New AUXNAV Course

The Department of Education has the public education course (aka Basic/Advanced Coastal Navigation) using Weekend Navigator ready and available for order, but the AUXNAV version (AUXOP course) is not yet complete. The course IS NOT an AUXOP course. Refer to SpeedGram 2008-01 for details.

http://www.cgauxed.org/elib/speedgrams/SpeedGram_2008-01.pdf

Clarification of CG-210 Training for Auxiliary

ICS-210 Initial Incident Commander is a classroom course designed for Single Resource Leader Type 5/Type 4 Incident Commanders. It is a four-hour course based on the ICS-300 course but condensed and focused on initial incident assessment, initial incident management (includes assuming command, organization, and execution), and development and use of ICS forms. Completion of this course by SURLs is a DHS mandate not a CG Headquarters.

As per ALAUX 002/07 this course or the full ICS-300 course is required for Auxiliary coxswains, pilots (Aircraft Commander, First Pilot and Co-Pilot), any member in the Trident Program or any other team/task force leader determined by a Coast Guard unit Commander to have a need.

Both ALCOAST 042/07 and ALCOAST 106/07 required a completion date of 31MAR08 for all Coast Guard personnel including the Auxiliary. There was concern over the possible limited access for Auxiliary members when the course was first made available. ALAUX 002/07 was issued giving no completion dates but strongly encouraging single resource leaders to take ICS-210 when the opportunity presented. Realizing that the 31MAR08 deadline has come and gone for ICS-210, CG-54212 in cooperation with the Coast Guard's NIMS Program Coordinator and the Office of Incident Management & Preparedness (CG-5331) were able to extend the deadline for course completion until 31MAR09.

The new deadline for completion for all applicable Auxiliarists is 31MAR09. Successful completion must be entered into AUXDATA which will be programmed to recognize the 31MAR09 deadline. Operational members who are not compliant with coursework requirements by the deadline will be placed in "REYR" and will not be issued patrol orders.

Please direct any questions to your DIRAUX or BMC Russell Woodill of CG-54212 via email.

New Member Benefit - Wireless Lanyard

A new member benefit is posted on the ShopAuxiliary.com “Members Only” page. You will find a significant discount for a revolutionary new wireless lanyard that connects directly to the engine kill switch. Once you login using your EMPLID and eDirectory password click on the logo/link for "Autotether" to view this unique offer. In addition, there is a similar link on the ShopAuxiliary.com page available to anyone who uses that site with its own discount that will also generate funds to support Auxiliary programs. You are encouraged to share the www.ShopAuxiliary.com as sales generated from the site results in a royalty to help support Auxiliary programs.

http://www.shopauxiliary.com/membershipsignin.php

Waterfront Challenge Grants

The Waterfront Challenge is a grant program for boaters to take steps to help improve their local waterfront. Eight grants of $5,000 to $25,000 will be awared to support grassroot efforts by boaters to create sustainable waterfront environmental improvements in their communities. Some ideas include, cleaning up a beach or river bank, rebuilding a handicap accessible dock, or any small scale projects that could result in effective waterfront improvements. A flotilla or an individual could apply for grants to be awarded at the Miami International Boat Show in February, 2009. Project deadline is November 5, 2008.

http://www.wfchallenge.com/

NACON Registration Deadline Fast Approaching

The NACON 2008 online registration ends on August 10th. Act now to make your reservations.

http://www.cgauxa.org/nacon2008/index.php

Life Jacket Demonstration at NACON

All NACON attendees are invited to the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Directorate's life jacket extravaganza, pool-side on Saturday (23 August) at noon. See new style life jackets and rescue devices demonstrated by famous models (and perhaps one or two that are infamous), including the new Mustang Hydrostatic Auxiliary and Stearns paddler manual models. Learn what the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) can do to support you, learn how to correctly re-arm an inflatable life jacket from a pro, and receive some neat stuff. Since it will be lunch time, RBS Directorate and the NSBC will provide a FREE Vienna Beef hot dog lunch. Attendees will receive other FREE stuff.

REMINDER: Orion Becomes and RBS Partner

Orion Safety Products, in conjunction with the Auxiliary, has developed a Safety Awareness program for Auxiliary Vessel Examiners. On-line visual distress signal (VDS) training is available through the ShopAuxiliary.com, member's only website. (Click on the Orion link after signing in.) By viewing the training, each vessel examiner is eligible to receive a free VE kit. The kit includes Vessel Safety Check (VSC) event posters, brochures, a VDS training card, and discount coupons for each VSC customer, and vessel examiners can earn points to obtain additional Orion VDS products. Be sure to complete your contact info on the quiz form.

www.shopauxiliary.com

Boat Responsibly Bags Now Available

New Boat Responsibly plastic bags, ANSC #9025, are available from ANSC. They replace the outdated You're In Command bags. NACON attendees participating in the Recreational Boating Safety Directorate Life Jacket Extravaganza will receive a sample bag with neat stuff inside.

HELP WANTED POSITIONS (from the National Web Site)

The following "Help Wanted" ad appeared on the National Web Site as of the date of this newsletter:

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

Public Information Hotline Branch Chief -- Robin Freeman, DC-E -- 3/29/2008