Boating Skills and Seamanship class

Boating Skills and Seamanship class begins on January 8 and continues through February 5, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Training Center, 1200 S. Harbor Drive in Venice. Cost is $50 or $60 for a couple sharing a book. For more information call Ruth at 496-9574 or visit the flotilla web site at www.cgauxvenice.org

Thinking About Volunteering?

A person who loves the water, the community, boating, being active, and involved may find a perfect fit at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Venice. Venice Auxiliary members conduct safety patrols and search-and-rescue missions on our waterways, respond to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, assist the USCG with homeland security duties, educate Venice Area citizens about America's Water Watch (AWW), a public outreach program, that encourages participants to simply report suspicious activity to the Coast Guard and/or other law enforcement agencies, teach boating safety classes, and conduct free vessel safety checks for recreational boaters. Other members contribute their talents in web design, information technology, public affairs, and a variety of administrative roles. Requirements are simple: volunteers must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years of age, and able to pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards, although for boat crew, volunteers must be physically able to perform certain tasks. Most training is provided free, and includes training as boat crew and coxswain (small boat operator), vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor, public affairs officer, and many others. Another plus is that volunteers can be “on duty” as little or as much as they want; there are no minimum service hours. Interested in becoming a local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer? Call 941-492-5904, 941-488-1900, or 941-496-9574, or visit www.cgauxvenice.com.

AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE

AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE is being offered by Venice's USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 86. This is an exciting and highly interactive boating safety course. ABC provides you with a booklet and CD which is fun and very comprehensive. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course. And, this beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Topics Include 'INTRODUCTION TO BOATING', 'BOATING LAWS', 'PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT', 'SAFE BOAT HANDLING', 'NAVIGATION, 'BOATING PROBLEMS', 'TRAILERING, STORING, AND PROTECTING YOUR BOAT', and 'HUNTING AND FISHING, WATER-SKIING, AND RIVER BOATING. Registration 6-7 pm, April 14, 2008…$40. Class meets Wednesday, Apr 16, 6-10 pm and Saturday, Apr 19, 8 am—12:30 pm. All classes meet at the USCG Auxiliary Training Center, 1200 Harbor Dr. Venice, Fl.

GPS for MARINERS

Do you know how to use your GPS when you're out on the water? You can become confident using your GPS navigating, navigating with charts (chart plotting), and learn about GPS Selection, GPS history and perspective, your GPS receiver, how the GPS works, and spend some time getting practice. Venice's USCG Auxilliary is offering the class "GPS for MARINERS" from 3/20/08-4/03/08 on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm. This course is composed of three lessons, and one lab, and cost $40.

IT MAY SOON BECOME MANDATORY (I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT IT WILL) that ALL boat operators, on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, possess a certificate showing completion of an education course or its equivalent. I would strongly suggest that all boaters contact, and speak to a volunteer at The Venice USCG Auxilliary, and plan on getting certified in seamanship BEFORE this becomes law. Check the USCG Boating Safety site to get informed. Boating Statistics 2006, indicates that 70% of reported deaths occurred on recreational boats where the operator had not received any formal boating safety instruction. On average, approximately 700 people die in recreational boating accidents each year. It is the belief of boating safety experts that requiring recreational boaters to have boating safety instruction could save numerous lives each year.

MINNOW SKIPPER FAILED...

To take simple steps before getting underway.

Most of us remember the S.S. Minnow from the 1960’s Sitcom Gilligan’s Island. That voyage was crewed by a mighty sailing man (Gilligan), and a sure and brave skipper. They were only going to be out for a three hour tour but ran into some bad weather. What most people don’t know is that the brave and sure skipper never filed a Float Plan, failed to check the weather forecast, and did not carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB, thereby delaying search efforts for weeks and making locating them on an uncharted deserted island almost impossible. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary strongly suggests that all recreational boaters, regardless of the size of their boat, carry with them not only the federal and local mandated safety equipment, but also a VHF Radio, and a (EPIRB), which are not mandated. If the Minnow carried an EPIRB there never would have been a series since the five passengers and crew would have been located very quickly. The filing of a Float Plan with friends, relatives, and your marina enables these people to inform the Coast Guard when you don't arrive at the point your are supposed to when you are expected to arrive. When properly completed the Float Plan contains information to make the search faster, and easier. In the case of the Minnow, no one knew they were overdue for several weeks. A Float Plan asks such questions as what type of boat, what is your proposed itinerary, do you have a radio, how many people on board, etc.  The answers can shorten the process of locating a missing boater. Although we have made a little light out of the voyage of the Minnow, safe boating and seamanship is no joke.   The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. It was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. More than 29,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions. For more information on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit http://www.cgauxvenic.org.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Looking to “Welcome Aboard” New Volunteers

Those seeking a meaningful volunteer position in 2008 may find a perfect fit at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. Auxiliary members conduct safety patrols and search-and-rescue missions in U.S. waterways, respond to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, assist the U.S. Coast Guard with homeland security duties, teach boating safety classes, and conduct free vessel safety checks for recreational boaters. Other members contribute their talents in web design, information technology, public affairs, and a variety of administrative roles. The requirements are simple: volunteers must be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years of age, and able to pass a basic background check. There are no upper age limits or height/weight standards, although for boat crew, volunteers must be physically able to perform certain tasks. Most training is provided free and includes training as boat crew and coxswain (small boat operator), vessel examiner, boating safety class instructor, public affairs officer, and many others. Another plus is that volunteers can be “on duty” as little or as much as they want; there are no minimum service hours. Those interested in becoming a local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer can call 941-492-5904, 941-488-1900, or 941-496-9574, or visit the website at www.cgauxvenice.com. Admiral Thad Allan, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, calls the Coast Guard Auxiliary an integral part of Team Coast Guard. By volunteering, you not only learn new skills, you make an important difference to your community and your country.

Stranded & Taking on Water

As told to me by Venice's Flotilla 86 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Commader, Judi Bidwick.

The boating season in Sarasota County is underway now. Accidents, and near accidents are happening daily. While on an USCG Auxiliary patrol Sunday, February 10th, the crew aboard "Partner-Ship" responded to a 23 foot boat in the Gulf of Mexico, stranded and taking on water. The two on board knew very little about boating, and had never taken a safe boating course. If they had, they wouldn't have been in the Gulf to transit the area from Bradenton to Ft. Myers in a newly-purchased boat. With waves 3-5 feet and winds at 15 knots, the safer way to travel was definitely on the Intra-Coastal Waterway, especially in a relatively small vessel. To further complicate their condition, they had anchored from the stern of their boat (the rear), where water was lapping over into the boat. The crew towed their boat in through the Venice Jetty, dropping them off at the Crow's Nest so they could call for assistance.

Boat Responsibly

If you've never taken a safe boating course, here they are. Course Schedule (Winter 2008)

For more on boating safety, check out the USCG Boating Safety site.The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damages, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: always wear a life jacket and require passengers to do the same; never boat under the influence (BUI); successfully complete a boating safety course; and get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons®, or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!”

Boating Skills & Seamanship

UPDATE, and additional information. Jan. 27th Successfully completeing the Boating Skills & Seamanship course can save you money on your boat insurance, and earn you your Florida Boater’s Card. Boaters 21 and under must carry the ID card and a photo ID while operating a powerboat or personal watercraft with 10 horsepower or more.

"It is also desirable that all boaters take a safe boating course. The top contributing factors for boating accidents are (in this order) Careless/ Reckless Operation, Operator Inattention, Excessive Speed, & Operator Inexperience. These accidents can be prevented by the boater wearing a life jacket, and by being aware of many of the topics we teach in our Boater Safety Program. The wish from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other agencies is for all boaters to wear a life jacket.Appproximately 70% of boating fatalities are drowning, and 87% of drowned victims are not wearing a life jacket" Commander Judi Bidwick of Venice's USCG Auxiliary said. I think it's pretty clear what the mission is, and why Flotilla 86 volunteers work so hard to educate boaters in our community. USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 86, in Venice, Fla will begin their next course on boating skills, and seamanship on February 7th, and will run until March tenth. Classes will meet on Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:00pm. The course will cost $50 per person, $60 per Couple. The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. The course consists of 8 required 2hr lessons plus elective modules, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions.

A message from Venice's Volunteer Lifesavers

Jan. 13 - The USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 86, in Venice has a yearly boating safety program. Our primary interest is to make boaters safe and aware of the rules, regulations, signage, and area familiarization in the Intra Coastal Waterway along the west coast of Florida. We teach eight to ten courses a year that cover Coastal Navigation, Boating Safety and Seamanship, GPS, Boating Safely, Charting, Knot Tying, and others as needed.

Any American Citizen is eligible to join this voluntary organization. The Auxiliaary supports the Coast Guard by teaching classes, giving boat safety checks, performing search and rescue missions, and any other duty that is deemed necessary to assist the local Coast Guard Station. For information, call Judi Bidwick 941-492-5904 or visit our website at www.cgauxvenice.org.

.......COURSE SCHEDULE.......

BOATING SKILLS & SEAMANSHIP

1/03/08-2/04/08; 2/07/08-3/10/08

Class meets on Monday and Thursday 6:30-9:00pm $50, $60/Couple

GPS for MARINERS

3/20/08-4/03/08 Class meets on Monday and Thursday 7:00-9:00pm $40

BASIC/ADVANCED COASTAL NAVIGATION

1/02/08-4/02/08 Class meets on Wednesday 7:00-9:00pm $90

AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE

4/14/08-4/16/08-4/19/08 $40 (Call for information)

ON-THE-WATER with the Auxiliary

2/4/2008 3/10/2008 $45

Class for students that graduated from Boating Skills & Seamanship Program only

Detail Course Schedule (Winter 2008)

Information or class registration, please contact: Ruth Bruno 941-496-9574, Judi Bidwick 941-492-5904, Flotilla 86 941-488-1900

Thank You USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 86 Volunteers

Jan 12, 2007 - This morning, my daughter, and myself were up with the sun, photographing birds, local wildlife, and interesting finds around Venice. Something we do regularly, Today we found ourselves at Marina Park, aka “The Venice Train Station” taking shots of egrets feeding along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and gliding herons, navigating the ICW. We got to meet a group of USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 86, volunteers who shared with us some water safety tips, boating safety materials, and even gave us a book that we are very excited about. “A Historical Geography of Southwest Florida Waterways” We were impressed with the people we met, and want to take this oppurtunity to honor, and say Thank You to USCG Auxiliary Volunteers, who’s fundamental objectives of protection do so much to make our waterways safer, keep the boating public informed & prepared, and are there when help is needed.

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