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Surface Operations
OPS Photo Gallery salutes a Proud Tradition "On Patrol"
Send a photo of a surface, air, radio mobile, or AtoN
patrol to the webmaster for the OPS Photo
Gallery...link. Your photo contribution will be appreciated by all
who view.
Personal Water Craft (PWC) Pre-Underway Check Off
List Change
The requirement to carry extra spark plugs and a spark
plug wrench has changed. In the past, the idea was 2 stroke engines
mixed oil and gas and ran so inefficiently it quickly gummed up the
spark plugs which caused them to fail often.
Changes in federal requirements means that an ever
increasing percentage of water craft, both PWC and even outboards, are
now more efficient four stroke engines. Much like cars the spark plugs
are good for years.
The Pre-Underway Check Off List which is Enclosure (1)
of COMDTINST M16794.54A (PWC Operator Qualification Guide) now will only
require extra spark plugs and the spark plug wrench for PWC's with 2
stroke engines. The change will be made to the Qualification Guide
with the next edition.
GUESTS ON BOARD
To have a non member on board an AUX operational facility during a
patrol, use the following procedure: Fill out the
Guest Request...link and send it to the Sector or
Group AUXLO (LTJG Tschudy- Sector SF, BMC Brown-Group HB) via email or
fax. The AUXLO will sign the endorsement then send it back to you via
email. That letter, and the completed
Liability Request...link
will need to be with you on patrol and then sent in with 7030 and
CG-5132.
New working frequencies for Coast Guard Stations, 2007
Certain stations have changed
their respective working VHF channels. Changes are in place and should be
utilized by the Auxiliary. A copy of the frequencies should be in place on
all facilities.
Sector San Francisco
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Primary 21A
Monitors all frequencies
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Station San Francisco
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Primary 23A Secondary 16
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Station Vallejo
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Primary 81A Secondary 16
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Station Golden Gate
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Primary 21A Secondary 16
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Station Monterey
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Primary 23A Secondary 16
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Station Bodega Bay
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Primary 81A Secondary 16
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Station Rio Vista
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Primary 21A Secondary 16
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Station Lake Tahoe
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Primary 21A Secondary 16
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Station Humboldt Bay
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Primary 83A Secondary 16
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Group Humboldt Bay
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Primary 83A Secondary 16
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Station Noyo River
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Primary 83A Secondary 16
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Towing: Come upon
a vessel in distress while under orders
As per the AUX OPS Policy
Manual, page 4-22:
“E.9.a When an Auxiliary vessel on routine patrol or otherwise on orders
discovers a vessel requesting assistance, but is not in contact with the Coast
Guard, the Auxiliarist will relay the request for assistance to the Coast Guard
Operational Commander and may undertake to provide assistance, if capable.”
This is
done on our Inland Lakes frequently but this also pertains to those on the
Coast, Bay and Delta. It is always encouraged to advise your controlling agency
of your intentions. When in radio contact with a Station, it is always a good
idea to give the Station the State registration numbers of the vessel just to
make sure it has not been stolen or for some other reason we may not want to
undertake immediate assistance, but if the vessel is in immediate danger and the
radio is busy do not hesitate to do what you can.
Side Tows Present a Number of Concerns
The evolution to side tows must be choreographed in such a way
as to avoid injury to personnel and damage to property. Considering the
condition of most boat cleats it is better to use more cleats than less to
spread forces and stress.
Starting from the bow and counting to the stern the
Facility's tow lines and cleats are numbered 1 through 4. No. 1 line was
the tow line during the end tow evolution but, is brought forward to become the
#1/Bow line during a side tow. The #2 line is also called the Tow(ing) Strap
while the #3 line can be called the Backing Strap. The #4 Stern line attached
and pulling from the off side cleat, is able to pull the sterns together with
less tension load due to the angle than if pulling from the near cleat, in which
case, it will act more like a #3/Backing Strap.
Working together the #1 and #4 adjusts and maintains the angle
between the distressed vessel and the OPFAC under side tow. The #4 can not do
this very well if assigned to the near cleat. Pulling from the near stern cleat
of a distressed vessel which is already occupied by the tow strap, may cause a
catastrophic load to that cleat if it has not been properly attached and backed.
The sequence of attaching lines is determined by the
Coxswain. Some prefer to have #1 and #4 on first then attached #2,
others prefer to attached #1 then #2 (the tow strap). The main issue is
safety.
Securing to
a Cleat
When a facility has Standard cleats large enough to accommodate
two or more figure “8s” and two or three round turns, they might be used. Most
facilities, however, have smaller cleats and it would be more prudent to take
two turns around the horns of the cleat and finish with a half hitch/weather
hitch as recommended by CHAPMANS. Remember though, when placing or removing any
hitch on a loaded line, there is always a chance of getting fingers caught.
Always do so with caution. Additional information
. . . link
Displays animated nautical knots used
when berthing a vessel, docking your yacht, aimed at safety and
reliability.
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