Stories and Photos Wanted for Spring Edition of Navigator

Stories and photos are wanted for the spring edition of Navigator.  Stories should be submitted  in Word format (generally not more than 1200 words, or 3 pages long), and photos should be at least 300 dpi (high resolution) and sent as separate JPGs (not embedded in Word documents). Photos should have complete captions and credit for who took the photo. 
Please email submissions to Joel Glass at Jauxie@aol.com  . The deadline for submissions is 15 FEB 2008

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Boating Safety Organizations Join to Speak with One Voice in 2008

The Office of Boating Safety has requested that all Auxiliarists follow their lead in transitioning from using the term "PFD" to using the term "life jacket" exclusively for all non-regulatory purposes, both internally and externally. This change is part of a national thrust being spearheaded by the National Safe Boating Council with the full support of the Coast Guard, all state boating authorities, and affiliated organizations and associations to promote life jacket wear. The Coast Guard reminds you....... Boat Responsibly and Always Wear Your Life Jacket.

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2008 Fit to Float Campaign Dates Announced

The successful 2007 Fit to Float Campaign was a partnership between Bass Pro Shops stores, Stearns and the CG Auxiliary. Stearns reported 1,700 worn-out life jackets were turned in and another 400 life jackets were purchased and donated to local Boy and Girl Scout activities. Their Communications Consultant reported 34 - local radio station interviews; 17 - newspaper articles (including two full page photo essays from the Atlanta Journal Constitution to Bonita Springs Gazette); 41 - Local live news cut-ins with local TV Impressions reaching 1.2 million combined local households; and 1- national TV segment on Fox & Friends that reached 1.8 million households during the segment.
This year Bass Pro Shops and Stearns are again sponsoring a Fit to Float Campaign but unlike last year it is going to happen on only two weekends from May 17-26; and (as of today) in EVERY Bass Pro Shops store in the country. This information is being provided for advance planning because the North American National Safe Boating Campaign (aka National Safe Boating Week) is 19-25 May and other events are being planned for the same period. There are perhaps three Bass Pro Shops stores without a flotilla within reasonable proximity but coverage should still be provided for the rest.
The Auxiliary participation requested to support Fit to Float involves having a knowledgeable Auxiliarist in each Bass Pro Shops store on the promotion weekend to answer questions about life jackets, how to fit them, how to inspect them, etc.; and have appropriate ANSC literature available (i.e., 3006 Federal Boating Regulations & Safety Tips and 3032 How to Choose the Right Life Jacket and poster 3505 Which Life Jacket for You?). There is also a call for a Coastie to participate if logistics permit.
Bass Pro Shops stores and Stearns have no objection if the Auxiliary simultaneously uses this opportunity to recruit new members, offer Vessel Safety Checks, enroll boaters for an Auxiliary boating course, promote America's Waterway Watch, or address other Auxiliary programs.
Information about the few venues selected for the consultant's publicity thrust is not yet been determined but will be published here when available.

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BoatU.S. Auxiliary Members Only Website Improved

Auxiliary members will find partner BoatU.S. website more user friendly. Auxiliary membership is discounted 50%, the Towing Package is discounted at 10%, and, 20% off the subscription rate for Seaworthy Magazine. Check out all their offerings by going through ShopAuxiliary.com, click on MembersOnly and log on using your member number and password used to access eDirectory. Then click on BoatU.S. and explore.

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Track Your Progress Toward the RBS Device

Amanda Armstrong, FSO-PA in Pensacola, FL, created a handy way to track your points over a two-year period to earn the RBS Device. All you have to do is enter your hours from each item and the spreadsheet totals them for you and indicates if you have enough to earn the device. Two versions are available, one for OpenOffice users, and one for Microsoft Excel users.

OpenOffice users: http://www.auxbdept.org/misc/RBSDevicePointsCalculator.ods

MS Excel users: http://www.auxbdept.org/misc/RBSDevicePointsCalculator.xls

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Two Additional Updated National Forms

The Vessel Examinations, ANSC-7038 now allows multiple inspectors for M missions. The change does not affect VSCs or Facility Inspections; copies of the previous edition may be used until supplies are exhausted for those missions. The Unit Officer Report, ANSC-7007 is revised to reflect current authorized offices for flotillas and divisions. The previous edition is obsolete.
http://forms.cgaux.org/

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HELP WANTED POSITIONS (from the National Web Site)

There are no "Help Wanted " ads appearing on the National Web Site as of the date of this newsletter:

http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/cgi-bin/wantads.cgi

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