Attendance

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

There was no quorum.

Approval of minutes could not be made, corrections were given and subsequently made to the March minutes.

DCDR Reports

·        Information about the Change of Watch is included below.

·        The Sector Workshop was held Saturday 3 April with a small turnout by Division 25 members.

·        Email handbook to Auxiliary coxswains about the Abandoned Vessel program. All Coxswains should log into the Abandoned Vessel webpage: User: usgca5; password baltAVP5.

·        Review current safety messages from Commander O'Malley and apply; they are attached below.

·        Updates of Flotilla Standing Rules depend on updating District Standing Rules.

·        Prospective new members' information needs to be updated for the AIMS program. There will be a workshop on AIMS. Testing will be online in June.

·        Advanced Skills Workshop was to be held 16 to 18 April.

·        The District Policy Manual will be revised.

·        FCs are to send letters on monitors to DIRAUX only. If monitors sign off boat crew and coxswains, the sign off will be invalid. The list of monitors needs to be updated.

FC Reports

01: NR

02: NR

03: Filed electronically

05: Held first BS&S course yesterday; class was for crew training

06: Filed

07: NR

08: Filed

09: Filed

10: Filed

11: Last meeting held a boating safety class in house for members and prospective members, giving instructors a chance to practice

12: filed

Staff Reports

NS: Bernie. List of ATONS to be verified this year for the entire division  were given to all flotillas except 09 and 12.

CM: Bill. Filed. AIMS in one sector was done in 45 to 50 minutes, why SO-CM not notified? When go through, only TCM operators were paged. There were only four in the system, although more have qualified. TCOs were called because of pubic contact. (The system uses an Everbridge data warehouse)

CS: Jeff: Send any announcements for the Division calendar and website, especially notices of interest to the public.

FN: Bill Since the last report, all flotillas are current. A $1,200 payment for plaques to be distributed for COW needed approval (this was done by the Board by electronic vote after the Division meeting).

IS: No report

MA: Had life preservers for 6 to 7 members that had been requested in the car.

MS: Filed. Will get back regarding Jones Point.

MT: Filed: not getting reports from FSO-MTs. Request data from classes so can plan spring training. Coxswains need IS-210 courses.

OP: Absent

PA: Thanks to members who attended the Chantilly Boat Show. Need Watchstanders for Cherry Blossom Festival, especially to operate Coastie from 5 to 8:30 pm on Saturday 3 April.

PV: Latest edition of Potomac Currents out

SR: Filed

Damage Claims: No report. Emergency response plan in lieu of District plan to be done by 1 Jun.

Other

·        Does anyone want to participate in ISAR?

·        Station St. Inigoes is offering a chance to spend the weekend at the station to train with groups. They would like three boats.

·        Are we having counterparts meetings? There have been low rates of response.

7029 Hours (99 Reports)

The current Form 7029 is not electronic. However, if members will be so kind as to forward me their hours in each category for each month, I will see that Bob Platt, the SO-IS, gets them. (Personally, I fill out the form on line, take a screen shot, and email the screen shot to him.)

Awards

Unit Commendation Award to All Auxiliarists

The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, in June of 2009, awarded the US Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon to all members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as entered in the AUXDATA system as of the date of the 70th Anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

THE COMMANDANT OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

WASHINGTON 20593

The Commandant of the Coast Guard takes pleasure in presenting the COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION to:

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For exceptionally meritorious service from June 24, 1999, through June 23, 2009 while providing superb operational, logistical, and administrative support to the United States Coast Guard and unparalleled performance to our nation. Auxiliarists nobly offered their time, effort and resources to support the Coast Guard whenever needed.

Despite unprecedented challenges to our national safety, security, and spirit, Auxiliary contributions were staggering in their breadth and scope. These stalwart volunteers performed over 1.2 million recreational and commercial fishing vessel safety checks, over 980 thousand hours of boating safety course instruction, and more than 7.7 million hours of operational support and patrol missions. Their diligent efforts resulted in successful boating safety course completion by more than 1.6 million boaters, the saving of more than 3,100 lives, assistance of over 91 thousand boaters in distress, and the prevention of loss of more than 437 million dollars in property. The costs of such performance were admirably and overwhelmingly borne by Auxiliarists as they logged over 23.7 million hours of staff work, travel, preparation, training, and self administration.

All of this was unselfishly delivered as Auxiliarists stood side by side with their Coast Guard counterparts to confront and overcome a roll call of daunting challenges to American fortitude including Y2K, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and many other natural and man-made disasters. Demonstrating remarkable organizational courage and determination, the Auxiliary undertook and successfully implemented the most sweeping changes in its history to its business processes. These included implementation of background checks on all members as well as comprehensive realignment of its leadership construct to more flexibly and effectively support the Coast Guard's modernization efforts. The professionalism, pride, and devotion to duty displayed by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard."

T. W.ALLEN

Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard

Commandant

You are approved to make a copy of the citation for any of those members who wish to have there own copy.  This list came from Chief Director/ headquarters and therefore our office does not have the authority to add any names of those members who feel they should be on the list and are not.  But we will handle those members who are not on the list and feel they are eligible on a case by case basis.  If they are on the list they are not eligible for this award.

Special Operations Service Ribbon

The following members of Flotilla 25-03are awarded the Special Operations Ribbon for volunteering to support activities around the Inauguration in 2009.

·        Gregory A. Baker

·        David Flaherty

·        John Garpstas

·        Kathleen Garpstas

·        Robert Rovetto

·        John Schnackenberg

·        Peter Horton

Although not all were called to serve, their willingness to serve is appreciated.

Upcoming Events

Anacostia and Jones Point Cleanups, Saturday, 24 April 2010

Division 25 will be doing several waterside cleanups on Saturday, April 24.  I hope that you can make it.  Materials will be provided, so all you need to do is bring yourself and some water to keep you going throughout the morning.  Uniform is EITHER your civilian clothes you don't mind getting dirty in, or ODU with boots (no boat shoes) -- the ODUs are optional, but I would like to see as many folks wearing them as possible so that we can clean up the shores and provide good PR for the Coast Guard while we're at it.  It's important to get the USCG out in the community.

Please email me at andrew.welch@cgauxnet.us, and let me know which (Anacostia, Jones Point, or both) of the cleanups that you plan to attend... just so that we can have an accurate picture of how many hands we'll have.  Many thanks - I look forward to seeing you next weekend!

Anacostia Cleanup - Assemble at 0830

Meet at the District Yacht Club, address 1409 Water Street Southeast, Washington, DC‎.  Barbara Allen, FC 25-12, is the primary POC for this.

Jones Point Lighthouse Cleanup - Assemble at 1100

Division 25 has committed to caring for this area with a once-per-quarter cleanup effort there.  Driving directions are below...

The lighthouse property is just to the south of the Wilson Bridge. Parking is a challenge as a result of the recent Wilson Bridge construction. The parking lot is about a 15 minute walk from the lighthouse.

Parking for the park is behind the Hunting Point on the Potomac apartments which is at 1202-04 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314. There is an access road from South Washington called South Street that runs parallel to the Wilson Bridge and through the apartments that will take you to the parking area. Unfortunately, South Street is not marked so knowing where to turn from S Washington Street is difficult.  If you are using Mapquest, Google or Yahoo maps, it may not be of much help as computerized directions don't appear to have been updated since the completion of the Wilson Bridge.

If you are heading south on S Washington, South Street is the street after Church St. Just after going over the beltway on S Washington, turn left into the apartments. That is South Street. Drive down the hill towards the water. The parking area is at the bottom of the hill on your right.

If you are coming north on the GW Parkway which becomes S. Washington St, South Street is after S. Alfred Street on your right.  Drive down the hill towards the water. The parking area is at the bottom of the hill on your right.

Auxiliary Prevention Outreach Specialist Class, Curtis Bay, Sunday, 25 April 2010

Division 054-22 is offering an Auxiliary Prevention Outreach Specialist (formerly Marine Environmental Education Specialist) (AUX-MEES) next Sunday.  Members of AUX Sector Baltimore are very welcome.

When:             Sunday, 25 April 2010, 0830 – 1630

Where:            USCG Yard, Barry Hall, Curtis Bay, Maryland

To Enroll:      Send an email to: Penelope Soteria, SO-MT 054-22, penny@chesapeakebaymemories.org

Division 25 Picnic Meeting, TISCOM, Thursday, 6 May 2010

This will be a picnic at 1830, followed by a meeting at 1900. Among the guests will be LT Jason Hagen, the Station Washington CO, CAPT Rittter, CAPT O'Malley, and others. The Division will be giving the awards for 2009 that were supposed to be given at the cancelled Change of Watch. All members and their families and friends are encouraged to attend. Let Ernie Stevens or Susan Duke know how many people are coming.

And, while we're there…

Division 25 Crew and Coxswains:  The following is a request from Barbara Allen.

If you have a dry suit (MSD 900) please bring it with you to the COW, as Dave and I will be collecting them and returning them to Sector, per their request for maintenance.  Also, please bring the boots; the other gear does not need to be returned at this time, just the MSD 900 and the boots.

HAZMAT Class, Baltimore, Tuesday, 11 May 2010

I have been asked to survey the flotilla to see if anyone might be interest in attending a hazardous materials class to be given in the Baltimore area on the evening of Tuesday, May 11th.

The course would be taught by Bruce Becker who is the ADSO for Marine Safety.

Bruce is just trying to get a headcount to see who might be interested. If you may be interested in attending, please let me know by Monday, June 19th.

Gravelly Point VSC Activity Saturday, 8 May, 2009

We will meet at the Gravelly Point boating slip from 1000 to 1500 to do Vessel Safety Checks, and, depending on the mood, have a picnic. The goal is to get everyone re-qualified for VSC in 2010.

We will want:

·        PA table and materials

·        Chairs

·        Bottled water and other drinks (it gets hot there)

·        Snacks

·        VSC trainees

After that, we can find someplace nice to eat.

NOAA CBIBS Ceremony at National Harbor and Smart Buoy placement near Wilson Bridge 14 May‏ 2010

NOAA will be placing a Smart Buoy, part of the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS), in the Potomac River just south of the Wilson Bridge. This Upper Potomac buoy will be launched Friday, May 14 2010 around 10:00 AM in conjunction with a ceremony at National Harbor. The NOAA Administrator is expected to attend, along with representatives of partner organizations. Members of Congress may also be there. The Auxiliary is also invited to observe the ceremony and launch.

Nation's River Bass Tournament, National Harbor, Tuesday, 25 May 2010 and Wednesday, 26 May, 2010

To all Div-25 FC's volunteers are needed for a Public Affairs event on 25-26 May. Volunteers are needed to don the Officer Snook and Sea Otter costumes. Also needed will be volunteers to speak to kids about boating safety and to demonstrate the proper wearing of the life jackets. The event will be held at The National Harbor Dock and will feature water events for 300 kids, 300 parents and a host of dignitaries and corporate sponsors. I have attached the event flyer. Would you distribute to your Flotilla members? Volunteers can get more info or sign up at locomotiveengineer@juno.com or H: 301-248-0916 C: 240-472-8659

Summer Safety Stand-down, Fort Meade, Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Thanks to Tom for bringing this to our attention

Good Morning Sir,

I am contacting you on behalf of the First Army, Division East Headquarters Safety office; located at Ft Meade, MD.  On 26 May between 0900 and 1600 we will be holding our annual Summer Safety Stand-down.  Of the eighteen topics we plan to cover, one item of interest will be boating safety.  I would like to ask for you assistance in providing boating safety topics to the members of our division.

We organize our safety stand-down in a relaxed “round-about” style. This is more like a fair type of environment in which individuals freely rotate to one of several stations approximately every 20-30 minutes.

Donald R. Ulrich

First Army Division East – Safety

4450 Llewellyn Ave

Fort Meade, MD 20755

(P) 301 833 8330

(BB) 301 448 2876

Useful Information

New Maryland Life Jacket Safety Law

*** MARYLAND *** Senate Bill 92

Altering the required age for a child to wear a personal flotation device from under the age of 7 to under the age of 13.  On April 4, the Maryland House passed this bill 136-2. Previously, it had passed the Senate 44-3. It was approved by the Governor on April 13.  Since it is part of an emergency measure, the new age requirement of "under the age of 13" is effective immediately.

Boating Safety Basics presentation

Boating Safety Basics presentation can be used at boat shows, retail promotions and other events. It incorporates the Four Principals of Safe Boating with a VSC checklist and is "commercial free." It is not intended to replace any boating safety class or course.  The presentation has been posted in both PPT and PDF formats on the Public Affairs resources page.  The PDF version, about 1/2 the size, is better for viewing on websites where the PPT is better for editing and presentation.

http://auxpa.org/resources/Boating_Safety_Basics.pdf

Coordinated Safety Message for the week of 05 April 2010

COs, XOs, OICs, XPOs, Department and Division Officers - I apologize for getting the Safety Message out late this week!  While developing your safety message for the remainders of this week, please consider highlighting the Shore Forces GAR model for the unit.  I recognize this will have limited direct applicability for Boat Force GAR scoring, but it is important to consider carefully the five "environmental" sub-scores, and to know the bench-marks for those scores.  I think this might also have some use in the boat force community.  This week's focus is on the "WX" environmental conditions.

Station, ANT, and Department/Division Safety Coordinators - please focus at your level on familiarizing personnel with the environment - WX parameter sub-score.  There are benchmarks on the attached form, and I've included some information from the National Weather Service/NOAA on what those precise environmental conditions entail.  Please make sure every team leader who conducts consensus scoring is aware of these benchmarks for Shore Force GAR, and hopefully every member of the team as well (else how are they conducting consensus scoring?).  NEXT WEEK: Environment - Threat Information benchmarks!

Environment - WX Parameters: Consider all factors affecting personnel, unit, or resource performance, including time of day, lighting, atmospheric and oceanic conditions, chemical hazards, and proximity to other external and geographic hazards and barriers, among other factors.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "1": Very forgiving environment: Activity occurs in good WX, no exposure to thunderstorms or Small Craft Advisory conditions.

NOTE: for the eastern region, NOAA defines a SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY as: Sustained winds or frequent gusts ranging between 25 and 33 knots (except 20 to 25 knots, lower threshold area dependent, to 33 knots for harbors, bays, etc.) and/or seas or waves 5 to 7 feet and greater, area dependent.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "3": Forgiving Environment: Activity occurs in slightly unfavorably hot or cold WX, no exposure to thunderstorms or Small Craft Advisory conditions.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "5": Moderately unforgiving environment: Activity occurs in moderately hot or cold WX, minimal exposure to thunderstorms or Small Craft Advisory conditions.

NOTE: NOAA provides the following definitions for thunderstorms...

Severe Local Storm =  A convective storm that usually covers a relatively small geographic area, or moves in a narrow path, and is sufficiently intense to threaten life and/or property. Examples include severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging wind, or tornadoes. Although cloud-to-ground lightning is not a criteria for severe local storms, it is acknowledged to be highly dangerous and a leading cause of deaths, injuries, and damage from thunderstorms. A thunderstorm need not be severe to generate frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Additionally, excessive localized convective rains are not classified as severe storms but often are the product of severe local storms. Such rainfall may result in related phenomena (flash floods) that threaten life and property.

Severe Local Storm Watch =  An alert issued by the National Weather Service for the contiguous U.S. and its adjacent waters of the potential for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes.

Severe Thunderstorm =  A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, winds of at least 58 mph (50 knots), and/or hail at least ¾" in diameter. Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm. A thunderstorm wind equal to or greater than 40 mph (35 knots) and/or hail of at least ½" is defined as approaching severe.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning = This is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4 inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightning frequency is not a criteria for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning. They are usually issued for a duration of one hour. They can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.  Like a Tornado Warning, the Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued by your National Weather Service Forecast Office (NWFO). Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will include where the storm was located, what towns will be affected by the severe thunderstorm, and the primary threat associated with the severe thunderstorm warning. If the severe thunderstorm will affect the nearshore or coastal waters, it will be issued as the combined product--Severe Thunderstorm Warning and Special Marine Warning. If the severe thunderstorm is also causing torrential rains, this warning may also be combined with a Flash Flood Warning. If there is an ampersand (&) symbol at the bottom of the warning, it indicates that the warning was issued as a result of a severe weather report.

After it has been issued, the affected NWFO will follow it up periodically with Severe Weather Statements. These statements will contain updated information on the severe thunderstorm and they will also let the public know when the warning is no longer in effect.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch = This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces 3/4 inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.  A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Prior to the issuance of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, SPC will usually contact the affected local National Weather Service Forecast Office (NWFO) and they will discuss what their current thinking is on the weather situation. Afterwards, SPC will issue a preliminary Severe Thunderstorm Watch and then the affected NWFO will then adjust the watch (adding or eliminating counties/parishes) and then issue it to the public by way of a Watch Redefining Statement. During the watch, the NWFO will keep the public informed on what is happening in the watch area and also let the public know when the watch has expired or been cancelled.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "7": Unforgiving environment: Activity occurs in very extremely or cold WX, exposure to thunderstorms or Small Craft Advisory conditions.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "9": Very unforgiving environment: Activity occurs in dreadfully hot or cold WX, exposure to severe thunderstorms or Gale Force Advisory conditions. Release of HAZMAT into environment at location/possible personnel exposure.

NOTE: NOAA provides the following definitions

Gale Warning = A warning of sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.

Gale Watch =  A watch for an increased risk of a gale force wind event for sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph), but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.

Thanks,

CDR Brian Penoyer

Deputy Sector Commander

Coordinated Safety Message for the week of 19 April 2010

COs, XOs, OICs, XPOs, Department and Division Officers - while developing your safety message for this week, please consider highlighting the second environmental dimension on the Shore Forces GAR model for the unit.  Again, I recognize this will have limited direct applicability for Boat Force GAR scoring.  This week's focus is on the "Environment - Threat Information" category.  I recognize that some Guardians will view this rating dimension as unrealistic or even ridiculous; please counterweight this with the depth of your experience - like me you've probably seen scores in the "9" range in reality.  You may need to wait an entire tour or even two, but these things really do occur and we must be mindful of them.

Station, ANT, and Department/Division Safety Coordinators - please focus at your level on familiarizing personnel with the environment - Threat Information sub-score.  There are benchmarks on the attached form, and I've included some information to help with considering the threat information.  Please make sure every team leader who conducts consensus scoring is aware of these benchmarks for Shore Force GAR, and hopefully every member of the team as well (else how are they conducting consensus scoring?).

Environment - Threat Information: Incident Specific threats made or warning signs present, including: Security Breach; Shots fired; Verbal threat (including bomb threat); An explosion has occurred; Secondary explosion has occurred; Multiple security-related incidents ongoing; Radiation alerts; Hazardous Materials release or potential; First Responders have established a Decon Area.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "1": Very forgiving threat environment: No threat indicators are present.

NOTE: "Indicator" is an intelligence-world word.  It means: "In intelligence usage, an item of information which reflects the intention or capability of an adversary to adopt or reject a course of action."  For purposes of this rating dimension, you are not limited to the possible indicators suggested.  Any specific information that reflects the intention or capability of an adversary (terrorist, criminal, or other) to take a course of action physically dangerous to our Shore Force team - that information is an INDICATOR.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "3": Forgiving Threat environment: One low-credible threat indicator is present.

NOTE: "Credibility" is also an intelligence-world word....  We've probably misused it, but we mean that the "INDICATOR" (see NOTE #1) has been evaluated and has a degree of certainty/concern attached to it.  In intelligence usage, evaluation of an indicator is completed in terms of credibility, reliability, pertinence, and accuracy.  Is the source someone we know? Do we understand what motivated that person? Do we have reliability information on the warning (from police? From a middle-schooler playing hooky?)? Is the information detailed and pertinent to our teams or is it general (somewhere someone on the East Coast....)?  Was it about a bomb in the mailbox on the corner of 4th and main? And is this threat/indicator threat persistent (we keep hearing about it over time, from different credible sources)?  LOW-CREDIBLE THREAT in this case means - chatter, but not of much concern.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "5": Moderate Threat environment: One highly credible threat indicator is present.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "7": Unforgiving Threat environment: Two or more threat indicators are present of unknown credibility.

NOTE: There's a lot going on - the ambiguous operating environment itself becomes a threat - we can't filter out what is exactly going on.

BENCHMARK for a SCORE of "9": Very unforgiving Threat environment: Two or more credible threat indicators are present.  DO NOT PROCEED if SHOTS FIRED or SECONDARY EXPLOSION.

NOTE: Yes, I've seen "shots fired" in a pre-deployment SAFETY briefing...

Thanks,

CDR Brian Penoyer

Deputy Sector Commander

Warning to Coxswains Regarding Digital Selective Calling

It has come to the Coast Guard's attention that an automatic channel switching feature found on certain models of Digital Selective Calling

(DSC) equipped VHF marine radios may create an unintended hazard by automatically switching from a working channel that might be in use at the time to Channel 16 when the VHF marine radio receives a DSC distress alert, distress alert acknowledgment or other DSC call where a VHF channel number has been designated.  This could happen without a vessel/radio operator's immediate knowledge and could initiate an unsafe condition by which the vessel/radio operators would believe they were communicating on a working channel such as Channel 13 when, in fact, they were actually on Channel 16.

Since this unsafe condition can happen at any time, the Coast Guard strongly recommends disabling the automatic channel switching feature when maintaining a listening watch or communicating on the designated bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone, or while monitoring the vessel traffic services (VTS) channel.  Radios that lack the disabling feature should not be used for bridge-to-bridge or VTS communications.

The International Telecommunications Union Sector for Radio communications, Recommendation M.493-11 published in 2004 and later versions require DSC-equipped radios to provide for disabling of this channel auto-switch feature.  In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all DSC-equipped radios certified after March 25, 2009 to meet this requirement.  Manufacturers that do not provide a disable function are encouraged to do so and to inform their customers if means for correction exist.  Updated information including a listing of manufacturers of radios believed to be affected by this Safety Alert will be posted as available at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/dsc.htm.

The Coast Guard strongly reminds radio operators and other users to always ensure they are on the proper operating channel when communicating or maintaining watch, particularly with DSC-equipped radios capable of channel auto-switching. This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement.

VFC Reports

Old Business

New Business

Adjournment