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UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY�2023 PROGRAM VISITATION WORKSHOP

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF VESSEL EXAMINATION

AND

RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY PROGRAM VISITATION

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WELCOME

Workshop Objectives

Discuss certification topics
Review issues from 2022
Clarify topics of concern

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MISSION STATEMENT

To further recreational boating safety, save the lives and reduce property damage by preventative measures that maximize the safe use and enjoyment of America’s waterways by the public.

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PADDLECRAFT

Why do we need to emphasize paddlecraft safety?

Fastest growing segment of recreational boating!

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AUXPAD INFORMATION

Paddlesport participation has grown dramatically in recent years. Low entry cost, easy storage, less maintenance and flexibility are some of the reasons many people have decided to become paddlers, compared to power or sailing craft.

Paddlesports are on the rise, setting a records for the number of participants. About 22 million Americans — 7.4 percent of the population — enjoy paddling.

Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding and kayak fishing have grown dramatically. Between 90,000 and 105,000 canoes and 350,000 kayaks are sold annually, according to industry figures.

https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=RB-GROUP&category=paddle-craft-safety

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AUXPAD

Fastest growing segment of recreational boating!

Photo: Courtesy 5SR – Fl 16-7

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AUXPAD

AUXPAD is the Auxiliary’s program to promote paddlecraft safety ashore and afloat. Operators are as safety ambassadors to the paddling community, where they promote safety on the water through vessel safety checks, public education, and program visits.

More Information can be found at:�http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=auxpad

https://www.facebook.com/auxpad/

National Facebook Page:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Paddlecraft Safety Division

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KEY PERSONNEL

Members with paddlecraft experience
Additionally, members who:

have paddlecraft training, e.g. ACA or scouting.
have paddlecraft instructor experience.
are ACA instructors.
work at a business that sells paddlecraft.

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KEY PERSONNEL

have a desire to learn about paddlecraft.
have a desire to help build this new program.

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STORES

Many sold at non-traditional outlets such as:

farm and ranch supply outlets
dry goods stores
temporary “portable” curbside or on-beach stores
large variety stores

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PADDLER DEATHS

910 Paddler Deaths 2016-2022

Most common reason for known death?

Drowning

83% of people that drowned were NOT wearing a lifejacket.

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STATISTICS

USCG COAST GUARD BOATING STATISTICS

2020 2021 Totals

Deaths 767 658 -109

Injuries 3,191 2,641 -550

Accidents 5,265 4,439 -826

Deaths, Injuries and Accidents decreased from 2020
However, Paddlecraft deaths increased by 14% in 2021

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KEY PERSONNEL

All members are key to program success!
RBS Core Four:

Program Visitor
Vessel Examiner
Public Affairs
Public Education

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PADDLECRAFT MISSION

Extend boating safety outreach.
Promote life jacket wear.
Promote operator compliance with federal and state required safety equipment.
Ensure Paddlecraft operators are well equipped to be in the water.

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PV BRIEFING TOPICS

Program Visitors should be addressing paddlecraft issues with partners.

Review ANSC 7012A Paddlecraft Vessel Safety Check Form with store manager and employees.
Encourage partners to provide orange “If Found…” stickers for each purchase

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Paddle Tip Reflector Kit ANSC3004B

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WHY BECOME A PROGRAM VISITOR?

You can…

Save lives
Make a difference through prevention
Promote recreational boating safety
Answer boater questions
Promote the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Recruit new members

Question: Rank these in order of importance?

Answer: Each one is just as important as the next!

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PROGRAM VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

To generate outreach to the recreational boating community.
Deliver innovative boating safety programs.
Develop safety partnerships with vendors.
Ensure information and literature left behind is in good shape, up to date and accurate.

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PROGRAM VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Enhance relationships with the community.
Influence safety through public education.
Distribute safety material to public.
Answer questions.
Recruit and train new PV’s from within the Aux.

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PROGRAM VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and enhance working relationships between the public, Partners, the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PROGRAM VISITOR AMBASSADOR?

Authorized to represent the USCG and Auxiliary.
You are the Coast Guard in the eyes of the public.
Appropriate uniform and appearance.
Significant duties and responsibilities.
HONOR – RESPECT – DEVOTION TO DUTY

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PROGRAM VISITATION LOCATIONS

Q: Where can we conduct a Program Visit?

A: Anywhere. This will provide an opportunity to gain a potential new partner.

Locations traditionally not visited by the Aux: Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Donut Shops, Malls.

What do all these locations have in common? Foot traffic.

What could you post? Upcoming Classes, Auxiliary Open Houses

Recruitment Flyers for the Aux and Active Duty Side!

The PV represents the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary to the general public. It is important for the PV to present themselves properly when making visits to Partners. Also, the PV is often asked questions by both the Partner and the recreational boating public regarding the Auxiliary. The PV should have a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the Auxiliary and be aware of current programs and membership requirements to answer most questions.
Perhaps the most commonly asked question concerns vessel safety check requirements. The PV should be familiar with the requirements to qualify for a vessel safety check decal.
In addition, the PV should be able to state the primary mission of the Auxiliary, list the Aux membership requirements, describe how to join the Auxiliary, discuss the Aux Publication Education programs, talk about the Auxiliary Operations Program, and review the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Program.
If the PV doesn’t know the answer to a question, don’t guess. Find the answer and get back to the person. (NEXT SLIDE)

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PROGRAM VISIT CRITERIA

The RBSVP goal is to create lasting relationships with the business community and continuity.
What constitutes a reportable visit?

Onsite interaction

The Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program Manual, does provide criteria that should be used to determine what constitutes a visit. There is no specific definition of a visit for accounting (AUXDATA) purposes on the ANSC 7046, Activity Report RBS Visitation.
The goal of the Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (RBSVP) is to establish community Partners and to visit them on a regular basis. The purpose of the visit is to either conduct a periodic contact with an established Partner or recruit a new Partner. The purpose of the contact is to inform the Partner of the Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) program, other requirements and issues. This implies for reporting purposes, a personal contact with a Partner to count as a visit. The Program Visitor should actually go the business and physically talk to the manager or an employee. Other methods, i.e., phone call, email, etc. should not be considered a visit and not reported as such. The initial recruiting contact, successful or not, should be counted as a visit. In addition, simply placing brochures and/or pamphlets on a counter of a non-Partner should not be considered a visit. Conducting RBSVP visits and the correct and accurate reporting is important to the program. However, more important is interacting with the Partners and the recreational boating public to further the tenants of RBS. (NEXT SLIDE)

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PROGRAM REPORTING

How do you report a visit?

AuxData II PV Activity Reports

Contact your FC / VFC or FSO-IS for Help Entering Info.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Distribution boxes do not belong to individual PVs. Please order to your needs and remember, we are a team, others need these boxes as well.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Any PV can make a visit to any Partner.
Visits should be coordinated with local FSO-PV or SO-PV.
Uniform requirements:

Service Dress Blue or Tropical Blue
AWU or ODU
District approved dress attire

The main objective of the RBSVP is to ensure the boating public has the educational material necessary to enhance their safety on the water. As a result, if a PV notices a distribution box needing pamphlets or brochures, it is permissible to restock the distribution box. Remember, it’s not important who fills a distribution box, but rather that the box is full.
PV should inform one of their elected officers or their FSO-PV (or SO-PV if the flotilla does not have a FSO-PV) of their intent to conduct a visit. This is important for Assignment to Duty.
Auxiliarists should always be in uniform during official Partner visits. Auxiliarists shall wear either the Service Dress Blue, Tropical Blue Uniform, AWU or ODU as appropriate. The Auxiliary Blue Blazer outfit is optional and authorized. (NEXT SLIDE)

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TRAIN THE PARTNERS

Boater education can save lives!
Sponsoring a VSC station at their place of business is good public relations.
Participation as a Partner can help to bring in customers.

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DISPLAY MATERIALS

Your FSO-MA can order display material for you from the ANSC catalog.

Recruiting Flyers – ANSC 3023

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DISPLAY MATERIALS

Many other display materials are available:

- CG boating safety circulars	- Federal / State boat regulations
- State & local handouts	- Locally produced brochures
- PE contact information	- VE contact information
- PE class schedules	- VSC station schedules

Make sure handouts are current. When conducting a PV, ensure partner has the most up to date brochure / handout. A revision could have happened since the last visit.

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IMPORTANCE OF �“ASSIGNMENT TO DUTY”

Auxiliarists may be covered when assigned to duty.
Requirements for Assignment to Duty

Have a PV Letter of Certification.
Activity scheduled with elected officer or FSO-PV.
Follow all District procedures.

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PROGRAM VISITOR PARTNERSHIP

How to increase member participation

Invite local law enforcement to outings, events, launch ramps.

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PROGRAM VISITOR RECOGNITION

Your work is appreciated and recognized.

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EXAMINER PROGRAM MEDAL

When you certify, you will receive the Examiner Program Medal and Ribbon

(Certified VEs will receive a 3/16” bronze star)

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ANNUAL SERVICE PERFORMANCE

After a minimum of 60 PVs and/or VSCs, you receive the Auxiliary Annual Service Performance award.
Additional awards are given every year for a minimum of 60 PVs and/or VSC are completed.

The VE/RBSVP Service award is awarded for completing a total of 60 or more vessel examinations, of any combination, including Auxiliary surface facilities, recreational boats, paddle craft, personal water craft, commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, and uninspected towing vessels (a total of 20 or more examinations, of any combination, of commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, and uninspected towing vessels will also earn the award). It may be awarded for conducting a total of 60 or more RBSVPs. It may also be awarded for conducting a total of 60 or more, of any combination, RBSVPs and vessel examinations identified above.
This is the Auxiliary Annual Service Performance Award Examinations/Marine Dealer Visitation medal and ribbon.
Multiple awards are recognized by adding 3/16-inch bronze or silver stars (NEXT SLIDE)

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RBS INSIGNIA

The RBS Insignia

Recognizes strong support to RBS programs.
Eligibility requires activity (120 points/year) over a minimum of two years.
See Chapter 10 of the AUX Manual for details.

The Auxiliary Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) insignia is meant to recognize extraordinary effort of Auxiliarists who consistently provide strong support to RBS programs (see Figure 10-18). Consequently, its eligibility criteria require significant RBS program activity over a minimum period of two years.

Auxiliarists who compile 120 points per year for two consecutive years (for a total of 240) are entitled to wear the Auxiliary RBS insignia. Hours for prescribed mission codes are reported on the Mission Activity Report (ANSC-7030) form. Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and vessel facility inspections are reported on the Vessel Examinations Activity Report (ANSC-7038). RBS Program Visits are reported on the RBS Visitation Report (ANSC-7046). Points for eligibility can be compiled based on activity recorded in any one, or combination, of the following criteria:

(a) Public Education: Hours recorded using any mission code 14. 1 point-per-hour as lead instructor and 0.5 points-per-hour as an assistant/aide (preparation or travel not included).

(b) Public Affairs: Activities promoting RBS in the following areas (1 point-per-hour limited to actual mission hours (preparation or travel not included)):

1. Speech/talks, mission code 10B.

2. Broadcast media, mission code 10C.

3. External print media, mission code 10F.

4. Community Relations (COMREL), mission code 10J.

(c) Vessel Safety Checks and Vessel Facility Inspections: Based on the number of VSCs and/or vessel facility inspections. 1 point-per-check or inspection.

(d) RBS Program Visitation: Based on the number of RBS Program Visits. 1 point-per-visit.

(e) Legislative Outreach: Hours recorded as Federal/State Legislative Outreach or Government Affairs work, mission codes 65A or 65B. 1 point-per-hour limited to face-to-face contact hours (preparation or travel not included).

(f) State RBS Outreach: Hours recorded in meetings with a state BLA or state BLA staff, mission code 65C. 1 point-per-hour limited to face-to-face contact hours (preparation or travel not included). (NEXT SLIDE)

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CENTURY CLUB AWARD

A National V–Directorate award for completing a minimum of 100 Program Visits and/or Vessel Safety Exam in a calendar year.

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PARTNER RECOGNITION

Recognize Partners who made outstanding contributions to the RBS Program.
Recommended by the PV.
The FC prepares and presents the Certificate of Appreciation to the Partner or their representative.

ANSC 9015 – Decal for partner to place in their window promoting safety.

A Certificate of Appreciation honors those Partners who have made an outstanding contribution to the RBSVP.
It is the responsibility of the individual PV to educate the Partners about the Coast Guard, the USPS and Auxiliary programs. Awarding the certificate could be the catalyst to motivate active participation by the Partner. It is left to the judgment of the PV as to who should receive this certificate among the public Partners in his or her area.
The local Flotilla Commander should prepare and present the Certificate of Appreciation. They may invite a representative from the Partner organization to a member meeting or official function for presentation of the Certificate. The flotilla’s public relations function should follow-up the presentation with a local news item and/or photo, which provides good public relations for both the Partner and the organization. At the discretion of the Flotilla Commander, the PV responsible for that Partner should be invited to participate in the presentation. (NEXT SLIDE)

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V-DIRECTORATE STAFF

Director (DIR-V)	James A. Cortes
Deputy Director (DIR-Vd)	Thomas A. Niles
Division Chief - Vessel Exams (DVC-VE)	Craig A. Brown
Division Chief - Visitation Programs (DVC-VP)	Aaron M. Todd
Division Chief - Technical Support (DVC-VT)	Kirk A. Guttmann
Division Chief - Incentive Programs (DVC-VI)	Mark H. Crary
Division Chief - Special Projects (DVC-VS)	William S. Jefferson
Division Chief - Communications (DVC-VC)	Zachary Wilson-Fetrow