Commanders Report - March 2004
Writing this column in March brings to mind the up coming "Change of Watch" dinner. I would like to say
that my watch has ended and another Commander would succeed me but due to the shortage of manpower we, the bridge,
had to work things out as we did last year.
As a result, I'm staying aboard for another year and the Bridge will be represented by the same capable members
that we had last year. I say capable because all the members of the Bridge have done their job without complaint,
and have performed their assigned responsibility capably. I would personally like to thank Al Mongillo, Executive
Officer and Hank Chmielewski, Administrative Officer for representing me at the Council and Conference Meetings.
Without their support we wouldn't have a Squadron today.
I can honestly say that I see an improvement in the squadron since last year. More new members have joined us,
our dinner socials have been very successful, more courses have been given (both public and advanced courses for
members) and we still get awards from District. I think that all adds up to a successful squadron and I want to
thank all our members for assisting in our effort to promote Boating Safety and in the growth of our small squadron.
Why not come out and join us for dinner and an enjoyable evening at Jacob Marley's in Orange on Thursday April
15th at 6:30PM. I would personally enjoy seeing you again and thanking you for all your support.
Bob Reeves, Cdr.
Fire Extinguishers
(Legal Requirements)
· Required on all boats using an outboard or boats with an inboard or inboard/outboard engine 26 ft.
and over.
· Required on all boats under 26 ft. if you have the following:
· Closed compartment under the thwarts/seats where a fuel tank may be stored
· A double bottom unfilled with flotation material
· A closed living space
· Permanently installed fuel tanks
· A closed compartment used for combustible or flammable materials.
· Must be mounted using a USCG approved bracket.
Minimum Number Required:
|
Boat Length
|
Number of Fire Extinguishers
|
|
less than 26 ft
|
One B-1
|
|
26-39 ft
|
Two B-1's(or one B-2)
|
|
40-65 ft
|
Three B-1's(or one B-1 & one B-2)
|
Halon was discontinued in 1993. Taking its place is FE-241 and FM-200
FM-200 Safe for use in occupied spaces (expensive)
FE-241 Not as safe but much less expensive (Use in engine Compartment)
Both not as effective as Halon but the best available.
Revised & Updated 1/00
Education Report - March 2004
T'is March and the one day I've looked forward to is the first day of spring. It certainly was a long winter but
now we can look forward to getting the boat ship-shape for the summers cruising.
Our courses have been progressing but the Sound School has not shown any improvement in student registrations.
The March 4th Boat Smart Course at the Sound School was cancelled due to lack of student participation. The one
remaining course is the Chart Smart Course to be given on April 1st. I hope attendance picks up for this the last
class for the school term.
We have also planned a Boat Smart Course at the Milford Yacht Club on the 17th and24th of April. This will be given
by Dick Boardman on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
The Boat Smart Course at the Milford Public Library started on the 6th of March as planned will 15 students attending.
Bill Carotenuto is presenting the first session and Tony Barbieri is to present the 2nd and 3rd classes.
Also underway is the Seamanship class being held at the Poontatuck Yacht Club with Henry Chmielewski instructing
and the Engine Maintenance Course at the Fowler Memorial Building with George Buffinton.
Please Note!
In a call to DEP this week I spoke to Eleanor Mariani the State of CT Boating Law Administrator who informed me
of a major change to the law on personal watercraft (PWC's). Today any person may operate a PWC as long as he/she
has a CPWO certificate. Now this will change to incorporate an age limitation: the operator of any PWC must be
16 years of age or over to operate a PWC alone. Under 16 years of age the operator must have an adult on board
with a CPWO license. This rule is to be in effect dated March 9th of this year. All CPWO certificates issued prior
to this date are "Grandfathered".
This change will appear in this years Ct. Boaters Guide which will not be released until April 1st. Please be aware
of this change and a few others to be incorporated. I suggest you pick up a copy of the 2004 Guide as soon as they
are released.
Education
Calendar - February thru April 2004
January 15th-- Start Engine Maintenance Course at Fowler Building -1st Module 6 weeks, from
7:00 to 9:00PM started
February 5th-- Start Chart Smart Course at Sound School-4 Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00PM (Feb. 5,12,26 Mar. 4) cancelled
February 11th-- Start 6 lesson Boating Course at Foran High School, 7 Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00PM. started
March 4th-- Start Boat Smart & PWC Course at Sound School - 4 Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00PM (Mar. 4,11,18,25)
cancelled
March 6th and 13th-- Start Boat Smart and PWC Course at Milford Public Library, Two Saturdays from 10:30AM to 2:30PM
each Saturday. started
April1st-- Start Chart Smart Course at Sound School, 4 Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00PM (Apr. 1,8,15, 22) taking registration
April 17th and 24th-- Start Boat Smart Course at Milford Yacht Club. Two Saturdays from 10:30AM to 2:30PM taking registration
Bridge Meetings - 20 Feb. District 1 Council Meeting Northeast Utilities, Berlin Ct. 7:00PM
Milford Power Squadron Monthly Bridge Meeting, Wednesday March 10th, Parsons Complex, Conference Room "A",
7:00PM
District 1 Spring Conference, Saybrook Point Inn, Old Saybrook, 9:00AM
Membership Dinner Meetings
Thursday ,April 15th, Jacob Marley's in Orange, Change of Watch Dinner, 6:30PM
