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Flotilla Commander Kent McCoin [email protected]  Vice Flotilla Commander George S. Crouch III [email protected] Aids to Navigation C.Dale Owen [email protected] Career Counselor Carl Brown [email protected] Communications Steve Davis [email protected] |
Communication Services Lee Olson [email protected] Finance Lynn Williams [email protected] Information Services Donald H. Davis [email protected] Materials James Smith [email protected] Marine Safety Hans Miller [email protected] |
Member Training Gerald J. Ruschkofski [email protected] Marine Dealer Visitor Albert C. Morgan [email protected] Operations George S. Crouch III [email protected] Public Affairs Edward C. Jones [email protected] Publications Joe M. Richbourg [email protected] |
Public Education Ronald J. Tvorik [email protected] Personnel Services Aaron R. Small [email protected] Secretary/Records Jeanette Brown [email protected] Vessel Examinations James Fleming [email protected] Division Captain Ellen Kreiling [email protected] |
Now that we are at summer�s mid-point our biggest on-the-water activity periods are behind us. Only Labor Day lies ahead. Nevertheless, I�m sure many boaters will be taking advantage of every opportunity to maximize their time on the water before the lake drops too low. Consequently we should plan on our services really being needed each weekend through early September
Thanks to Lee Olson, Jim and Sharon Fleming, Ron Tvorik and the others who helped make the June picnic and exercise a success. The food and company were excellent and the exercise �mission boat� was found after many false �sailboat� sightings. The lake always presents an extra challenge when it gets dark!
Those who missed the last flotilla meeting missed an excellent and informative presentation on hurricanes. Ron Jones from the weather bureau held everyone�s attention during his talk and slide show presentation. Whether his added knowledge increased our concern of the risks or we take comfort in knowing better how to avoid the dangers of a hurricane, I�m sure we have added respect for the wind and water forces involved. It was also interesting to learn that most deaths occur as a result of drowning - not directly from the winds or surge.
We had a good turnout Saturday evening before July 4th for the fireworks display off Spense Island. This year we helped DNR keep the 850 foot �safety zone� clear of boats until the display and later towed several boats. We also assisted a number of lost boaters with directions - some by boat, some by radio. Thanks to all of you who participated. Like the exercise, early planning showed a shortage of vessels, but when the time came - you came through to help others in need!
Ron Jones, from NOAA National Weather Service, plans to conduct a very brief survey at the July 29th meeting and a former �coastie� Frank Reynolds plans to show slides and tell us about his experience during his �active duty� in the Coast Guard. Frank lives in Columbia, is an active boater and works for BellSouth - following his first retirement from that company.
For those able to make it, we will see you at the Division meeting in Mt Pleasant July 27; otherwise at the next flotilla meeting the 29.
Be safe on the water!
I wanted to publicly thank two members for their efforts with the ATON program. Sometimes when we are not allowed to complete a job, the rewards seem few. These two men took it upon themselves to complete a survey of Lake Murray. This in itself, saves time for DNR and helps that lost boater. Once again, Thank you Jay Dahlgren and Don Davis.
Everyone should use caution when opening e-mail attachments, especially when using Outlook or Outlook Express. Unless you know that the attachment is safe, e.g., a jpeg file you should be careful, even if the file comes from someone you trust.
This virus can destroy computer files, but not always. The W32/Klez.h@MM virus has infected about a dozen people who in turn have unknowingly sent the virus to me. This type of virus is called a WORM VIRUS because of the way it spreads. Some have reported that their computers no longer work correctly (may have to reload all software). The virus is sent automatically to people in your address book, the subject and body is made up so that it looks like it actually came from someone you know. If you click on the attachment you have just got the virus. There is some claim (see link below) that if you view e-mail directly in a browser you could get the virus just by looking at the message.
The information below is from McAffee and describes the virus in greater detail. I recommend that you read it and go to the link to learn more. I also suggest that you purchase Norton/Symantec Anti Virus software and install the updates via the web to make the product current. Only a current virus software product will stop Klez.
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** VIRUS ALERT - W32/Klez.h@MM **
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Dear Lee Olson,
McAfee.com is issuing an update to the W32/Klez.h@MM virus alert. This is a HIGH RISK virus for HOME USERS, which is spread via email. McAfee.com has received reports that certain Klez variants have the ability to alter or destroy files if the virus is present on July 13th. As always, we recommend that you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date for the best protection.
McAfee.com will continue to update you on the latest details of the W32/Klez.h@MM virus, click here for more information: http://clinic.mcafee.com
Click on the underlined link to view the report. Click "Back" button to return to newsletter.
Just a reminder to all who use the Auxiliary stamps, don't forget the rate increase last month; even yours truly mailed something last week and had to buy an extra stamp at the P.O.!
Anyone in need of material/books etc., don't hesitate to call or send me an e-mail. Ordering items has slowed down this time of the year.
Just for other member's information, I finally passed the AUXSAR test...on the third try...it was a (expletive deleted by editor) of a test...seven chapters that to do on your own at home is very tough!!! The plotting is even tougher, �til you finally figure it out.
I recently received a large quantity of the Clean Boating Habits/Clean Boater pamphlet produced by the National Clean Boating Campaign for Florida�s Clean Marina Program. While the pamphlet references Florida specifically, it is a well-designed pamphlet that provides universal information on clean boating habits.
The pamphlet�s topics include Petroleum Control, Boat Cleaning, Boaters Impact on Plant/Sea life, Solid Waste Management, �Household� Hazardous Waste Management, Fish Waste Management, Sewage Facilities Management, Gray Water and Minimum Required Safety Equipment.
I hope everyone will take advantage of these pamphlets and distribute them during VSCs, marine dealer visits and to the boating public during patrols.
I received a �monofilament recycling station� from Berkley (makers of monofilament) for disposal of monofilament line and spools. When full, the station can simply be sealed and mailed to Berkley (postage paid) for recycling. Please take advantage of this free service and remember to encourage other boaters to do the same. If you think of any marinas or stores that would like to participate in this program, contact me and I will obtain additional recycling stations
I will be out-of-town for business again during our next monthly flotilla meeting; however, I will leave the Clean Boating pamphlets and the monofilament recycling station at Flotilla Island for immediate use.
I think you have already seen this picture that has bounced around the internet. I'd like to tell the rest of the story that appeared in the last issue of Trailer Boats magazine.
The July issue of Trailer Boats Magazine had an article giving the rest of the story. A California Highway Patrol Officer took this picture last Fall on a mountain road in the San Bernardino mountains of southern California. It seems a boater was towing his boat down a mountain road and pulled off to the side in a gravel covered turnout to allow traffic which had back upped behind him, to pass. Unfortunately, a combination of short turnout and loose gravel couldn't stop the forward momentum of the boat, trailer, and truck. The result was a truck, with the driver still inside, hanging over a 600 foot cliff. The only thing that saved the driver and his truck was the proper sized trailer hitch, a locked down coupling between the trailer and the truck, and safety chains. There was no mention in the article about whether the boat trailer had working brakes. A wrecker was able to pull the truck and driver back up on the road safely. There was no damage to the boat or trailer. The truck was drivable. The driver was physically unhurt. Someone else drove the boat down the rest of the mountain.
I think this picture shows the importance of having and using the proper safety equipment and driving skills when towing our boats. Most of the time we blame the boat behind us for our problems when towing, rarely do we think it for our salvation.
Just a reminder to those needing a QE signoff, the QE's will be at the Island on August 11, not August 10, due to a schedule change with Bob Krieling. I have emailed those interested to poll a time to start. If you are ready for a QE to sign off in your book let me know.
Choose the correct answers:
Inland/International: A sailing vessel is not allowed to show the all-round red over green lights on the mast if
A. she is showing sidelights
B. her sidelights are combined and shown on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel
C. she is showing a sternlight
D. her sidelights and sternlight are combined in one lantern and shown on the mast
Inland/International: You see a red sidelight bearing NW (315 degrees.) That vessel may be heading:
A. Northeast (315 degrees)
B. East (090 degrees)
C. Southwest (225 degrees)
D. West (270 degrees)
The first correct response will qualify for a prize at the July meeting, courtesy of Ed Jones.
The flotilla meeting began with the pledge of allegiance followed by an
invocation led by Al McCallister.
FC McCoin introduced Ron Jones of the National Weather Service and Tony Mixon a prospective member.
FC McCoin led in swearing in a new member Dave McKey.
Jim Fleming presented awards and presentations to
Stephen Pstrak for his boat becoming an operational facility
FC MCCoin discussed the possibility of a telephone tree emergency contact list. The decision was made to use the existing roster for that purpose. There was additional discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief.
VFC George Crouch called for staff reports
The date for QE's is August 11, 2002.
We will soon have an AUXSAR course.
There was no report from Marine Dealer.
Dale Owen reported that there are new buoys and some have been moved. Jay Dahlgren and Don Davis checked all 300 buoys and that report will go to DNR.
IS Don Davis reported that our flotilla had reported 57,000 man hours and second place was only 18,000 Also he reminded us that only Vessel Patrol and Radio Watch reports needed to give a starting time. Others only need dates and number of hours.
There will soon be additional training for people with radios that go through the repeater.
PE Ron Tvorik reported that the fall BS&S course will be from September 5 through October 13. There has been some interest in the
ABC Boating Course.
Operations requests that everyone be involved in the Fourth of July fireworks display and through the weekend and on the Fourth.
We need to continue watching water plants, spillway and water intakes.
Definite plans were discussed for June 30.
Ron Jones from the National Weather Service gave an interesting report on Hurricanes, the classifications and patterns.
The meeting was adjourned.
No VSCs have been scheduled for this month due to the July Fourth Holiday, and vacations. Arrangements for VSCs at Windward Point Patio Homes, Palmetto Jet Ski Club, and several others are being made for August
Facility Inspections for next year, ( 2003 ) start in October of this year. We had originally planned to do them early, starting in October. But with the Lake Murray draw down to the 345 ft. level, starting in September, the water level at Flotilla Island may not allow us the use of the docks. We'll set a date, and time to do Vessels that can be trailered to the Island. Other vessels will have to be inspected individually as time and location allows.
Trivia : What do you call a porthole that CAN NOT be opened -------------- A Deadlight
What do you call a porthole that CAN be opened ---------------- A Portlight
Moving a docked vessel by hauling on it's lines is called, Warp ( Not Warp Speed )
July 27th, Division Meeting, Mt. Pleasant
QE's will be at the Island on August 11
September 10th, Fall BS&S Class begins (6 weeks through October 15th.)
October 26th, Division Meeting, Mt. Pleasant
December 16th, Flotilla 12-3 Change of Watch dinner meeting
January 25th, 2003, Division 12 Change of Watch, hosted by Flotilla 12-3
Confidentiality Notice:
Telephone numbers and addresses of members are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. As a matter of policy, rosters of names, addresses and telephone numbers shall not be made available to the general public or any outside organization. Privacy of all rosters shall be safeguarded and the page clearly labeled. The publication of these rosters, addresses, and telephone numbers on any computer on-line service including the Internet is prohibited by the Privacy Act of 1974.