District 9WR Vessel Examiner Training

District 9WRVessel Examiner Training Winter 2013

UPDATED 2013 DELETE THIS SLIDE The materials included in this presentation are intended to cover a wide selection of Vessel Examiner training topics. As it currently stands, this presentation includes a sample agenda for running a long program for a mixed group of new and experienced Vessel Examiners. Presenters may edit, re-sequence, or pull from this presentation as appropriate. These materials include photographs and text from several years of USCG Auxiliary National VE Workshop materials and 9WR-specific enhancements to cover key local topics and State regulations. The slides are all calibrated to the latest 2013 National VE Workshop materials, dated 02 JAN 2013. Slides updated with new core content for 2013 have a star as depicted at the top of this page. 2

Workshop Objectives The purpose of this workshop is to: • Provide a learning experience to help USCG Auxiliary members become a certified Vessel Examiner • Help experienced Vessel Examiners review program material in preparation for the upcoming boating season • Address scenarios covering 95-99% of the vessels VE’s will come in to contact with This workshop will not: • Cover Operational Facilities (OPFAC) – but they are on the VE test! • Substitute for having a strong network of mentors to assist one through the VE program • Address issues specific to the 1-5% of boats VE’s will come in to contact with that are specialty craft, homemade vessels, highly modified, or “historic” craft 3

Today’s Agenda 1330 - The VE Mission 1345 - VSC Manual Review 1450 – Break 1500 - VSC Manual Review (cont.) 1600 – Break 1615 - Personal Water Craft (PWC) 1630 - Sport Utility Boats (SUBS) 1650 – Break 1700 - VSC Resources 1710 - Preparing for your first VSC 1715 - Practical Training and Forms 1720 - Following up 1725 - VE Exam Prep

History of the Vessel Safety Check USCGAUX developed the Courtesy Motorboat Examination program in 1947 to provide recreational boaters an advisory review of their vessel’s legally required equipment and additional recommended equipment essential for safe boating. It also serves to provide one-on-one education of recreational boaters regarding the use of safety equipment, legal requirements and regulations, etc. Sailboats were added later and the name to Courtesy Marine Examination, then to Vessel Safety Check (VSC). The VSC program now includes PWC and SUB. 5

Today’s Vessel Safety Check Today, Vessel Examiners are: • In fact Educators. • The front line in the USCG and Auxiliary mission to promote Boating Safety. • Recruiters for the Auxiliary. Each and every person encountered is an opportunity to educate that person with the knowledge that one day may save lives. 6

V-DEPARTMENT MESSAGE Although they deal with a different audience, PVs and VEs are both responsible to deliverthe RBS message to the greater recreational boating community. The message includes: • The value and maintenance of recreational boat safety equipment (VSC) • Safe boating techniques; the right behaviors (VSC) • Promotion of additional boating safety education; that knowledge is the key to a safer boating experience VESSEL EXAMINATIONS PROGRAM VISITATIONS SAVE LIVES AND EDUCATE BOATERS !!!

V-DEPARTMENT MESSAGE • Cold water safety and cold water immersion • Marine Domain Awareness; Water Way Watch program • Use of Personal Flotation Device; Boat Smart • Dangers of CO poisoning • On the water environmental issues • Alcohol and its impact on the recreational boater

Visualizing The Future • We must continue to support repeat business, while placing a high value on reaching new customers. • This is especially true in terms of our VSC program. The VE must educate and expose as many new customers as possible each year to the RBS message. • VSCs give the Auxiliarist, the Coast Guard, and the boating public the best “bang for their buck” compared to most USCG Auxiliary activities. • The VSC mission is one that can ONLY be completed by the Auxiliary.

Recognizing the Decal Decals change color each calendar year, which aids in quick determination if a decal is current. The active duty Coast Guard and law enforcement recognize the decal; however it is NOT a pass from being randomly searched. • Placing the decal: • The boater (or VE, with the boater’s express permission) should place the decal on a vessel. • On the port side; preferably low/forward on the glass and only on permanently installed equipment. • Prior years’ decals should be removed when a new decal is awarded. • If an old decal can not be removed, the new decal can go on top. • The VE may NOT leave the boater with a decal unless it has been permanently affixed to the vessel. 10

UPDATED 2013 Recognition • Certified Vessel Examiners are authorized to wear the Examiner Program Ribbon and Medal • Auxiliarists who are also certified as a Program Visitor (PV) or a Marine Safety Examiner (UPV, UTV, CFVE, etc.) are entitled to wear small bronze stars (silver on 6th award) on the Examiner Ribbon for additional examiner certifications • VE’s and PV’s who complete 60 exams or visits are awarded the VE/MDV Service Ribbon • Note: “V” Device is no longer authorized for wear on this award • Recreational Boating Safety specialists are awarded the RBS Device when they earn: • 120 points in each of two consecutive years • 1 point-per-hour as a PE and 0.5 points-per-hour as an aide • 1 point-per-hour in PA, promoting RBS • 1 point-per-hour in legislative/state outreach • 1 point-per-check in PV • 1 point-per visit in VE

Handout - 1 How to become a VE 1) Become Basically Qualified (BQ) *or pass a Basic Boating Safety Course, in AP status 2) Become Familiar with the Vessel Safety Check Manual 3) Understand the Vessel Safety Check Manual and Procedures 4) Successfully Pass the Vessel Examiner Test 5) Prepare for your first Vessel Exam 6) Confirm a VE Mentor and perform 5 supervised VE's on boats (Paddlecraft do not count for any supervised checks, including those required for REYR!) 7) Make sure your VE Mentor submits a 7038 for your supervised VE's, with you listed as a trainee 8) Make sure your flotilla FSO-IS processes the 7038 form in to AUXDATA 9) Provide a Certification Form, signed by your Mentor, to your Flotilla Commander 10) Have your Flotilla Commander complete your District 9wr VE Certification Form (online)

Vessel Safety Checks Vessel Examiners may inspect Powerboats, Sailboats, Personal Water Craft (PWC), and Sport Utility Boats (SUB). Requests for VSCs on boats larger than 65ft in length should be referred up the chain to staff officers experienced with these craft. (* Due to the nature of regulations for these boats, VSC’s are not as extensive and are done on a courtesy basis.) 14

Be sure not to confuse terms: International Waters - Defined (33 CFR 80) as water outside of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines. * Coastal Waters - Are generally all U.S. waters subject to the tide, U.S. waters of the Great Lakes, and other specified federal waters. * Inland Waters - Are generally all navigable waters of the United States shoreward the Coastal Waters. * Sole State Waters – Are generally all waters located entirely within a single one state or is not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Before we go further (Terminology Refresher) 15

The Great Lakes meet the Western Rivers at Chicago Great Lakes - The Great Lakes and their connecting tributary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Waters, the Chicago River as far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge, and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock. Western Rivers- Are generally the Mississippi River and its tributaries up to the Coastal Waters. Before we go further (Terminology Refresher) 16 Chicago’s Tributaries

Handout - 2 The Form Header 17

HIN Numbers 18

Every boat must have a valid “License Plate” and associated documentation. Licensing & Documentation 19

The boat’s registration number must be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat. They must be plain, vertical, block characters, not less than three (3) inches high, and in a color contrasting with the background. A space or hyphen must separate the letters From the numbers. Place State tax Sticker according to State policy. (e.g. FL 1234 AB or FL-1234- AB) OPTION 1 – State Registration Item 1 - Display of Numbers: 20

OPTION 1 – State Registration Item 2 - Registration and Documentation: Original Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available. (Copies can be kept at home) 21

Advise boaters on proper decal placement. IL: To the right of the numbers. IN: To the right of the numbers. MI: To the right of the numbers. WI: Aft of the numbers. OPTION 1 – State Registration Item 2 - Registration and Documentation 22

OPTION 2 – Fed Documentation Item 1 - Display of Numbers: Documentation numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior structure, and preceded by the letters “No.” – NOTE: All examples below have at least one problem and would not pass a VSC! Good – Proper numbering Bad – Not permanently affixed Bad – Not attached to structure Good – Proper numbering Bad – Not attached to structure; easily removed Good – Permanently attached to structural spar Bad – Missing period in the number 23

OPTION 2 – Fed Documentation Item 1 - Display of Numbers: The documented boat’s name and hailing port must be displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height. To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater. Documented vessels are generally exempt from displaying state numbers. 24

OPTION 2 – Fed Documentation Item 1 – Display of Numbers: For boaters wishing to avoid displaying state numbers; DO NOT give boaters explicit instructions on how to properly mark their documented boat. You can follow up by sending the boater an email with a link to the National Vessel Documentation Center FAQ: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp 25

OPTION 2 – Fed Documentation Item 2 - Registration and Documentation: Sample Certificate of Documentation 26 26

Beware of Documented Vessel Mythology • Myth: Documented Vessels do not require registration or validation/tax decals. • Fact: Some states do not have these requirements for Documented Vessels; however IL, IN, MI, and WI do. All vessels in these states, including documented vessels, are required to be registered and display decals. • IL: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the documented name on the transom. • IN: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the boat, above the water line. • MI: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the boat, as high above the water line as possible. • WI: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the documented name on the transom. 27

Acceptable Life Jackets Must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, and of suitable size for each person on the boat. The label must be legible, straps work, and no holes/rips/tears in the fabric. Children must have properly fitted Life Jackets designed for children. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jacket): 29

Wearable Life Jackets shall be "readily accessible.“ Throwable devices shall be "immediately available.“ Life Jackets should NOT be stored in unopened Plastic packaging (promotes mold growth and shortens life of life jacket). Item 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jacket): 30

Inflatable life jackets only count toward the total number on board when being worn continuously. Inflatables must be manually checked and inflated every 6 months. More frequently for frequent use. Inflatables may not be worn by children and have other restrictions on chest size and user weight. * All the details for use are on the label. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Inflatables): 31

Boats 16 Feet or longer, must also have one throwable Type IV. Item 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jacket): 32

WARNING: 100 MPH rated Life-jackets do not protect wearers from traumatic injury in a high speed crash. The impact rating means that the Life Jacket still be buoyant following a 100 MPH impact. Item 3 PFD (100 MPH Life Jackets) 33

BEWARE: Neither of these two devices are PFDs. They look like PFD’s and are marketed as “life jackets” but they will not provide sufficient flotation or properly orient a child’s head in open water. (Vessel Examiners must look at every label inside PFD’s to ascertain if they are a USCG approved PFD.) Item 3 PFD (Children’s PFD’s) NOT a PFD 34

IL: Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a Type I, II, or III PFD at all times when on boats less than 26 feet in length or below decks. IN: All persons being towed on the water are required to wear a PFD. MI: Children under the age of 6 are required to wear a Type I or II PFD at all times when not below decks. WI: No specific regulation for regular boats. Item 3 PFD (donning requirements) All boaters should be encouraged to wear their PFD’s, regardless of age – especially when underway. The federal requirement is that all children under the age of 13 must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD at all times when not below decks. 35

Recreational boats 16 feet and over used on coastal waters or the Great Lakes require a minimum of either: Three day and 3 night pyrotechnic devices, or 3 combination day/night devices.Check expiration! One non-pyrotechnic day device (flag) and one night (auto SOS light) or A combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise. Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS): 36

Night Pyrotechnic Flares SOS Flashlight* Lantern Strobe (50-70 fpm - Inland Only) Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS): Day Signal mirror Red or orange flags Hand signals * Must be USCG Approved 37

Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS): 38

Beware of Flare Mythology and History • History: It’s illegal to own a flare gun in some states. • Fact: Some states used to consider flare guns the same as any handgun, but no longer. IL, IN, MI, and WI allow for ownership of flare guns as long as they are USCG approved devices and only used for signaling distress. • Myth: You should never carry extra flares because they are a fire hazard. • Fact: A military-sized cache of flares can be a fire hazard, but in an emergency, most boaters will need many more than 3. The number of flares carried should be a function of boat size and boat usage. 39

Beware of Flare Mythology and History • Myth: Flares expire and are no longer usable. • Fact: The expiration date on flares is mandated by law (46 CFR 160.021.5.b) and not by the construction, chemicals, manufacturer, or type of the flare. Kept neat and dry, flares will last decades with little degradation in performance. • Myth: You can’t “get rid” of flares. • Fact: It is illegal to use a flare except in case of distress. Excess or damaged flares can be disposed at a boater’s local hazardous waste disposal facility. (Varies by locality.) 40

Flares should be kept dry but accessible. Boaters should keep extra flares aboard (a great use for “expired” flares) Too many flares can be a fire hazard Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals 41

Fire extinguishers are required if one of the following conditions exists: Inboard engine(s) Closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks (3) Double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation material (4) Closed living space (5) Closed stowage compartments that contain flammable materials or (6) Permanently installed fuel tanks NOTE: Fire extinguishers must be serviceable and should be stored or mounted to be easily accessible. Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: 42

Minimum number of extinguishers required Boat Length No Fixed System With Fixed System Less than 26’ One B-1 None 26’ to less than 40’ Two B-1 or one B-2 One B-1 40’ to 65’ Three B-1 or Two B-1 or One B1 & One B-2 One B-2 Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: 43

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: Fixed Systems 44

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: Boaters in the state of Illinois must have at least 1 fire extinguisher on EVERY motorboat. * The same rule broadly applies for sole state waters. 45

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers: Indiana does not have a fire extinguisher requirement for sole state waters. (Vessel Examiners should still highly recommend them!) Michigan and Wisconsin mirror federal requirements for state waters. 46

Beware of Fire Extinguisher Mythology • Myth: Caked or packed fire extinguishers should be discarded. • Fact: It is highly unlikely that a properly charged fire could ever become caked. All modern fire extinguishers are engineered to perform, even when the agents inside are packed due to vibration. A new directive has been issued to Vessel Examiners that fire extinguishers should not be tapped or inverted as the practice provides no value. (Contrary to what is published in the current VE Manual.) Handling fire extinguishers in this way opens the door to dropping the device or damaging the boater’s property. 47

Beware of Fire Extinguisher Mythology • Myth: Fire extinguishers expire. • Fact: Fire extinguishers typically do not have an expiration date on them. However, manufacturers will recommend that boaters discard fire extinguishers after they exceed their warranty period. • The gauge on the fire extinguisher is a highly accurate indicator of the device’s status if it is in otherwise serviceable condition. 48

Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after August 1, 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation. Item 6 - Ventilation: 49

Boats with closed fuel tank Compartments built after August 1, 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment. Item 6 - Ventilation: 50

District 9WR Vessel Examiner Training