Preparing For Service

Auxilarist Norma Newton (right) inspects Phil Patterson's personal watercraft.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Doug Jansen)

Every year, prior to the start of the operational season, Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels are inspected. Though our vessels are owned and maintained by our members, they are held to a higher standard than many other boats on the water.

Flotilla 4 currently has two personal watercraft (PWC) as a part of the Flotilla 4 fleet. These PWCs are used for safety patrols on lakes and rivers in our area of operation. These vessels are equipped with additional safety equipment to be able to render aid to boaters in distress.

PWC operators go through special training and are evaluated by Coast Guard Auxiliary examiners to demonstrate their skills and understanding to make sure that they can render aid safely. These vessels are able to patrol an area more quickly and are able to go into some areas that are shallower than what some of our other boats are able to go into.

Winter is Gone, Time For Training

Auxilarist Marty Robey (left) and Trevor Henderson practice throwing a line to a person in distress during boat crew training.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by Doug Jansen)

Now that our harsh winter is in the past, members of the flotilla are continuing their training to prepare them for qualification as boat crew members. New boat crew trainees were given an orientation to our Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels. Hands on skills such as knot tying and throw bag deployment was also taught.

Boat crew students included Bill Eggers, Trevor Henderson, Marty Robey, Chris Shade and Ralph Tomlinson.

During boat crew training Auxilarist Ralph Tomlinson ties a fender to the boat during boat crew training.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by Doug Jansen)

Auxilarist Trevor Henderson learns how to tie a fender to the Lady Grace during boat crew training.
(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by Doug Jansen)