Coast Guard Blog” has an excellent article on the new 406 MHz EPIRBs required on some vessels. I suggest anyone that carries an EPIRB read this article and make sure they are familiar with how it works, registration requirements and so on.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentBuy a Brick for the Helicopter 6505 Coast Guard Memorial
CoastGuardNews.com reminded us all today of the ultimate sacrifice paid by the four Guardians of Coast Guard Helicopter 6505 in September 2008. I have taken the liberty to treat their article like a press release reproducing it here in hopes that more people will read it and Honor the brave men and women of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point by supporting the construction of a memorial to our fallen Guardians.
Our active young heroes in the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserves need our unwavering support, our love, and our continued encouragement as they give the best years of their lives and sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our coast lines, provide essential rescue services, and keep us safe on our nation’s waters:
“On the night of 4 September 2008 Coast Guard helicopter 6505 was conducting an over-water training mission south of Honolulu, Hawaii. While delivering a rescue basket to a Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat something went terribly wrong and the aircraft descended to the water with two pilots, a flight mechanic and a rescue swimmer onboard.
On this fateful night the following men lost their lives:
Commander Thomas Nelson
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Wischmeier
Aviation Survival Technician First Class David Skimin
Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class Joshua Nichols.”
In order to preserve the legacy of these Guardians for generations to come, a memorial site is being constructed at Air Station Barbers Point Hawaii. To accomplish this, the Coast Guard Aviation Association is managing a fundraiser to raise the approximately $50,000 it will cost to fund the memorial.
The goal of those involved in the memorial site is that it be constructed in time so that it can dedicated on September 4, 2009.
In order to help fund the creation of this memorial you or your group may purchase and engrave a brick to be used in construction of the pathway leading to the memorial. Bricks must be ordered by April 14, so there’s only a week left to order.
When considering your donation amount please remember that tens of thousands of dollars must be raised to ensure the success of this timeless remembrance.
Standard 4 inch by 8 inch bricks may be donated by individuals for a minimum donation of $60. Your text may be up to 3 lines with 16 characters available per line.
Larger 8 inch by 8 inch bricks may be donated by groups for a minimum donation of $250. Your text may be up to 5 lines with 16 characters available per line.
For additional information or to purchase a brick, please visit http://my.brixbase.biz/coastguard6505/
There’s a nice story in the Honolulu Advertiser that describes the memorial design and construction plans.
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It was my honor to purchase a brick for this memorial. I hope that you will do the same. Thank you CoaststGuardNews.com for making us all aware of this memorial.
Coast Guard to establish Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise
PORT ARTHUR, Texas - (Coast Guard Press Release) The Coast Guard will establish the Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise in Port Arthur, Texas, April 9, 2009. This NCOE will be the third such center of expertise and is part of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Enhancement Program.
The center will serve as the Coast Guard’s focal point in the operation and examination of gas ships. The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring that ships transporting liquefied natural gas to the United States meet international and domestic standards for construction and operation that promote the safe transport of LNG.
The center is a training facility that will focus on establishing and maintaining expertise in cryogenic and compressed gas carrier technology and operations, and provide Coast Guard personnel with the technical knowledge and skills they need to carry out their missions. The center’s ultimate goal is to improve marine safety. In addition to LNG, other gases that are shipped on specialized carriers, such as liquefied petroleum gas and anhydrous ammonia, also will be part of the center’s focus.
“ This center will allow the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Program to keep pace with maritime industry growth and specific needs,” said Capt. John Plunkett, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur.
Maintaining and administering a ship-rider program to familiarize students in ship design, systems and operations is one of the many functions the center will provide. Other functions of the center include: providing training to personnel at Coast Guard sectors who perform LNG ship and facility examinations, providing assistance to units working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission during an LNG facility approval process, and providing on-the-job training opportunities for marine inspectors from other Coast Guard units who examine foreign LNG carriers.
Date: April 6, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer Patrick Kelley(713) 578-3080
Lt.j.g. Kim Kaiser (409) 723-6589
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Coast Guard rescues 2 from boat aground in Potomac River
(Press Release) BALTIMORE April 5, 2009- The Coast Guard rescued two people and their dog from an aground boat in the Potomac River Sunday.
Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, Md., deployed a rescue boatcrew at 5 p.m. to a 30-foot sailing vessel that had run aground and was taking on water near St. Clement’s Island.
The rescue crew removed Jeffery Shauberger, his son Jeffery Shauberger Jr., and their pet rottweiler from the boat and transported them to a campground near St. Patrick’s Creek.
The sailboat is lit and anchored on the shoal near St. Clement’s and does not affect navigable waterways.
“Both people, including the dog, were wearing their lifejackets,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon Lee.
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to wear their lifejackets when on the water.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentToledo man charged with making false distress call to U.S. Coast Guard
(Coast Guard Press Release 020209 – Cleveland, Ohio) – CLEVELAND - William J. Edwards, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Rear Adm. Peter V. Neffenger, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, today announced the filing of a criminal indictment charging Frederico C. Flores, age 21, of Toledo, Ohio, with communicating false distress messages to the United States Coast Guard.
The indictment charges that on about March 12, 2009, Flores issued distress messages to the United States Coast Guard knowing no such emergency existed.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
“We take false distress calls very seriously,” said Edwards. “It diverts valuable resources and time while also wasting a tremendous amount of taxpayers’ money.”
“Hoaxes are a tremendous concern, not only because of the waste of resources, but especially because resources responding to a hoax are not available to respond to an actual person in distress. It could cost somebody more than just money,” said Rear Adm. Neffenger.
The investigating agencies in this case are the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Federal Communication Commission. The case is being handled by Asst. U.S. Attorney Thomas O. Secor who may be reached at (419) 259-6376, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Fowles of the Coast Guard.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For additional information on false distress calls, also known as hoax calls, contact the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020.
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard: Proud History. Powerful Future.
Coast Guard Members Maintain Cutter James Rankin
Seaman Jenna Seyjagat paints the railings on the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Wiedenfeld takes pictures
Seaman Jenna Seyjagat paints the railings on the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin in Baltimore,
Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Seyjagat and other unit members are responsible for the up keep of the boat throughout the year. The James Rankin is a 175-foot buoy tender that is responsible for maintaining aids to navigation in the Chesapeake Bay.
(Coast Guard photo/ Ensign Jerome Brown)Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Wiedenfeld takes pictures of spots were possible corrosion could occur in the bottom of the Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin in Baltimore, Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Wiedenfeld is a part of the corrosion inspection team from the Naval Engineering Support Unit in Portsmouth, Va.; he and other Coast Guard members inspected the James Rankin for rust and watertight integrity. (Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley.)
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentVessel Safety Checks Not Affected By Recession – They Are Still Free
United States Coast Guard Press Release March 27, 2009: LOS ANGELES – As the weather in Southern California gets warmer and with the increase in daylight hours more and more recreational boaters are getting out on the water. “Before hitting the water, the Coast Guard urges boaters to make sure they have the required safety equipment and that it is in working order by taking advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary,” said Anthony Turner a spokesman for the Coast Guard in Los Angeles.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been conducting free Vessel Safety Checks since 1947. Unaffected by recession or inflation they were free then and still free today.
Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by qualified members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and are the best way of learning about problems that might be a violation of state or federal laws and provide the boating public with additional safety tips that could possibly mitigate or eliminate preventable danger on the water. To find a Vessel Examiner go to www.safetyseal.org. Vessel Safety Checks can be conducted on any type of watercraft from boats, personal watercraft, to kayaks.
Lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals are just some of the items that are required by federal regulations. The Coast Guard also suggests boaters equip their vessels with a marine VHF radio, GPS device, and 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
Aside from being prepared for an emergency, another advantage of getting the free Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary is that there aren’t any penalties associated with not passing. Those who do pass will be able to display this year’s Vessel Safety Check decal on their boat.
According to Turner, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement also conduct their own inspections.
Vessel Safety Check Decal
Now is also a great time to take advantage of one of the many boating safety courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and become acquainted or reacquainted with basic boating skills, seamanship and the most current rules and regulations that may also save a live or prevent and accident.
For more information about boating safety visit the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division website at: www.uscgboating.org/.
To locate a boating education course offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary visit http://www.d11s.org/PDF_files/PEclasses.pdf.
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Posted in Boating Safety | 
Tags: Auxiliary, boat, boating, Coast Guard, safety, vessel | 
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Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay Prepares for Boating Season
Fulmer and Kitchin pull rescue dummy from water
Seaman Danielle Fulmer and Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Kitchin pull a rescue dummy out of the water in Curtis Bay, Md., Thursday, March 26, 2009. Coast Guard members from Station Curtis Bay conduct training throughout the year to be prepared for an increase in boating accidents during the summer.
The Coast Guard urges all mariners to wear lifejackets while on their boats. A majority of boaters who drown were not wearing their lifejackets. In an emergency there may not be enough time to put one on, so wearing one at all times may save your life. (Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley.)
America’s Guardians! Semper Peratus
Thank you for your service!
Coast Guard NOPR for TWIC
Coast Guard announces advance notice of proposed rulemaking for Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentDon’t be a “Gilligan” on the Water
(Coast Guard Auxiliary Press Release – 032309) – Click and read how not be a “Gilligan” this boating season.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard: Letter to the Editor
Reproduced here in its entirety is a Letter to the Editor written by Captain Timothy M. Close USCG 9th District. Click here to see the official Coast Guard Release.
Letter to the Editor from Capt. Timothy M. Close
Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla.
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CLEVELAND – The following letter to the editor written by Capt. Timothy M. Close, Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. Capt. Close is the Coast Guard officer who led this week’s search for the missing boaters off the Florida coast:
March 6, 2009
This past week, a strong group of elite gentlemen set off confident in their knowledge and skill, but were overpowered by forces of nature. It is essential that the majority of us who are no match for their strength must take utmost care before setting out on the ocean in even the best of conditions.
One of the most important things a boater can do before leaving the dock is to provide a detailed float plan to a family member or friend. Float plans should indicate exactly where you’re going and when you’ll be home. This information is crucial to the Coast Guard should we need to find you. An accurate weather forecast for the area you’ll be in is also crucial. Many times, weather near shore is significantly calmer than weather offshore and knowing the forecast for your intended destination can help you decide whether to leave the dock, stay in more protected areas or even stay at home.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is the single most important piece of emergency equipment a boater can have. EPIRBs are life savers. When an EPIRB gets activated, it sends a signal to the Coast Guard telling us you are in distress and providing us your exact location. A marine band VHF-FM radio can be extremely valuable, but has limited range. Additionally, cell phones become less effective the further you are from shore and may receive no signal at all beyond 15-20 miles.
Flares, strobe lights and other signaling devices allow us to quickly locate people who are already in the water and need help. We will search at night as well as during daylight and anything that will make you more visible aids us significantly.
Finally, always wear a life jacket.
As we all continue to pray for Nick Schuyler’s speedy recovery and for the families of Marquis Cooper, William Bleakley and Corey Smith around the country, I hope those who cared about Corey Smith in the Greater Detroit area can honor his legacy with a renewed commitment toward personal safety and a respect for the raw power of the open waters whether they be in the Gulf of Mexico or the Great Lakes. If so, I believe that some good can come out of this heartbreaking tragedy.
Capt. Timothy M. Close
Sector Commander
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Fla.
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Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard Station St. Inigoes – Unit Spotlight
Our local Coast Guard Station at St. Inigoes, MD is featured in this Coast Guard Public Affairs Release. Take a moment to get to know the brave young men and women saving lives in the waters of Southern Maryland, our Guardians of the Potomac. Semper Paratus – Always ready!
Station St. Inigoes Unit Spotlight
The Public Affairs Release contains a video of our Guardians at St. Inigoes.
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related ContentCoast Guard News: A Life Remembered
(Coast Guard News Video 022709) – Coast Guard Commander Keith Willis was laid to rest on Monday, February 23, 2009. Commander Willis was the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma until his death last week. (Boston.com reported the passing was duw to natural causes.)
(Ed note: God bless you Commander Willis and God bless and keep your family. Our Auxiliary family has each of you and especially the Guardians and crew of the Tahoma in our prayers. Semper Paratus, Sir!)
Enjoy the read? Support DougWeb with coffee money ;) Sphere: Related Content
