Issue 1, Spring 2012
The Crow’s Nest Musings from the top o’ the ship
By BOSN Eric Kvistad, OTO
District 8 Western Rivers
What is a Crow’s Nest?
Contents New PPE
Policy
Not while I’m driving
2012 OPS Workshop
DSAR 2012
Roles & Responsibilities
Cell Phone Use Underway
New Changes
Update
D8 WR DIRAUX
The Crow’s Nest was the highest observation point on the ship and as such was a prime place for a lookout to warn of approaching navigation dangers, other ships, sea monsters, the dreaded rogue wave and of course, the edge of the world. It was widely used on ships before the advent of radar. This newsletter is full of info, tips, and navigational warnings to assist you in your Auxiliary voyage. Enjoy!
The sheepshank hitch is used for temporarily shortening a piece of line. It consists of two bights of line, side-by-side, with a half hitch at either end.
The Sea Bag
The Sheep Shank Knot
History, Nautical Lore, and Sea Stories
2
Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX
New PPE Policy
1
In January DIRAUX issued a
new policy governing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program. This purpose for
this is to provide written guidance for those members directly affected by this
program.
The policy may be downloaded from the District 8 WR Auxiliary web site in the
Operations section.
2
This policy provides guidance
on the ordering, issuance and accounting of PPE. It also provides guidance on how to
dispose of unserviceable gear.
In addition to the written policy found on the web site for
D8WR Auxiliary, there is also a slide presentation available for download to assist with understanding this new policy.
One should note, however, that the slide show does not
3
substitute for the actual policy.
I encourage all operational members, especially those in leadership positions who are
responsible for PPE issuance and accounting, to read the entire policy at their earliest
convenience.
My goal is to ensure all of our operations members have the gear they need to be safe
while being good stewards.
4
There are a few fundamental
changes in this policy to the way business has been done in years past. The first notable
change is the delegation of authority and responsibility down to the Flotilla level.
The FSO-OP will now manage the PPE program locally. The
5
SO-OP is still involved but in
more of a support role. Also, large stockpiles of gear will no longer be authorized. Instead,
the SO-OP will retain on hand a minimum stock of basic issuance. All other gear shall be
ordered, as it is needed.
There is also a mandatory annual inventory and
Policy Highlights
#800 Industrial Mesh Vest (MV1254 T1)�� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,��� 6WUHQJWK�UDWHG�DW����PSK��� 62/$6�JUDGH�UHÀHFWLYH�WDSH � RQ�IURQW�DQG�EDFN��� 0HVK�6KRXOGHUV�RIIHU�PRELOLW\ � DQG�FRPIRUW��� /DUJH�IURQW�SRFNHWV�ZLWK � 9HOFUR��FORVXUH��� 6LGH�DGMXVWPHQWV�IRU�GXDO�VL]LQJ��� +LJK�ZDLVW�UHGXFHV�LQWHUIHUHQFH� � ZLWK�WRRO��GXW\�EHOWV��� &RORU�� ,QWO�2UDQJH�� 6L]HV�� 6�0��/�;/� � �;��;���;��;
#800-CG Mesh Vest w/ USCG Markings#800-A Mesh Vest w/ USCG Auxiliary Markings
Mustang Survival® Flotation Vests
��
#815 4-Pocket Flotation Vest (MV3128 T2)$� IXQFWLRQDO�3)'�GHVLJQ� IRU� LQGXVWULDO�DQG�SURIHVVLRQDO�DSSOLFDWLRQV�� 2IIHUV�ODUJH� DUP� KROHV� IRU� PRELOLW\� DQG 7XJ�7LWH®�DGMXVWPHQWV� IRU�DQ�H[DFW�¿W� )RXU�ODUJH�IURQW�SRFNHWV�ZLWK�9HOFUR��FORVXUH� VWRUH� WRROV� DQG� VLJQDOLQJ�HTXLSPHQW�� 6KRUW�ZDLVWHG� GHVLJQ�FDQ�EH�ZRUQ�ZLWK�ODZ�HQIRUFHPHQW�DQG�XWLOLW\�EHOWV��� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,��� 6WUHQJWK�UDWHG�DW����PSK��� 62/$6�UHÀHFWLYH�WDSH�RQ�VKRXOGHUV��� &RORU�� ,QWO�2UDQJH�� 6L]HV�� 6�±�;;���;��;
#815-CG 4-Pocket Vest w/ USCG Markings#815-A 4-Pocket Vest w/ USCG Auxiliary Markings
,QWHQGHG� IRU� ULJRURXV� DFWLYLWLHV�� 7KH�KLJK�QHRSUHQH� FROODU� SURYLGHV� LPSDFW�SURWHFWLRQ�E\�PLQLPL]LQJ�QHFN�PRELOLW\��� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,��� 6WUHQJWK�UDWHG�DW�����PSK��� 62/$6�UHÀHFWLYH�WDSH�IRU�YLVLELOLW\��� ��EHOW�DGMXVWPHQW�IRU�D�VHFXUH�¿W��� /DUJH�FXWDZD\�DUP�KROHV�SURYLGH� PD[LPXP�UDQJH�RI�PRWLRQ��� &RORU�� ,QWO�2UDQJH� � %ODFN��Z�R�UHÀHFWLYH�WDSH��� 6L]HV�� 6�±�;;
#809 High Impact SAR Vest (MV5600),GHDO� IRU� ERDW� DQG� VKRUH� RSHUDWLRQV�RU� ORZ� WR� PHGLXP� ULVN� VZLIW� ZDWHU�HQYLURQPHQWV�� )HDWXUHV� RQH� SLHFH�RYHU� WKH� VKRXOGHU� IRDP� GHVLJQ� IRU�VWUHQJWK��VWUXFWXUDO�LQWHJULW\��� ,5,$�&HUWL¿HG��1R�86&*�$SSURYDO���� ���OEV��0�/��DQG����OEV��;/��EXR\DQF\� �� 4XLFN�UHOHDVH�EHOW��� 7ZR�IURQW�SRFNHWV�Z��PHVK�GUDLQDJH� �� )RXU�DFFHVVRU\�DWWDFKPHQW�SRLQWV��� &RORU�� &ULPVRQ�5HG�� 6L]HV�� 0�/� �����������&KHVW�� � ;/� �����������&KHVW�
#825 Rescuer Vest (MVR100 SR)
#835 Near Shore Rescue Vest (MRV050 WR)'HOLYHUV� D�PRUH� FRPSDFW�� OLJKW�ZHLJKW�VROXWLRQ� IRU� WKH� VKRUH�EDVHG� UHVFXH�SURIHVVLRQDO�� 6KRXOGHU� DGMXVWPHQWV�DQG�VKRUW�ZDLVW�FXW�IRU�PD[LPXP�PRELOLW\��� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,��� 6WUHQJWK�UDWHG�DW����PSK��� 5HÀHFWLYH�WDSH�RQ�IURQW��EDFN��� 7ZR�IURQW�VWRUDJH�SRFNHWV�ZLWK� ]LSSHU�FORVXUHV��� )DVW�WDE�DQG�'�ULQJ�IRU�UDGLR��OLJKW�� RU�DFFHVVRU\�DWWDFKPHQW��� &RORU�� 2UDQJH�%ODFN�&RPER�� 6L]HV�� ;6�6��0�/��;/�;;
#831 Instructor Vest (MRV200 SR))RU � XVH� LQ � K LJK� U LVN � VZL I W � ZDWHU�HQYLURQPHQWV�� )HDWXUHV�RQH�SLHFH�RYHU�WKH�VKRXOGHU� IRDP�GHVLJQ� IRU�VWUHQJWK��VWUXFWXUDO�LQWHJULW\��� ,5,$�&HUWL¿HG��1R�86&*�$SSURYDO���� ���OEV��0�/��DQG����OEV��;/��EXR\DQF\��� 4XLFN�UHOHDVH�EHOW��� 5HPRYDEOH�IURQW�SRFNHW��� ,QFOXGHV�H[WULFDWLRQ�OHDVK��� 7KUHH�DFFHVVRU\�DWWDFKPHQW�SRLQWV��� &RORU�� &ULPVRQ�5HG�� 6L]HV�� 0�/� �����������&KHVW�� � ;/� �����������&KHVW�
)HDWXUHV�DQ�DGMXVWDEOH�ZDLVW�EHOW�DQG�OHJ�VWUDS�IRU�D�VHFXUH�¿W��D�KHDG�FXVKLRQ�WR�FUDGOH�WKH�KHDG�LQ�WKH�ZDWHU�DQG�D�VDIHW\� JUDE� VWUDS� IRU� HDVH�RI� UHVFXH���8OWUD�FRPIRUWDEOH�DQG�KLJKO\�GXUDEOH��� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,��� 0XOWL�SLHFH�VSOLW�IRDP�ÀRWDWLRQ�FROODU��� 0HVK�WULP�IRU�ZDWHU�GUDLQDJH��� %ULJKW�FRORU�IRU�KLJK�YLVLELOLW\��� &RORU�� *ROG�5HG�&RPER�� 6L]HV�� ,QIDQW� �XS�WR����OEV�� � &KLOG� ���������OEV�� � <RXWK� ���������OEV�
#817 Lil’ Legends Infant, Child, & Youth Vests)RU� FRQVWUXFWLRQ�� HQIRUFHPHQW� DQG�RWKHU�SHUVRQQHO�ZRUNLQJ�RQ�RU�QHDU�WKH�ZDWHU�� )HDWXUHV�IDVW�WDE�DWWDFKPHQW�SRLQW�IRU�D�UDGLR��OLJKW�RU�RWKHU�HTXLSPHQW�� 2QH�HQFLUFOLQJ�ERG\�EHOW�DQG�XSSHU�FKHVW�VWUDS��� 86&*�$SSURYHG�7\SH�,,,�9��� 62/$6�UHÀHFWLYH�WDSH��� &RPIRUWDEOH�PHVK�OLQLQJ��� %ULJKW�FRORU�IRU�KLJK�YLVLELOLW\��� &RORU�� ,QWO�2UDQJH�� 6L]HV�� $GXOW�8QLYHUVDO
#821 Type III/V Work Vest (MV3192)
6
inspection to be conducted
jointly by the member and the FSO-OP.
See the PPE SOP on the D8WR
Aux web site for further details.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
3
Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX
1
Cell phone use is rampant in today’s society. Text messaging is now more common than any
other type of telephonic communication to include e-mail.
This method of messaging someone is quick and convenient. However, it can
also be deadly.
Essentially, there are three types of distracted driving as shown below.
1. Manual – Removing hands from wheel
2. Visual – Removing eyes
from the road
3. Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving
According to the US Dept. of Transportation, cell phone use while driving on the nation’s
roads account for 16% of all fatalities. This may seem like a small percentage but it is a rapidly rising statistic.
2
Studies show that cell phone use decreases the brain’s capacity to focus on driving by
as much as 37% leading to an increase in driver reaction time equivalent to having a BAC of .08%.
In most states this represents the legal limit for alcohol
concentration in a driver’s blood. Interestingly, one does not need to be at the legal limit to be charged with a DUI.
One only needs to be impaired in their driving to be charged.
Ultimately, using a cell phone
to talk while driving increases risk of a crash by four times. Texting while driving further
increases that risk to 23 times!
Clearly, operating a motor
vehicle while distracted is a recipe for disaster. It is important to note there are plenty of other ways to drive
distracted.
3
Among them are the following:
1. Eating and drinking 2. Talking to passengers 3. Grooming 4. Reading, including
maps 5. Using a navigation
system 6. Watching a video 7. Adjusting a radio, CD
player, or MP3 player
These activities are also things that people do on boats while
underway. Operating a vessel while distracted has the same potential for fatal crashes as driving a car on the road
Not While I’m Driving
Cell Phone Use While Underway
Cell phone use while driving equates to a BAC of .08%!
DEAD END
4
Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX
4
The President issued Executive Order 1513 in 2009 addressing cell phone use while driving. In
it, the President specifically prohibited the use of a cell phone by any government
employee while operating a motor vehicle for official purposes.
Auxiliarists assigned to duty are covered by this Executive Order.
Additionally, Rule 5 of the
Navigation Rules states in part “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out . . .”
5
The Coxn must ensure that whoever operates the vessel is not designated to also handle
communications via cell phone. Failure to appropriately manage crew tasking may result in a loss of situational
awareness leading to a MISHAP.
Choose another member of
the crew to handle communications via cell phone. It is also advisable to
slow your speed or come to all stop during the conversation to allow greater safety and
ensure the speaker can hear the conversation.
The Coxn, more than anyone else, needs to maintain
situational awareness at all times since he/she is responsible for the safe
navigation and operation of the vessel.
6
Working a VHF-FM radio while operating the vessel does not appear to carry with it the
same level of risk compared to a cell phone. However, Coxns shall ensure use of the radio does not compromise the
safety of the vessel or crew.
Consistent practice of TCT principles and appropriate
Crew Resource Management will aid the Coxn in executing his/her primary responsibility as
noted above.
Continued
1
I have seen a few instances where a certified instructor or
mentor has signed off qualifications for a member of their immediate family. I want
to be clear that I do not have any reason to believe these individuals compromised their
integrity.
However, as a matter of principle, I require that any PQS
or similar document requiring
2
the signature of an instructor, mentor or observer leading to
the qualification, certification or recertification of a trainee shall be provided by someone
who is not related through blood or bound by the bonds of close friendship whenever
an alternative signatory is reasonably available.
The purpose of this requirement
is to avoid the pretense of any
3
impropriety and to maintain the overall integrity of the
training program.
In cases where this requirement may not be met due to
unavailability of an alternate signer then the instructor, mentor or observer shall attach
a signed note to the PQS or similar document attesting to the circumstances.
Sign-Offs for PQS and other Qualifications
TCT . . . it’s free !
5
Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX
45
New Operations Workshop Policy
CELNAV
No, it’s not navigating by cell phone. Although anyone younger than 20 may think that. Celestial Navigation is a centuries old practice and still relevant today.
The beauty of CELNAV is that it requires no batteries or electricity to perform. All one needs are a sextant, sight reduction tables, plotting instruments, charts and an accurate chronometer. It is a tried and true method of open ocean navigation and still taught at the Coast Guard, US Naval and various Maritime Academies today.
CELNAV is impervious to GPS failures whether man-made or natural. Another side benefit is the increased sense of attention to detail.
There is not much practical use for CELNAV within the Western Rivers AOR. However, gaining a basic understanding of the principles of traditional navigation helps the modern mariner become more proficient in the use of modern electronic navigation systems.
The SEA BAG
Issue 1, Spring 2012 D8WR DIRAUX
Kimberling Inn severely damaged by tornado on February 29th.
New venue identified as the Chateau on the Lake in Branson.
Event date has moved to August 16th – 18th
Contact COMO Jack Gumb (D-CR)
Teams are still needed!
1
The fundamental purpose of DSAR is to showcase practical application of SAR skills in a friendly, competitive environment. All grading criteria are drawn from the PQS for Boat Crew Member and Coxswain.
Despite losing our long-standing venue for DSAR to a severe tornado on February 29th we are moving ahead with plans to hold DSAR this year.
The DSAR Planning Committee, lead by COMO Jack Gumb (D-CR), has identified The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO as our alternate DSAR site.
The Chateau on the Lake is a four star hotel and resort
2
situated right on the lakefront. It has ample docks, a helicopter pad for the CG Helo and modern, plush amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for all DSAR guests.
The negotiating team, led by Bob Tippet (DCDR 5) and assisted by IPDC Dan Maresh, will meet with the executive manager of the hotel on April 12th for final contract negotiations.
The DSAR 2012 web site will be updated as details become available.
I want to personally encourage boat crews to consider participating in this year’s DSAR event. DSAR is not just fun &
3
games but also a serious training opportunity where boat crews can observe other crews and develop their own skills.
There will also be teams from D8ER and D8CR competing in this fun and exciting event.
Sector UMR and LMR will each be sending 25’ RB-S boats and crews and an CG HH-65 Helo from AIRSTA NOLA will be there as well.
This year’s DSAR is shaping up to be a memorable event.
See you there!
Top Related