Commanders Report – November 2003
My appeal for volunteers managed to reach one loyal member. But the phone
was very quiet for every one else. I believe that speaks for the squadron and we must labor on with those dedicated
members that we have.
Its Merit Mark time and as Commander of Milford Power Squadron it is my honor, privilege, and responsibility to
recommended those members who have, in my opinion, made a substantial effort on behalf Milford Power Squadron in
the year 2003.
A merit mark is awarded by the Chief Commander to a member for substantial effort in furthering the interests,
programs and objectives of USPS, its districts and squadrons. It is a coveted award since it is by and large the
only official recognition a member receives for his efforts. Only one merit mark m ay be awarded a year. A certificate
is issued and a special insigne may be worn on the USPS uniform. On receiving 5 merit marks a member becomes a
"Senior Member". On receiving 25 merit marks a member becomes a " Life Member" and is not required
to pay any yearly dues.
So I have been at work developing a list of members who have contributed to the squadron unselfishly and who deserve
a merit mark in my opinion. I shall make this recommendation to the Chief Commander and he will (usually ) accept
the recommendation and make the award to the person.
Just a reminder that the Fall Conference this year is being held at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Ct. The
conference will be on Saturday Nov. 15 at 0800.If you have any interest in going please contact our Administration
Officer Hank Chmielewski on 878-5203 for details.
So friends, back to work. Here's wishing you happy hauling and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Bob Reeves, Cdr.
Apparently USPS is trying to take one step forward in the quality of our Education Instruction. USPS is doing this
by requesting that we certify all public boating course instructors. In view of that requirement USPS has assigned
"minimum requirements" for instructors to be certified no later than January 1, 2006. Therefore, USPS
has issued an Educational Policy for Instructor Certification. This Policy is abbreviated as follows:
1. All instructors must be certified by Jan. 2006
2. Successful completion of the Instructor Development (ID) course results in certification.
3. This certification lasts for 4 years from the date of ID course completion.
4. Members who have previously passed the USPS IQ course or both the USPS IT and IA courses and have taught courses
2 of the 3 preceding years from the date of this policy may apply for certification valid from 1 Jan '03 through
31 Dec. '06.
5. To qualify as having taught a USPS course in any given year, the member seeking certification must have spent
at least 10 hours as a classroom instructor.
6. Members with pre-qualifications may request an initial 4 year USPS certification valid from 1 Jan '03 to31 Dec.
'06. Pre-qualification constitutes :
a) Members who hold a current teaching credential.
b) Members who have taught for at least 3 years within the last 5 years(1998-2002) in an adult education community
program or as a college instructor.
Additional information will be forthcoming but I wanted to give our members advanced notice of the requirements.
If you care to become a certified instructor, please contact me and we will get you started with the required application.
I will be contacting all our instructors and passing on a copy of the Certification requirements. Please note that
this applies to the Public Boating Course however it is recommended by National that the Advanced course be included.
Bob Reeves.SEO
Education Report - November 2003
Boating Course- Our course at Foran High School was cancelled due to no
students. I mentioned in the last "Bell" that the fee was raised without our knowledge . This was enough
to change students from our course to other "less expensive" courses in the area. I have spoken to Dave
Hourigan in Milford Adult Education and he agreed the fee of $15 would be reinstated. So we are looking for better
attendance in our forthcoming February course at Law H/S.
Boat Smart- This course was presented on October 4th and 11th at the Milford Library. The instructors were Bill
Carotenuto and Dick Boardman. A total of 9 students passed the course. The next course was tentatively scheduled
for December 6th and 13th.
Seamanship- This course at this time was still scheduled for Oct. 27th Call me if you are interested.
Piloting- This course was completed last March with George Sender as the instructor. We wish to congratulate his
2 students on passing the exams. They were:
Karl Weber, P
Ron Novick, P
Congrats mates, great progress!
Advanced Piloting
I would like to acknowledge the fact that five students have passed the Advanced Piloting (AP)Course and have
received their new grade of AP. They are: George Buffinton, AP
John Campbell, AP
Barbara Pico, AP
Robert Pico, AP
Don Pillo, AP
Good show, and good luck to you all---interested in Celestial Navigation?
Engine Maintenance- This course will be given in January of 2004 tentatively at the Egan Center. If you care to
register for the course now ,we would be appreciative since we must order course material. All you have to do is
call me on 876-8261 and leave a message that you want to attend.
Our courses are slowly being improved by National who has gone to modular type of texts. For instance Marine
Electronics now consists of three modules: ME101, Boat Electrical Systems---ME102, Marine Radio Communications,----and
ME103 Marine Electronic Navigation. In this method, members can choose their individual interests but all three
are required for an; award of course completion. There are no prerequisites for any of these modules.
If you care to instruct in any one of these modules or all of them we certainly could use your services.
Thanks for everything and happy hauling!
Bob Reeves, SEO
