U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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District 5SR Division 23 Flotilla 23-6 THE DRUM POINT FLOTILLA Calvert County'sVolunteer Lifesavers
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A child under 13 years of age must wear a life jacket while underway in a vessel that is less than 21 feet in length. A child under 4 years of age have a life jacket equipped with a grab strap, inflatable headrest and crotch strap (Maryland law.)
Archive for July 10, 2010
July 10, 2010 | 
Author A new mobile device program was installed in the website today. There are some improvements. Using the default mobile interface there is now access to the lengthy blog roll under the “Links” button.
Mobile devices like the Blackberry and iPhone and iPod Touch are supported. Some devices like the Kindle are only partially supported. The footers of the site’s mobile pages have a link to toggle back and forth between regular site view and mobile site view.
Use the Contact Form above to let me know if you have issues or if you have comments.
Posted in 
Member dues letters were mailed by Jack Margolis, Flotilla Commander some weeks ago. Members have until July 31, 2010 to send their dues to the finance FSO.
Please get your dues in.
Moments ago, the Coast Guard announced that a memorial service will be held next Tuesday for the fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017 which crashed off the coast of Washington state earlier this week. The service will be held in Sitka, Alaska, where LT Sean Krueger, AMT1 Adam Hoke and AMT2 Brett Banks served as members of Air Station Sitka.
This week has been one of tragedy and resilience for the U.S. Coast Guard. Even as the Service mourned the loss of three of the four crew members from CG 6017, Coast Guard aviators were in the air searching for survivors of the collision between a duck boat and barge on the Delaware River.
(Read the ENTIRE story at the Coast Guard Compass blog, including how you can assist the families of the fallen Guardians. Just last year this site told you about Lt. Sean Kreuger who had earned a prestigious aircraft rescue award in the UK while serving there with UK rescuers. The Drum Point Flotilla is deeply saddened by the loss of our three brave Guardians. We pray for them and their families:
Date: 03 June 2010
Contact: Kirk Scarborough
USCG Auxiliary Public Affairs Dept.
Email: [email protected]
www.auxpa.org
Press Release
Los Angeles, Calif….. Spring has officially arrived and most boaters have started the process of Dewinterizing their boats. The most overlooked item is the fuel system. Since your boat has been sitting all winter, it is imperative to clean and maintain your fuel system prior to running the motor. Clean fuel is essential to insure your boat is always running at its peak performance.
Pour a small amount of fuel into a glass jar and let it set for a while. If you see contaminants or dirt settle at the bottom of the jar make sure to filter your gas prior to putting it in your boat motor. Approximately 90% of engine problems can be directly attributed to dirty, contaminated fuel.
A small amount of water in gasoline will not damage the motor. But any amount of water in diesel fuel could spell catastrophe and destroy your engine.
A few things to remember:
· Check for contaminated fuel
· Check fuel cap for leaks
· Check vent fittings
· If fuel is dirty, remove all of it and start over with clean fuel
· Maintaining boat fuel systems will save money on costly repairs
· The last thing you want is to be stranded without a motor working
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer Component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions.
###
Date: 03 June 2010
Contact: Kirk Scarborough
CG Auxiliary Public Affairs Dept.
Email: [email protected]
Press Release
Los Angeles, Calif. …. A boat operator should never take a boat on the water with too many people or too much gear on board. Boats loaded beyond their capacity will swamp or capsize more easily and will be more difficult to control. Although federal law requires capacity plates on boats less than 20 feet in length, the National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA) requires a capacity plate on all boats less than 26 feet in order to be certified by NMMA.
Look for a capacity plate near the operator’s position or on the transom of the boat. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather.
A few things to remember:
- Do not exceed either state max. weight capacity or number of people
- Max. weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear & motor.
- In many states it is a violation to exceed weight capacity
- Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual
- Never exceed capacity recommendations.
- For additional information go to: www.auxpa.org.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer Component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions.
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BALTIMORE – Due to a high number of boaters in distress through the holiday weekend, the Coast Guard urges boaters to be safe and prepared this weekend.
The Coast Guard, with assistance from partnering agencies, responded to 13 search and rescue cases this holiday weekend in the upper Chesapeake Bay. The 13 cases included capsized canoes, disabled boats, flare sightings and several boats taking on water.
“Boating can be fun for everyone, if one takes the time and plans accordingly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Mitrowski, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore’s chief of response. “Boating incidents are very tragic, not just for individuals involved, but for the family members as well. Please think safety for yourself and others next time you’re out on to the water.”
In an effort to reduce the number of incidents on the water and to increase the safety of people on the water, the Coast Guard recommends the following:
* Make sure a friend or relative knows your float plan. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel, gives a complete vessel description, and details your destination and when you plan to return. Float plans aid rescuers in identifying a search area in the event of an emergency while on the water.
* Be sure to check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and boaters should keep a watchful eye on the forecasted conditions.
* The Coast Guard urges mariners to outfit their boat with a functioning marine-band radio as cell phones are typically an unreliable source of communication due to gaps in coverage and limited battery life. Using channel 16 on a marine-band radio is the most reliable way to communicate a distress to search and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency while on the water.
* In the event you contact the Coast Guard to request assistance and circumstances change that no longer requires emergency personnel to respond, the Coast Guard requests that you follow up to indicate the change in your status so as to eliminate a needless search effort.
* All passengers should remain seated in designated seating areas when the boat is underway. Bow riding is extremely dangerous and increases the potential for passengers falling overboard, causing injury or even death.
According to Coast Guard statistics in 2002, 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. In an emergency, there is no time to put on a life jacket, so wearing one at all times is very important. Forget the image of life jackets being orange, bulky and uncomfortable, today’s technologically advanced life jackets are inconspicuous; some even double as fishing vests or jackets.
State of Maryland health officials have stated that there have been eight heat-related deaths in 2010, surpassing the total for all of 2009. Due to increased temperatures, boaters should ensure they remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help prevent heat-related illnesses while on the water.
According to Maryland Natural Resources Police statistics, nine boaters died throughout Maryland in 2008. Two-thirds of these deaths can be attributed to boating under the influence, drowning and weather conditions. The Coast Guard asks boat operators to take preventative measures to ensure their own safety, safety of passengers as well as other boaters.
Being educated about safe boating could save a life. Most boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course. Courses given by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather.
Another aspect of boating safety is not operating a boat under the influence. Last month alone, the Coast Guard, with assistance from NRP, issued 14 BUI citations. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is just as deadly as drinking and driving and is illegal in every state. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.
For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following Web sites:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary http://www.cgaux.org
Vessel Safety Checks http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org
Coast Guard Boating Safety page at http://www.uscgboating.org/
National Safe Boating Council http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org
U.S. Power Squadrons http://www.usps.org/
via Busy holiday weekend for rescuers puts focus on boating safety.
R 072348Z JUL 10
ALCOAST 361/10
COMDTNOTE 3710
SUBJ: LOSS OF COAST GUARD AIRCRAFT 6017
1. IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET AND SADNESS THAT I REPORT THE CRASH OF CG6017 TODAY ALONG THE COAST NEAR LA PUSH, WA.
CG6017, FLOWN BY A FOUR PERSON CREW FROM AIRSTA SITKA, WAS IN TRANSIT FROM ASTORIA, OREGON, TO SITKA, ALASKA. A MULTI-AGENCY SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORT LOCATED THE FOUR CREWMEMBERS – ONE WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THREE WERE DECEASED.
2. ALTHOUGH MANY OF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE NAMES AND STATUS OF THE CREW, WE ARE FOLLOWING THE APPROPRIATE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES. WE WILL RELEASE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ALL OF YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
3. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF AIRSTA SITKA AND THEIR FAMILIES. OUR IMMEDIATE FOCUS IS ON PROVIDING THE NECESSARY CARE AND SUPPORT TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CREW AND THEIR SHIPMATES. WE WILL DISPATCH EVERY RESOURCE AND PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES REQUIRED TO MEET THEIR NEEDS. THE SEVENTEENTH DISTRICT COMMANDER, RADM COLVIN, IS HEADED TO AIRSTA SITKA TO STAND BY OUR SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
4. WE WILL CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE MISHAP TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND HELP PREVENT FUTURE INCIDENTS. CG6017 SALVAGE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY.
5. ADDITIONALLY, I AM DIRECTING OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY STAND DOWN FOR EVERY AIRSTA IN THE CG. THE DETAILS OF WHICH WILL BE CONVEYED IN SEPARATE CORRESPONDENCE, A PERSONAL FOR MESSAGE TO AIRSTA COMMANDING OFFICERS.
6. I ASK ALL OF YOU TO PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO PAUSE AND REFLECT ON YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS YOU STAND THE WATCH.
7. RELEASED BY ADMIRAL BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT.
8. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
————————————————–
R 081841Z JUL 10 ALCOAST 363/10 COMDTNOTE 3710 SUBJ: UPDATE 1 - LOSS OF COAST GUARD AIRCRAFT 6017 1. SHIPMATES, I WANT TO UPDATE THE COAST GUARD FAMILY ON THE STATUS OF THE CREW OF CG6017. I AM DEEPLY SADDENED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE THREE FATALITIES IN YESTERDAYS MISHAP ARE LT SEAN KRUGER, AMT1 ADAM HOKE, AND AMT2 BRETT BANKS. THE FOURTH AIR CREWMEMBER, LT LANCE LEONE, SURVIVED THE CRASH AND IS CURRENTLY RECOVERING FROM INJURIES. THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF ALL THOSE WHO REACHED OUT AND RESPONDED, HAVE PROVIDED SOME SMALL MEASURE OF COMFORT FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED AND INJURED CREW MEMBERS AND THEIR COMMAND. IN TIMES LIKE THESE, OUR SERVICE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO COUNT ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT. ITS PART OF THE MANNERS OF OUR PROFESSION. 2. LT KRUGER, AMT1 HOKE AND AMT2 BANKS COLLECTIVELY LEAVE CAREERS WHICH SERVE AS EXAMPLES OF OUR SERVICES CORE VALUES AND UNDERSCORE WHAT AMERICA EXPECTS FROM ITS COAST GUARD. THEIR SACRIFICE REFLECTS OUR COUNTRYS BEST VALUES AND PRINCIPLES. 3. FURTHER, I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE NUMBER OF SERIOUS AVIATION MISHAPS THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST 22 MONTHS. I AM ADDRESSING THIS SEPARATELY AND WILL UPDATE YOU IN THE FUTURE. FOR NOW, WE SHOULD AND MUST FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON CARING FOR AND SUPPORTING OUR SHIPMATES AND THEIR FAMILIES. 4. OUR SERVICE CONDUCTS HAZARDOUS MISSIONS EVERY DAY BOTH ON AND ABOVE THE WATER, AND ASHORE. THE LOSS OF THESE THREE EXCEPTIONAL COAST GUARDSMEN REINFORCES THAT FACT. I ASK THAT YOU REMEMBER THIS CREWS SACRIFICE AND HONOR THEIR LIVES. 5. INFORMATION REGARDING MEMORIAL SERVICES WILL BE PASSED WHEN THE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE. 6. RELEASED BY ADMIRAL BOB PAPP, COMMANDANT. 7. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED. ------------------------------------------------ On Friday evening July 9,2010, 1900 hrs, at the request of Jack Margolis, Flotilla Commander, Drum Point Flotilla 23-6, all members in attendance stood at silent attention to remember and honor our fallen Guardians. Semper Paratus
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons also inspect kayaks and other paddle craft.
Boat Safe. Boat Smart. Get the Decal!
“You wouldn’t allow your kids to sit on the hood of your car, so why would you allow them to sit on the bow of your boat?”
Rear Admiral Dean Lee, 5th District commander, United States Coast Guard
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The Division 23 Chesapeake Chatter is available at the Division 23 website.
The Blinker Newsletter is available at the Fabulous 5th Southern Website.
The weekly CGUAX Newsletter is available at SITREP.
THE RBS Department's newsletter WAVES - Watercraft and Vessel Safety is available at the RBS website.
The CGAUXA eBeacon Magazine.
UPTOP in Operations Newsletter
