Report of Saturday 18 April 2009 Annual D14 Vessel Safety Check Class held at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Classroom, Mattapoisett, MA for the classroom training and examining of new Vessel Examiners and the review and motivation of currently qualified VEs The 2009 VSC class held in Mattapoisett, MA was very successful. Eighteen members attended representing 7 of our 8 squadrons. Three members completed the written exam and are now on their way. They represent new blood for 3 squadrons. Now they will need 5 supervised/mentored vessel exams and then they too will be certified VEs. Unfortunately there was no representation from the Newport Squadron. There was a good exchange of dialogue during the 3 hour morning session. Then it was a working lunch, distribution of supplies and the test. Again, this year all new candidates were provided with a text with time to review it before they came to the class. This is a marked improvement for all concerned vs. providing the text the day of the class and test. We have these manuals available whenever the need calls. Attending from District 1 in Connecticut was P/C John Robinson, AP, our representative from the National VSC Committee and his lovely wife Linda. John contributed remarks during the program throughout the morning and answered questions. His presence is a valuable asset as we put on this annual training program. As an aside, John and Linda came to the Hampton Inn in Westport, Massachusetts the night before rather than drive the entire distance from Connecticut on Saturday morning. Not wanting them to be alone, my wife Claire and I met them there. We gave them a scenic tour of the Tiverton, Rhode Island waterfront. Then we enjoyed fish and chips at a local restaurant. Not quite full, we stopped at an ice cream stand for cones. We returned them to the inn before the sun set. On Saturday, Claire and Linda met with all of us at the church. They toured and shopped in Mattapoisett and along route 6 while we discussed VSCs. They returned and joined with us for lunch. My hat is off to: D/Lt/C Dave True, JN, who arranged for the class site; P/D/C Art Kimber, SN, who handled the money and stayed until the end; P/C Bill Gedraitis, AP, who arranged for the coffee &, both at first thing and at the breaks; P/C Mark Shammas, N, who conducted the morning session; and D/C Bill Taylor, AP, who provided the victuals and drinks for lunch. The mix of presentation, discussion, Q&A, and breaks, caused the morning time to fly by. These VEs have it down to a science. Thanks all around. The facility is first rate and the refreshments and lunch were first class. I gave the welcoming remarks, remarks after the breaks and administered the afternoon test. Yes, folks can take the test in other formats but we believe this one day session is the least painful. Current VEs return annually finding the session informative and motivational. All attending VEs received supplies of the latest MA, RI, CT and Cape Cod Canal boating guides, along with forms and other useful flyers. The District 14 ABC3 flyer and whistle program for VEs was introduced in an effort to provide a useful tool as VEs promote the USPS Boating Course and membership. VEs may receive additional supplies (as available) in their area from: P/D/C Art Kimber – Cape Cod, P/C Ray Horbert – Rhode Island, or from me. “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”. I think that the D14 Annual Vessel Safety Check Class, wherever it is held, is a good example of the statement. Over the years, we have had good classes in three different areas of our district. Next year, where would you like it to be held? P/D/C W. Lee Blackburn, SN District 14 Chairman Vessel Safety Check Program Return