Flotilla 14-06 News Alerts

Published on SITREP 03/28/09 - www.teamcoastguard.org

Auxiliarists Perform Safety Checks at USCG Station New York

Article by Gerard Andrews Flotilla 14-06 Communications Officer, Staten Island, NY Photos and supporting information provided by Jeffrey Caso Flotilla 14-06 Vice Commander, Staten Island, NY

Jeff Caso Vice Flotilla Commander goes through the checklist

March 7, 2009, New York. As part of the Coast Guard’s continuing efforts to protect the public, promote national recreational boating safety, and provide a good example to all, Flotilla 14-06 Auxiliarists have been invited to perform vessel safety checks on local Coast Guard boats. Lieutenant Commander Richard Burke of Coast Guard Station New York, a staunch supporter of the Auxiliary, believes in holding his vessels to the same high standards expected of the public.

Performing these vessel safety checks are Tim Barrett, Flotilla 14-06 Commander and Jeffrey Caso Vice Flotilla Commander, Staten Island, New York. “I believe this is a great idea, what better way can we support safe boating,” said Caso. “It shows the public just how important this [vessel safety checks] is and lets them know any boat; especially the U.S. Coast Guard also has to adhere to the same Federal and State requirements. Perhaps this is something that should be practiced nationally,” he said.

Assisting the Auxiliary during the examinations was BM2 Jennette Rozmus, USCG, also of CG Station NY who serves as the liaison to local flotillas around Staten Island. “I support this effort 100%, because I feel it’s important to show the public how important safety standards are and how everyone must adhere to them,” said Rozmus.

Tim Barrett Flotilla Commander, rolls up his sleeves and gets down to business

Although this project isn’t exactly unique, it is probably the first time it’s been done in New York. In the past, Commander Burke also had Auxiliarists conduct vessel safety checks on Coast Guard vessels when he was stationed in Juneau, Alaska.

Flotilla Commander Barrett describes the experience; he compares performing safety checks on Coast Guard vessels to recreational vessels. “First we were given a complete tour of each vessel; we were shown how everything works, where everything is stowed, and why. Some of the required items were the same and others were more advanced than required on a recreational boat,” said Barrett.

“I definitely found the Coast Guard vessels to be much more organized when compared to your typical recreational boat; this was expected since the Coast Guard sets the regulations and what is required onboard. I was impressed and feel this program should be expanded,” said Barrett.

All in a day’s work, Barrett and Caso examined three 25' rigid inflatable (RHIB) safe boats, one 33' rigid inflatable safe boat, and three 41’ patrol boats. No violations were found, and all vessels adhered to State and Federal regulations.

For the past two years under the direction of Barrett and Caso, Flotilla 14-6 has led Division 14, District 1-SR, in vessel examination totals. In 2007 over 630 examinations were performed and in 2008 over 500 were performed. Let’s keep up the good work!

Gerard Andrews - Flotilla  14-06  Webmaster