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October 2003

Edition of the Milford Power Squadron

Charles Island Bell Newsletter

Commanders Report

Personal Watercraft Need Vessel Safety Checks

Education Report

Events Calendar

Commanders Report – October 2003

Appeal for volunteers!---While browsing through some of the newsletters from other squadrons I came over the Sept. issue of "The Variation", in particular the Commander's Message by Cdr. Tony Keller,P. His message has a familiar ring to it. Let me paraphrase-"…………….As your Commander, Education Officer, Editor and main contributing writer of the Variation, I and the small handful of very busy people that actually make this organization happen would like to inform you that if you don't volunteer a little of your time to this volunteer organization that you are members in, there isn't going to be a volunteer organization to belong to. New London and Norwich are already discussing disbanding and forming one squadron .They asked if we would be interested in joining them………………I told them we were not interested."

It seems that we all have the same disease and I can well understand it---- Personal and family priorities. Well, as Tony Keller says, if we are to have a volunteer organization we must have volunteers. Now this is what we need:

Editor for "The Bell"
Cooperative Charting Chairman
Electronics Instructor.
Public Relations Chairman
Assistant Treasurer
Property Officer
Telephone Committee
Computer Systems Chairman
Member Involvement Chairman
Assistants to Seamanship and Piloting Instructors.
Advanced Piloting Instructor
Cruise Planning, Instructor
Instructor Qualification chairman
Sail Instructor

These are just a few to get us up to speed and have us function as a operational organization. Consider it folks, why not join in. We could use you. The old team is getting very tired and need relief.

New Subject- The 6 Lesson Boating Course to be given at Foran High School was cancelled due to lack of registration. This generally means less than 5 students. The reason I believe is due to the Adult Education Office increasing their fee to $29. We have since spoken to the Adult Education people and they will reduce their fee to $15.

I believe membership can help us out of many of these problem and all we ask is a little assistance.

Let me close with now that the weather has finally decided to get a little humane boating in the fall is wonderful. Get out and enjoy the water .for we soon must haul out, and go into our cocoon for the winter. We wish you fair winds, enjoyable sunny days and fair sailing for the balance of the season. Hope to see you at our Dinner Get-to-Gether. on Oct. 16th.

Bob Reeves, Cdr

Please visit us on the web-our address is www.usps.org/localusps/milford

Personal Watercraft Need Vessel Safety Checks

We are all aware of the importance of Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and how they contribute in minimizing the number of boating-related accidents, fatalities and injuries on our waters every year. These free vessel safety checks offered by qualified members of the CG Aux. and the US Power Squadrons help prevent accidents by identifying potential life-threatening safety problems.

Often, when we think of VSC's we may think it is the owner/operator of a smaller power boat who benefits most from these safety inspections. The reality is that every owner of every size and type of recreational boat will benefit from having the VSC. This article will focus on the efforts needed to reach the personal watercraft user and how Vessel Safety Checks differ slightly when done for a PWC versus larger boats.

A PWC is a boat. They are designed to carry from one to four persons, and to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the watercraft.

Experienced vessel examiners often comment that the smaller boat and PWC owner/operators sometimes are the hardest to convince to have a VSC conducted on their boat. They typically don't view themselves as boaters and consequently will tune out boating-related messages or appeals. PWC users also tend to be younger than other boaters and don't consider the need to have their boats checked by a vessel examiner.

Many VSC requirements and discussion items are the same for PWC as for other recreational boats; however, there are a few differences. A few VSC requirements and recommendations that apply to PWC are:

Life Jackets: Nearly all states require PWC operators and their passengers to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets. These life jackets must be rated for this type of activity and have a minimum impact rating of 50 mph. A life jacket rated at the maximum speed of the PWC is highly recommended. These devices are usually Type lll life jackets. The impact rating is noted on the label.

Registration: The state registration certificate must be on board or in the operator's possession. The registration number must coincide with the information on the registration certificate. In addition, most states require PWC operators to have a boating safety education certificate that is proof they passed a boating safety course that is NASBLA approved and recognized by the Coast Guard.

Sound Producing Device: PWC are required to have a sound-producing device such as a whistle, which can be fastened to the operator's life jacket.

Fire Extinguisher: A Coat Guard approved Type B-1 fire extinguisher, in good operating order , must be readily accessible.

Visual Distress Signal: PWC users are not required to carry visual distress signals, but it is highly recommended that they do so , especially if operating in large bodies of water or off shore, If operated where night use is permitted visual distress signal requirements apply.

Navigation Lights: PWC are not intended for nighttime use and therefore are not equipped with navigation lights. If operated at night offshore, in international waters, or where night use is permitted navigation lights requirements apply.

Backfire Flame Control: PWC must have an approved backfire flame control system. Most PWC either have devices integral to the engine, or direct and backfire flame outside of the engine compartment. A decal placed in plain sight on the external surface of the PWC states the backfire flame control system meets or exceeds Coast Guard requirements.

Kill Switch: The "kill switch" must be attached to a lanyard worn by the operator, and the switch must be operational.

Fuel System: The fuel system must be vented and the fill pipe located outside any closed compartment so that any spilled fuel must travel overboard.

Battery: The battery must be secured against movement. Terminals must be covered and all wiring well organized.

Ventilation: PWC have a natural ventilation system. Make sure the intake and exhaust ports are clear of obstructions.

Overall Vessel Condition: Examiners will check the steering and throttle controls for proper operation; the hood cover and seat latch to see if they can be secured; and the overall condition of the PWC for general maintenance and upkeep. They should also check if any modifications have been made to factory-installed systems or components.
While the pollution placard requirements for other recreational vessels do not apply to PWC, vessel examiners are advised to discuss the importance of keeping our waterways clean, as well as:

· Checking familiarity wit the Rules of the Road
· Cautioning PWC operators to be aware of the "No Wake" zones, which are usually marked with signs or buoys.
· Reminding PWC operators that they may be responsible for any damage caused by their wake.
· Discussing other requirements specific to their state or locality, when applicable.

Reprinted from NASBL "Small Craft Advisory July/August 2003

Education Report - October 2003

This is the season that Boating Education is a very active endeavor. We must properly start all the Boating courses for the public as we do the Advanced Courses for members. The Cdr.'s report alluded to the problem we encountered at Foran High School which was cancelled due to the lack of students I believe that the increase in the requested "fee" for Adult Education was the reason. Last year it was $15 and this year $29. It just shows us how competitive the courses are and how sensitive the price can be. We have since reinstated the $15 fee.

Boat Smart This course will start on Oct. 4th and 11th at the Milford Public Library. The instructors are Bill Carotenuto and Dick Boardman. Our second Boat Smart course will be held at the same place on Dec 6th and 13th.

Seamanship This class is scheduled for Oct. 27th at the Egan Center (if construction is completed). Hank Chmielewski is the instructor. Piloting class will follow just after the completion of Seamanship at the beginning of the new year.

Weather- This class has been postponed from Sept 10 to Sept. 24th. We currently have only 2 members signed up which isn't enough to for an effective class. We would like at least 5 students for the Instructor. If no more members are interested we may have to cancel this course. It is currently being held at Schooner, Inc on South Water St. in New Haven. Call me soonest if you have an
interest.

Engine Maintenance This course is scheduled for January 2004 at the Egan Center. Please call me if you are interested in taking this course.

Happy Sailing Everyone,

Bob Reeves, SEO