Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Luke Woodling, Digital Content Manager, Water Sports, Bonnier Corporation.
Visit Program. The Coast Guard’s Recreational Boat Manufacturer Factory Visit program affords water ski and wakeboard boat manufacturers the peace of mind that boats coming off their assembly lines are as safe as possible, which is particularly reassuring in a market that is so family-focused.
What do the Manufacturers Think About the Program? Dan Gasper, the director of research and development at Malibu Boats, said “It’s comforting to know that you’re building by those specifications, because you know the boat will be safe. Safety is what they’re all about.”
“It’s not as if they print these regulations and run,” added Bill Snook, chief engineer at Nautique Boats. “They come in and look over our shoulder and see what we’re building. There is peace of mind in that.”
Results. The Coast Guard’s regulations and factory visit program do more than just instill confidence—they also enable water ski and wakeboard boat manufacturers to focus on innovation.
Resources that would have to be dedicated to developing and carrying out safety protocols are instead freed up to design everything from state-of-the-art dashboards to more functional towers and ballast systems.
“Without the Coast Guard’s support, we’d have to put more of our resources into solving problems and making sure that we’re building a safe product,” Snook said. “Now all we have to do is follow the specifications—buy this part and assemble it in this way. We don’t have to invent any of that. All we have to do is follow what they specify, and we know we have a much better and safer product.”
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Recreational Boating Safety Outreach.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Alston Colihan, Technical Writer
The Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety administers a variety of educational outreach programs to help reduce the numbers of boating accidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage involving recreational boats. Some examples include:
The Boat Factory Visit Program
Requires recreational boat manufacturers to self-certify compliance with U.S. Coast Guard safety standards.
The credibility of that certification process is maintained by:
visits to domestic boat manufacturing plants to educate boat builders,
the authority to assess penalties against boat builders who are willfully non-compliant.
This program requires the manufacturer or importer to certify that each of its boats complies with federal safety standards. The Coast Guard does not require specific procedures to determine compliance, so the manufacturer may employ a third-party certification service, use an independent laboratory, or use the company’s in-house technical staff.
National Marine Manufacturers Association Yacht Certification Program
Offers member manufacturers’ boat inspections by third-party inspectors to certify compliance with Coast Guard safety standards and voluntary American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
Educational Efforts: New boat manufacturers are provided with a “Boatbuilder’s Handbook” CD, which contains information regarding the laws, regulations, and safety standards applicable to builders of recreational boats; copies of compliance guidelines and explanations for test procedures for each of the safety standards; and a variety of references concerning boat manufacturing, compliance testing, and the recreational boating product assurance program.
Visit Schedule: The Recreational Boating Factory Visit Program employs “compliance associates,” most of whom were former inspectors in the Coast Guard commercial vessel safety program.
The visit schedule is as follows:
annual visits to manufacturers whose boats are subject to most of the standards;
biennial visits to manufacturers whose boats are subject to some of the standards;
manufacturers of other boats that are excepted from the standards, such as canoe and kayak manufacturers, are visited at least once every three years.
These visits ensure that manufacturers understand the safety standards, know how to comply with them, and can inspect any boats under construction for compliance. In addition, boat manufacturers are also made aware of voluntary safety standards such as those published by the American Boat and Yacht Council.
Product Assurance Enforcement: The Coast Guard is exploring better coordination between the boating safety program and local Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection in the enforcement of civil penalties for recreational boat manufacturer violations.
The Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program
Formerly known as the Marine Dealer Visitor Program, the program’s goal is to build long-lasting relationships with the recreational boating safety community as a whole.
The Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety administers a variety of educational outreach programs to help reduce the numbers of boating accidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage involving recreational boats. Some examples include:
The Boat Factory Visit Program
Requires recreational boat manufacturers to self-certify compliance with U.S. Coast Guard safety standards.
The credibility of that certification process is maintained by:
visits to domestic boat manufacturing plants to educate boat builders,
the authority to assess penalties against boat builders who are willfully non-compliant.
This program requires the manufacturer or importer to certify that each of its boats complies with federal safety standards. The Coast Guard does not require specific procedures to determine compliance, so the manufacturer may employ a third-party certification service, use an independent laboratory, or use the company’s in-house technical staff.
National Marine Manufacturers Association Yacht Certification Program
Offers member manufacturers’ boat inspections by third-party inspectors to certify compliance with Coast Guard safety standards and voluntary American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
Educational Efforts: New boat manufacturers are provided with a “Boatbuilder’s Handbook” CD, which contains information regarding the laws, regulations, and safety standards applicable to builders of recreational boats; copies of compliance guidelines and explanations for test procedures for each of the safety standards; and a variety of references concerning boat manufacturing, compliance testing, and the recreational boating product assurance program.
Visit Schedule: The Recreational Boating Factory Visit Program employs “compliance associates,” most of whom were former inspectors in the Coast Guard commercial vessel safety program.
The visit schedule is as follows:
annual visits to manufacturers whose boats are subject to most of the standards;
biennial visits to manufacturers whose boats are subject to some of the standards;
manufacturers of other boats that are excepted from the standards, such as canoe and kayak manufacturers, are visited at least once every three years.
These visits ensure that manufacturers understand the safety standards, know how to comply with them, and can inspect any boats under construction for compliance. In addition, boat manufacturers are also made aware of voluntary safety standards such as those published by the American Boat and Yacht Council.
Product Assurance Enforcement: The Coast Guard is exploring better coordination between the boating safety program and local Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection in the enforcement of civil penalties for recreational boat manufacturer violations.
The Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program
Formerly known as the Marine Dealer Visitor Program, the program’s goal is to build long-lasting relationships with the recreational boating safety community as a whole.
PICTURED: A compliance associate inspects a boat’s wiring harness.
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Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Case for Mandatory Recreational Boating Education
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Fred W. Poppe, Vice President, of National Boating Federation.
A recent Coast Guard study indicates that fewer boating fatalities occur in states that have implemented requirements for boat operators to be educated in a more rapid timeframe.
Thus, the course for future reduction in accidents, injuries, and fatalities is clear:
A recent Coast Guard study indicates that fewer boating fatalities occur in states that have implemented requirements for boat operators to be educated in a more rapid timeframe.
Thus, the course for future reduction in accidents, injuries, and fatalities is clear:
- Every state should enact mandatory boating education for all recreational vessel operators.
- The National Boating Federation, its member organizations, and their delegates continue to be involved in efforts to pass mandatory boating education laws in their states. In addition, members participate in and contribute to 42 national, regional, and international maritime organizations through the federation’s executive committee members and member delegates.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
US SAILING Encourages Boaters to Wear Life Jackets
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Richard Jepsen, US SAILING
In the early 1980s, the United States Yacht Racing Union (now US SAILING) began a program of youth training and studied the statistics on the risks of boating.
It took seriously the statistical findings that pointed to enhanced safety for wearers of life jackets who found themselves unexpectedly in the water. As a result, the organization decided to start training youth to wear life jackets as part of sailing right from their first time away from the dock.
Put It On—US SAILING’s training program guidelines requires students, instructors, and instructor trainers to wear life jackets while aboard all boats while underway or on a mooring.
The common theme at US SAILING is that promoting life jacket wear from the beginning of an individual’s boating career creates better “buy-in” and dramatically increases the likelihood he or she will wear a life jacket while boating.
The Hanson Rescue Medal—the organization also maintains statistics on person-in-water rescue attempts and funds a rescue award called the Hanson Rescue Medal to encourage boaters to report rescue attempts in detail to help gather data on real-life incidents.
Not surprisingly, a brief perusal shows that successfully rescued sailors almost always were wearing a life jacket.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
In the early 1980s, the United States Yacht Racing Union (now US SAILING) began a program of youth training and studied the statistics on the risks of boating.
It took seriously the statistical findings that pointed to enhanced safety for wearers of life jackets who found themselves unexpectedly in the water. As a result, the organization decided to start training youth to wear life jackets as part of sailing right from their first time away from the dock.
Put It On—US SAILING’s training program guidelines requires students, instructors, and instructor trainers to wear life jackets while aboard all boats while underway or on a mooring.
The common theme at US SAILING is that promoting life jacket wear from the beginning of an individual’s boating career creates better “buy-in” and dramatically increases the likelihood he or she will wear a life jacket while boating.
The Hanson Rescue Medal—the organization also maintains statistics on person-in-water rescue attempts and funds a rescue award called the Hanson Rescue Medal to encourage boaters to report rescue attempts in detail to help gather data on real-life incidents.
Not surprisingly, a brief perusal shows that successfully rescued sailors almost always were wearing a life jacket.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
What is the best life jacket on the market? The one you will wear.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Ms. Dorothy Takashina, Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association
The Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association, comprised of life jacket and life jacket component manufacturers, continually works to improve standards and test methods by subsidizing independent studies and volunteering with industry work groups.
Wear It—Don’t Stow It!— Recreational boaters use life jackets classified by the Coast Guard as Type I, Type II, or Type III.
Inflatable PFDs may also be classified as Type I, II, or III:
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
The Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association, comprised of life jacket and life jacket component manufacturers, continually works to improve standards and test methods by subsidizing independent studies and volunteering with industry work groups.
Wear It—Don’t Stow It!— Recreational boaters use life jackets classified by the Coast Guard as Type I, Type II, or Type III.
- Type I has a minimum of 22 lbs. buoyancy. The bulky Type I life jacket is classified as “offshore” and is designed for survival in rough, open water where quick rescue is unlikely.
- Type II has a minimum of 15.5 lbs. buoyancy and more stringent performance requirements than Type I, such as righting (turning many wearers face-up in the water). Type II is suitable for a wide variety of boating activities in calm inland waters where fast rescue is likely.
- Type III life jackets also have a minimum of 15.5 lbs. buoyancy but do not have the more stringent standards required of Type II jackets. Type III jackets are generally considered the most comfortable for continuous wear and the most suitable for active water sports.
Inflatable PFDs may also be classified as Type I, II, or III:
- Fully inflated Type I and Type II life jackets have a minimum of 34 lbs. buoyancy. Both types are suitable for off-shore use in open, rough waters, and for general boating and coastal cruising due to their slim design. Righting action is faster with the higher buoyancy of Types I and II. Type I inflatable PFDs have highly visible coloring, enhancing rescue.
- The Type III inflatable life jacket has a minimum of 22.5 lbs. of buoyancy and is required to have righting ability.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Life Jacket Policy Test: More wear? More lives saved.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Ms. Lynda Nutt, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Manager, National Operations Center for Water Safety
Despite the national reductions in recreational boating-related casualties following the Federal Boating Safety Act of 1971, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation managers struggled to minimize serious injuries and fatalities occurring on their waters throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
By 1985, the corps was using aggressive water safety educational campaigns and key visitor assistance initiatives led by park rangers in local communities, parks, and on the water to warn the public of open water recreation risks and encourage safer behaviors. While all these efforts had a dramatic effect on reducing the numbers of fatalities, they still averaged 170 each year.
In 2007, USACE Maj. Gen. Donald T. Riley tasked personnel to conduct a policy test to measure the effect of adopting a mandatory life jacket policy. In 2008, USACE moved out with its policy test in the Pittsburgh and Vicksburg Districts.
Vicksburg Findings Impressive
Vicksburg officials reported that the initial public reaction to the life jacket policy was mixed. However, rangers were able to gain significant compliance without having to issue one citation over the course of the recreational summer.
Pittsburgh Results Disappoint
Since 1990, Pittsburgh District policy mandated that life jackets be worn by all non-swimmers and occupants of vessels under 16 feet. Unfortunately by the end of the “test” recreation season, it had achieved only a 3.7 percent cumulative wear rate on the test lakes in this region, while nearby control lakes in Ohio showed wear rates of more than seven percent.
Clearly, the policy had become stale after nearly two decades with no new emphasis on promotion or enforcement. The policy was also limited in scope, applying only to craft less than 16 feet, while the majority of boats on these test lakes were greater in size. It was also noted that Ohio boating safety officials were engaged to a much greater degree in the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It!” campaign to encourage voluntary life jacket wear.
Despite the national reductions in recreational boating-related casualties following the Federal Boating Safety Act of 1971, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation managers struggled to minimize serious injuries and fatalities occurring on their waters throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
By 1985, the corps was using aggressive water safety educational campaigns and key visitor assistance initiatives led by park rangers in local communities, parks, and on the water to warn the public of open water recreation risks and encourage safer behaviors. While all these efforts had a dramatic effect on reducing the numbers of fatalities, they still averaged 170 each year.
In 2007, USACE Maj. Gen. Donald T. Riley tasked personnel to conduct a policy test to measure the effect of adopting a mandatory life jacket policy. In 2008, USACE moved out with its policy test in the Pittsburgh and Vicksburg Districts.Vicksburg Findings Impressive
Vicksburg officials reported that the initial public reaction to the life jacket policy was mixed. However, rangers were able to gain significant compliance without having to issue one citation over the course of the recreational summer.
Observation data supported that a cumulative wear rate of nearly 71 percent on the Vicksburg test waters. Comparatively, nearby “control” lakes, where policy wasn’t introduced, were still showing only six percent wear rates.
Pittsburgh Results Disappoint
Since 1990, Pittsburgh District policy mandated that life jackets be worn by all non-swimmers and occupants of vessels under 16 feet. Unfortunately by the end of the “test” recreation season, it had achieved only a 3.7 percent cumulative wear rate on the test lakes in this region, while nearby control lakes in Ohio showed wear rates of more than seven percent.
Clearly, the policy had become stale after nearly two decades with no new emphasis on promotion or enforcement. The policy was also limited in scope, applying only to craft less than 16 feet, while the majority of boats on these test lakes were greater in size. It was also noted that Ohio boating safety officials were engaged to a much greater degree in the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It!” campaign to encourage voluntary life jacket wear.
Future Efforts
USACE officials have documented four lives saved on the Mississippi lakes specifically tied to the policies implemented during the first test season.
“These victims stated that they would not have worn a life jacket if it hadn’t been for the policy,” said Michael Ensch, chief of the USACE Operations Division. “In each case, the situations were challenging enough that survival without the life jacket was questionable.”
The USACE will continue the tests in the Pittsburgh and Vicksburg Districts and will evaluate data collection in monitoring wear rates. In addition, impact on staffing/budget requirements and capabilities, and public, stakeholder, and congressional reactions will also be monitored and evaluated. All findings will be forwarded to USACE leadership for action.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
“These victims stated that they would not have worn a life jacket if it hadn’t been for the policy,” said Michael Ensch, chief of the USACE Operations Division. “In each case, the situations were challenging enough that survival without the life jacket was questionable.”
The USACE will continue the tests in the Pittsburgh and Vicksburg Districts and will evaluate data collection in monitoring wear rates. In addition, impact on staffing/budget requirements and capabilities, and public, stakeholder, and congressional reactions will also be monitored and evaluated. All findings will be forwarded to USACE leadership for action.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Safe Paddle Sports
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Jeremy Oyen, Director of Safety Education, Instruction, and Outreach, American Canoe Association
The American Canoe Association offers online resources to paddlers of all abilities and levels, including:
The American Canoe Association offers online resources to paddlers of all abilities and levels, including:
- 11 safety brochures (four translated into Spanish),
- 4 safety pamphlets,
- 4 safety posters,
- 8 safety and stewardship videos.
Additional information and training is available for classroom and on-water education. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities by emphasizing the need for education even for those who do not consider themselves “paddlers,” but might use a canoe, kayak, or raft to participate in other outdoor activities.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Specialists—Part 2
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine
Regional Emphasis
USCG First District
In the 1st District, paddlesport safety is a huge concern.
Many fatalities occur on whitewater or in colder coastal waters as paddlers take advantage of the seasonal changes. The RBS specialist works with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, outfitters, retailers, and other paddling organizations coordinating training seminars to enhance safety awareness and risk-based decision making.
USCG Fifth District
USCG Fifth District
The 5th District specialist serves as Executive Secretary of the Virginia Recreational Vessel Subcommittee and manages the Coast Guard Outreach Innovation Center, which contains a variety of boating safety outreach materials and displays for RBS partners.
USCG Seventh District
Due to a year-round boating season and a high population of seasonal residents and tourists, the 7th District specialist travels around the district with a Boating Advisory Trailer Public Awareness Kit. Also known as the “Bat-Pak,” this rolling boating safety classroom provides hands-on recreational boating safety training.
Due to a year-round boating season and a high population of seasonal residents and tourists, the 7th District specialist travels around the district with a Boating Advisory Trailer Public Awareness Kit. Also known as the “Bat-Pak,” this rolling boating safety classroom provides hands-on recreational boating safety training.
USCG Eighth District
The 8th District specialist serves as the district boating under the influence and Boating Safety Strike Team program manager. The strike team supports state marine patrol efforts during annual high-profile marine events such as Cincinnati’s “Tall Stacks” and provides surge capability on waters popular with exuberant boaters, such as the Lake of the Ozarks.
USCG Ninth District
The 9th District’s specialist coordinates joint training for marine patrol officers, collaborates on annual district boarding and BUI guidance, and is a contributing writer for Mid-America Boating, a regional newspaper for Great Lakes boaters.
The 8th District specialist serves as the district boating under the influence and Boating Safety Strike Team program manager. The strike team supports state marine patrol efforts during annual high-profile marine events such as Cincinnati’s “Tall Stacks” and provides surge capability on waters popular with exuberant boaters, such as the Lake of the Ozarks.
USCG Ninth District
The 9th District’s specialist coordinates joint training for marine patrol officers, collaborates on annual district boarding and BUI guidance, and is a contributing writer for Mid-America Boating, a regional newspaper for Great Lakes boaters.
USCG Eleventh District
In the 11th District, the RBS specialist participates in the “Wear It California!” life jacket campaign. Supporting several booths at various marinas in “the Delta,” where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet, inflatable life jackets are distributed to anyone who signs a pledge to wear it when on the water.
The RBS specialist also participates in the Tri-State Boating Safety Fair at Lake Havasu, Ariz., assisting officers from Arizona, California, and Nevada with life jacket trade-in.
USCG Thirteenth District
The 13th District’s specialist manages the district recreational boating policy. In addition, he or she is a member of the Washington State Drowning Prevention Coalition, the Washington State Parks Boating Safety Council, and is an advisory member to several boating advocacy groups.
USCG Fourteenth District
The 14th District recreational boating safety specialist oversees the CG-4100 report of boarding forms and coordinates a variety of safe boating events and activities related to the annual National Safe Boating Week observance.
USCG Seventeenth District
This specialist is perhaps the most unique. The 17th District RBS specialist deploys RBS teams to the Arctic to raise boating safety awareness and instill best practices among the regional Native American tribes. In addition, he or she employs boating education and safety teams around the state, oversees the CG-4100 report of boarding forms, and coordinates boarding officer and boarding team member training.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Visit Part 1 here for more information on U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Specialists.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Specialists—Part 1
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Frank Jennings, Jr., Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, Ninth Coast Guard District and Mr. Bruce R. Wright, Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, Seventh Coast Guard District
While the Coast Guard headquarters’ Boating Safety Division functions at a strategic level, recreational boating safety (RBS) specialists are assigned primarily to district prevention division staffs.
Myriad Duties
Recreational boating safety specialists each serve as the principal Coast Guard liaison to individual state boating law administrators and their staffs. This regular contact may involve discussions of unclassified Coast Guard operations within the state; emerging recreational boating issues, boating casualty investigations, or joint operations planning; or local boaters’ complaints.
Recreational boating safety specialists also coordinate and host workshops and professional training programs, serve as the Coast Guard’s “ambassadors” to RBS partners, such as municipal water safety agencies, local safe boating coalitions, the Red Cross, and the U.S. Power Squadrons, and hold active memberships in organizations including the National Safe Boating Council, National Water Safety Congress, and International Association of Marine Investigators.
Jurisdiction
In addition to liaison duties, these specialists are responsible for the district recreational boating safety cooperative agreements the Coast Guard maintains with each state and territory, which delineate the responsibilities shared by the state and Coast Guard on waters of concurrent jurisdiction.
Special Efforts
One overarching safety message continues to be the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating. However, because boating constituencies and activities vary from district to district, the message may require slight modification to reach localized user groups.
Stay tuned for U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Specialists—Part 2.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
While the Coast Guard headquarters’ Boating Safety Division functions at a strategic level, recreational boating safety (RBS) specialists are assigned primarily to district prevention division staffs.
Myriad Duties
Recreational boating safety specialists each serve as the principal Coast Guard liaison to individual state boating law administrators and their staffs. This regular contact may involve discussions of unclassified Coast Guard operations within the state; emerging recreational boating issues, boating casualty investigations, or joint operations planning; or local boaters’ complaints.
Recreational boating safety specialists also coordinate and host workshops and professional training programs, serve as the Coast Guard’s “ambassadors” to RBS partners, such as municipal water safety agencies, local safe boating coalitions, the Red Cross, and the U.S. Power Squadrons, and hold active memberships in organizations including the National Safe Boating Council, National Water Safety Congress, and International Association of Marine Investigators.
Jurisdiction
In addition to liaison duties, these specialists are responsible for the district recreational boating safety cooperative agreements the Coast Guard maintains with each state and territory, which delineate the responsibilities shared by the state and Coast Guard on waters of concurrent jurisdiction.
Special Efforts
One overarching safety message continues to be the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating. However, because boating constituencies and activities vary from district to district, the message may require slight modification to reach localized user groups.
Stay tuned for U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Specialists—Part 2.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The National Water Safety Congress
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Ms. Cecilia Duer, Executive Director, National Water Safety Congress
Established in 1951 as one of the first non-profit water safety organizations, the National Water Safety Congress is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting boating and water safety.
Its efforts include:
The NWSC executive director serves as a member of the USCG’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the Strategic Plan Committee, and liaison to the Towing Safety Advisory Council. The executive director is a board member of the partner organization the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and is also the executive director of the Spirit of America Youth Family and Community Boating Education programs.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Established in 1951 as one of the first non-profit water safety organizations, the National Water Safety Congress is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting boating and water safety.
Its efforts include:
- publishing the Water Safety Journal, course curriculum for “Cold Water Boot Camp USA,” “Beyond Boot Camp: Rescue, Recover, Re-warm,” and the “Multiple Use Waterway Management Guide;”
- establishing a personal watercraft instructor/cold water immersion/first responder trainer certification program;
- completing a life jacket national wear rate validation study;
- providing grants for boating and water safety projects.
The NWSC executive director serves as a member of the USCG’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the Strategic Plan Committee, and liaison to the Towing Safety Advisory Council. The executive director is a board member of the partner organization the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and is also the executive director of the Spirit of America Youth Family and Community Boating Education programs.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Marine Inspector Competency and Consistency: Steam Certification Board Guide
The Vintage Vessel National Center of Expertise (NCOE) and the Office of Traveling Inspectors released the Certification Board Guide for the Steam Portion of the Machinery Inspector-Steam. The purpose of this guide is to provide references, methods to develop questions, and memory keys for the members of Machinery Inspector-Steam Certification Boards. The guide is not an all-inclusive list, but simply a suggested line of questioning.
This is the first training product of its kind. There are plans to produce similar Certification Board Guides by this and other NCOEs for additional types of certifications.
Note: The technical content of the guide was created through the collaboration of the CGHQ Traveling Inspection Staff and the Vintage Vessel National Center of Expertise (VVNCOE) in Duluth, MN, including Mr. Eugene Walroos, Chief Engineer, Ret.; Mr. Stephen Petersen, CWO4 Naval Engineer, Ret.; and CWO4 Andrew Adolphson. Final review and consultation was provided by the National Centers of Expertise Training Support Staff, Yorktown, VA.
The National Safe Boating Council
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Virgil Chambers, Executive Director, National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council is a coalition of organizations working together to promote safe boating. Membership consists of more than 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, with approximately 35 percent composed of for-profit organizations and 65 percent non-profit organizations as well as local boat clubs, foundations, and law enforcement agencies.
Outreach
Each year, in partnership with the National Water Safety Congress, the NSBC produces the International Boating and Water Safety Summit, a venue for training professionals and volunteers within the recreational boating safety community.
Additional NSBC member-requested programs include boating safety instructor training and “Boating Safety Sidekicks” for children.
National Safe Boating Week
Each year since 1952, boating safety organizations and advocates across the country organize to promote safe boating. During this National Safe Boating Week (the week before Memorial Day), organizations address topics including alcohol and boating, boater education, and life jacket wear.
The current nationwide "Wear It!" campaign urges recreational boaters to wear life jackets at all times, as it has been estimated this could reduce drowning by as much as 90 percent. A large component of the campaign is educating people about USCG-approved items.
Close-Quarters Boat Control
The NSBC’s newest training program focuses on maneuvers and techniques for enforcement officers and safety patrol boat handlers to operate power boats, using factors like wind and current to assist in boat placement.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
The National Safe Boating Council is a coalition of organizations working together to promote safe boating. Membership consists of more than 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, with approximately 35 percent composed of for-profit organizations and 65 percent non-profit organizations as well as local boat clubs, foundations, and law enforcement agencies.
Outreach
Each year, in partnership with the National Water Safety Congress, the NSBC produces the International Boating and Water Safety Summit, a venue for training professionals and volunteers within the recreational boating safety community.
Additional NSBC member-requested programs include boating safety instructor training and “Boating Safety Sidekicks” for children.
National Safe Boating Week
Each year since 1952, boating safety organizations and advocates across the country organize to promote safe boating. During this National Safe Boating Week (the week before Memorial Day), organizations address topics including alcohol and boating, boater education, and life jacket wear.
The current nationwide "Wear It!" campaign urges recreational boaters to wear life jackets at all times, as it has been estimated this could reduce drowning by as much as 90 percent. A large component of the campaign is educating people about USCG-approved items.
Close-Quarters Boat Control
The NSBC’s newest training program focuses on maneuvers and techniques for enforcement officers and safety patrol boat handlers to operate power boats, using factors like wind and current to assist in boat placement.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Friday, August 5, 2011
40th Anniversary of the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971
Next Wednesday, August 10th, is the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Boat Safety Act. In 1971, there were 5,510,092 numbered (registered) boats and 1,582 boating deaths. In 2010, there were 12,438,926 registered boats and 672 boating deaths. These results are directly tied to the successes of the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Non-profit Organization Grant Program
Partnering to improve boating safety—Part 2.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine
Recent Successful Applications
2005
Navigation Lighting on Barges. National Water Safety Congress. The towboat/tugboat/barge industry expressed an interest in determining a manner to light their barges while under tow.
2006
Boating and Water Safety Summit. National Safe Boating Council/National Water Safety Congress. A multi-year initiative to conduct conferences to impact the safer use of water resources through improved public education and more efficient means of transferring information among waterways managers, user groups, and individuals.
Development of Risk-Based Assessments. Underwriters Laboratories. Developing a risk-based compliance approval methodology for life jackets.
National Estimates of Personal Flotation Device Wear Rates. JSI Research. A multi-year effort to measure the effectiveness of initiatives to increase life jacket wear.
Staged Collisions. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Staged boating collisions for boating safety accident investigation training.
2007
BUI Detection and Enforcement Training Seminars. NASBLA. Primary objectives: Review and distribute an updated BUI curriculum package for marine officers and produce regional BUI officer training seminars.
Cold Water Boot Camp USA. National Water Safety Congress. Goal: Reduce fatalities by targeting immersion in cold water as a specific issue.
“Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart.” American Canoe Association. Moving “Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart” lessons from an extra-curricular option into the regular classroom.
2008
Inflatable Life Jacket Testing for Children 16 Years and Under. Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety and Educational Awareness. Goal: Determine if and under what circumstances children and adult non-swimmers using automatic inflatable life jackets reduce their risk of drowning.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Point of Purchase Show Board. United Safe Boating Institute. Show board depicting PFDs for sailing, paddling, skiing, operating personal watercraft, fishing, hunting, and general recreational boating distributed to retail outlets, parks, ranger stations, safe boating booths, and boating safety facilities.
PSA on Dangers of Carbon Monoxide on Boats. Carbon Monoxide Action Group. A nationally televised Public Service Announcement exposing the dangers of carbon monoxide on boats.
“WEAR IT!” National Safe Boating Council. This ongoing campaign encourages life jacket wear.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine
Recent Successful Applications
2005
Navigation Lighting on Barges. National Water Safety Congress. The towboat/tugboat/barge industry expressed an interest in determining a manner to light their barges while under tow.
2006
Boating and Water Safety Summit. National Safe Boating Council/National Water Safety Congress. A multi-year initiative to conduct conferences to impact the safer use of water resources through improved public education and more efficient means of transferring information among waterways managers, user groups, and individuals.
Development of Risk-Based Assessments. Underwriters Laboratories. Developing a risk-based compliance approval methodology for life jackets.
National Estimates of Personal Flotation Device Wear Rates. JSI Research. A multi-year effort to measure the effectiveness of initiatives to increase life jacket wear.
Staged Collisions. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Staged boating collisions for boating safety accident investigation training.
2007
BUI Detection and Enforcement Training Seminars. NASBLA. Primary objectives: Review and distribute an updated BUI curriculum package for marine officers and produce regional BUI officer training seminars.
Cold Water Boot Camp USA. National Water Safety Congress. Goal: Reduce fatalities by targeting immersion in cold water as a specific issue.
“Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart.” American Canoe Association. Moving “Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart” lessons from an extra-curricular option into the regular classroom.
2008
Inflatable Life Jacket Testing for Children 16 Years and Under. Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety and Educational Awareness. Goal: Determine if and under what circumstances children and adult non-swimmers using automatic inflatable life jackets reduce their risk of drowning.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Point of Purchase Show Board. United Safe Boating Institute. Show board depicting PFDs for sailing, paddling, skiing, operating personal watercraft, fishing, hunting, and general recreational boating distributed to retail outlets, parks, ranger stations, safe boating booths, and boating safety facilities.
PSA on Dangers of Carbon Monoxide on Boats. Carbon Monoxide Action Group. A nationally televised Public Service Announcement exposing the dangers of carbon monoxide on boats.
“WEAR IT!” National Safe Boating Council. This ongoing campaign encourages life jacket wear.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
The Non-profit Organization Grant Program
Partnering to improve boating safety—Part 1.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Donald J. Kerlin, Chief, Program Management Branch and Ms. Linda Gray-Broughton, former Non-profit Organization Grant Coordinator, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 established the Recreational Boating Safety Federal Financial Assistance Program to permit states to assume a larger share of boating safety education, assistance, and enforcement activities. Of the funds appropriated for these programs, the Coast Guard is authorized to retain up to five percent for grants to national non-profit public service organizations.
The Process
The grant process begins with an announcement through the website http://www.grants.gov/, which includes a listing of suggested topic areas that receive additional points in the scoring process. About $6,000,000 is available for non-profit organizations each year.
Subject matter experts review each application using a “merit review” checklist, which focuses on technical merit, personnel qualifications, and the degree to which a proposal offers potential value and measurements to program goals.
Those applications meeting review standards (60 to 80 per year) are forwarded to the non-profit organization grant review team, which ranks selections based on parameters including:
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Donald J. Kerlin, Chief, Program Management Branch and Ms. Linda Gray-Broughton, former Non-profit Organization Grant Coordinator, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 established the Recreational Boating Safety Federal Financial Assistance Program to permit states to assume a larger share of boating safety education, assistance, and enforcement activities. Of the funds appropriated for these programs, the Coast Guard is authorized to retain up to five percent for grants to national non-profit public service organizations.
The Process
The grant process begins with an announcement through the website http://www.grants.gov/, which includes a listing of suggested topic areas that receive additional points in the scoring process. About $6,000,000 is available for non-profit organizations each year.
Subject matter experts review each application using a “merit review” checklist, which focuses on technical merit, personnel qualifications, and the degree to which a proposal offers potential value and measurements to program goals.
Those applications meeting review standards (60 to 80 per year) are forwarded to the non-profit organization grant review team, which ranks selections based on parameters including:
- support of National Recreational Boating Safety Program goals,
- probability of project success,
- return on investment.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Boy Scouts of America promotes aquatic safety.
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Keith Christopher, National Events Director / Sea Scouts National Director, Boy Scouts of America
All aquatic activities comply with Boy Scouts of America “Safe Swim Defense” and “Safety Afloat” programs, which outline mandatory minimum standards that all leaders must be trained in before conducting sanctioned aquatic programs.
Sea ScoutsBoy Scouts of America Sea Scout units, called “ships,” focus on boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Sea Scouts learn to maintain and safely operate a vessel, as well as the meanings of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
All aquatic activities comply with Boy Scouts of America “Safe Swim Defense” and “Safety Afloat” programs, which outline mandatory minimum standards that all leaders must be trained in before conducting sanctioned aquatic programs.
Sea ScoutsBoy Scouts of America Sea Scout units, called “ships,” focus on boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Sea Scouts learn to maintain and safely operate a vessel, as well as the meanings of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2010.
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.