Public Educaton

Public Education is traditionally the primary responsibility of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The most effective way to reduce Search and Rescue cases is to properly educate the boating public. There will always be mechanical failures, but properly educated boaters are significantly less endangered by such events and know what to do in such cases.
The Auxiliary teaches classes designed for every age group from even the kindergarden level through Advanced Navigation. Global Positioning System is a new course that is very popular since many of us have these units, but the manuals are less than a useful instruction tool for the inexperienced person; some give us a fit as well.
We educate the public in many of our other activities as well. While doing a Vessel Examination the examiner has the opportunity to interact with the boat owner and pass along safety tips and encourage him or her to take a formal course. Boating Safety booths at various festivals and events provide an opportunity for the public and the Auxiliary to interact in an informal atmosphere.

Public Education CLASSES

REASONS WHY INBOARD/OUTBOARD POWERBOATS SINK
BoatU.S. Goes to the Insurance Claims Files for Answers
After publishing a recent study identifying the causes for accidental outboard powerboat sinkings, Seaworthy, recreational boating's damage avoidance magazine, has combed through the BoatU.S. insurance claims files to identify the reasons why inboard/outboard (I/O) powerboats sink. Interestingly, while outboard powerboats are similar in design to I/O's -- and often made by the same manufacturer -- the study found vastly different reasons why each accidentally sinks.
Outboard powerboats tend to sink at the dock due to poor cockpit designs that trap water, but an I/O's weakest link is the delicate connection between the inboard engine and the outdrive unit, called bellows.
"The use of bellows or boots -- pleated, flexible rubber membranes -- that run between the inboard engine and partially submerged outdrive to seal the transom where cables and shafts pass through have one weakness: a limited lifespan," said Seaworthy Editor Bob Adriance. He says that bellows should be inspected annually -- and more often in hot, sunny climates. "Any bellows that is over five years old is living on borrowed time," said Adriance.
He adds, "Many boats have more than one bellows (driveshaft, shift cable, exhaust, etc.) any one of which has the potential to sink the boat. And if one shows wear, they all should be replaced."
Here are the top reasons why I/O's sink:

At The Dock:
#1 (44%): Leaking bellows. A surprising number were attributed the small shift cable bellows.
#2 (23%): Failed below waterline fittings, hose clamps, and melted hoses as a result of overheating.
#3 (15%): Failed above waterline fittings. Heavy rains overwhelm cockpit scuppers.
#4 (11%): Poor docking arrangements: Boats or outdrives that snag on docks.
#5 (6%): Uninstalled drainplug.
#6 (1%): Miscellaneous such as a cracked engine block.
While Underway:
#1 (36%): Struck a submerged object such as rock or logs.
#2 (24%): Failed below waterline fittings.
#3 (20%): Leaking bellows.
#4 (12%): Swamping.
#5 (8%): Miscellaneous.

Looks like this fellow didn't keep a sharp lookout.
Your supposed to go between the Red and Green markers

ALERT ALERT ALERT
The Coast Guard is implementing a new service that will help take the Search out of Search and Rescue. It relies on the boater having a DSC (digital selective calling) VHF radio hooked up to his GPS (Global Positioning System) or LORAN unit. This allows for a one button calling --call it a PANIC BUTTON if you wish. When it is activated it sends a distress signal and the position of the transmitting vessel. Consider it an automatic S-O-S. However, you must have a MMSI number registered to your radio and vessel. To get that number you may go to http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ -- or simply click here for the MMSI Website to get your MMSI number and instructions on how to register and install on your vessel.

Please note that there is a new form to be used after 2006 boating safety programs that have participants expecting a Florida Boater's ID card from Tallahassee. A new form has been generated that we are to use for all those particular programs that have the NASBLA exam requirement to get the ID card.
Call me if you have any problems or questions. 352-212-6949
Bob Lewis, SO-PE
by E mail

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Public Educaton

Public Education CLASSES

Looks like this fellow didn't keep a sharp lookout.Your supposed to go between the Red and Green markers

Looks like this fellow didn't keep a sharp lookout.
Your supposed to go between the Red and Green markers