#cgaux

[deckbagz]

#Repost @uscgaux_spacecoast 🚤・・・ Free board. Our crew aboard Eco Tours (CGAUX 6996) hauled this stand-up paddle board onto the deck after finding it floating free in the Banana River just off the city of Cape Canaveral. An un-manned adrift vessel is always a cause for concern so the crew immediately alerted the watchstander at Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral and began a search for a potential mariner in distress. No one was found in the search but the owner was later identified via social media and reunited with the wayward board. The very appreciative owner was given a small supply of #USCG "If Found" identification decals along with some reflective paddle stickers. Paddle craft and other small boats should always be labeled with owner contact information in order to avoid unnecessary searches.⚓🇺🇲 . #coastguardauxiliary #safeboating #paddlesmart #paddlecraftsafety #uscgaux #cgaux #searchandrescue #sup #stand_up_paddle #paddleboarding #boatingsafety #boatinginflorida #DeckBagZ #onthewater #paddleboardsafety #safetyequipment #fanaticpaddle #Supgear Coast Guard Auxiliary photos by Greg Hendricks. (at Space Coast Florida USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5CMnZ1Hlrm/?igshid=pnt9s7dyn9vj

[alorenzaa]

via: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAux-xF9U3/?

[kingfisherdes]

#mensjewelry This is a #bowline #necklace with a lovely #diamond on a black rubber cord. #masculine #kingfisherartjewelry #seafarers #yacht #boat #sailing #sailor #cgaux #mainer #marlinespike #knottying #knotjewelry

[timmpowell]

SUNDAY EDITION: Boat Fire Prevention & Response (when prevention doesn't work)

Fire aboard ship has always been a dreaded and, often, a fatal experience. For large ships, it is the second largest hazard for crew and passengers. For us small guys, it can be just as serious.

In this article we are going to discuss steps we can take to prevent a fire and we will look at some responses to a fire.

PREVENTION! - There are actions to take, or to avoid, that can manage the risk of an onboard fire. First, let’s look at the boat’s actual fuel. Since most of our boats burn gasoline, we will address that issue. (Diesel is also flammable but not as easily ignited. Once burning, though, it creates an intense blaze.)

The chance of a fuel fire is heightened when refueling. There are some precautions we can take to prevent a fire during this process, realizing that it is the fumes from gasoline that are highly flammable. So let’s deal with fumes.

If your boat has an enclosed cabin, close all of the windows and doors before refueling. That way no fumes can get into that part of your boat.

Frequently check your fuel lines and connections for leaks and worn spots.

Be sure all electrical devices are turned off, as well as your engine.

When gasoline passes through the hose, it generates static electricity. If that ‘sparks’ with the fumes at the fuel tank fill point, an explosion can occur. To dissipate the static electricity, keep the metal nozzle of the hose in contact with the metal part of the refueling opening, hopefully grounding the system.

Try not to spill any fuel during the process. Not only does this add to the danger of fire but you are legally responsible for your fuel spills.

Once fueling is complete, securely fasten the gas cap.

Open up all windows and doors to ventilate.

If you have an inboard or inboard/outboard engine it is time to run the bilge blower. That is a fan located in the bottom of the bilge where gasoline fumes can accumulate, gas being heavier than air. Run the fan for four minutes. (It is also good advice to run this blower before ANY engine start, since even a small leak can produce lots of fumes.)

Obviously, no smoking anywhere near the boat is the rule when fueling.

Use your nose! Gasoline has a distinct odor and even a small amount can be smelled at some distance. If you smell gas, shut everything down and find the source.

Another fire hazard is cooking fires, either from propane tanks, stoves or grills. Be sure all connections are tight. It makes sense to have one of your fire extinguishers close to the galley.

As to the proper number and size of the fire extinguishers on your boat, there are some laws on the subject. Boats less than 26’ must have at least one B-1 extinguisher. Boats between 26’ and less than 40’ must have two B-1s or one B-2.

When buying your extinguishers buy the ones that have “ABC” printed on them. They will put out combustible material and liquids (such as gasoline or grease), and electrical fires.

The number indicates the capacity – II is larger than I. As to how many and what size to buy, more and larger is the way to go.

Fire Response: Putting out the Fire

Fire on a boat, of any size, is more of a threat than the same fire on land. On land we can simply walk away. On our boat away from land, we enter another potentially threatening environment – the water. In either event, the captain must make a fast and clear decision.

Fight or flee? If the fire is a fuel fire (that is, some part of the gasoline system has been breached), recognize the situation as very dangerous. If the fire is small and does not threaten the main or auxiliary fuel tanks, trying to put out the fire with your fire extinguisher might be advisable. However, be careful; gasoline fires can go from small to huge in a matter of seconds!

At the same time you are fighting the fire, have someone put out the anchor and everyone put on their life jackets. Most fires are in the mid-section or rear of the boat and the anchor will keep the bow into the wind with the smoke and flame going astern.

Marc and I have already made the decision that if we have a gasoline fire aboard we are “OFF THE BOAT”! We will don life jackets and abandon ship. It’s now the insurance company’s problem. You must make your own decision; if you can make it in advance that’s good, and then stick to it.

Propane fires are a close second. I would probably try to extinguish the fire IF I could shut off the propane tank at the tank without getting burned. Your call.

If the fire is gasoline or propane fueled and you have abandoned ship, be careful if the fire seems to have gone out of its own accord. Think twice before re-boarding. The fire may still be smoldering and could explode anew at any time.

If the fuel fire occurs when you are secured to the fuel dock, there are other things you can do. If the fire starts from a spark where the filler hose in going into the gas tank, DO NOT pull the hose out of the tank! Stop the flow of gas and go for the fuel shutoff switch on land and the larger extinguisher on dock. (Know ahead of time where these are located.)

Other fires, such as grease flare-ups on a grill or stove, present challenges but are usually more easily extinguished. First, turn off the flame. If you can smother the fire, that’s good. Otherwise, use your fire extinguisher and don’t stop until the extinguisher is empty. (That won’t be long with a B-I size.)

DO NOT TRY TO EXTINGUISH A GREASE FIRE WITH WATER!

To operate the extinguisher on any type fire (Of course, you have already read the instructions on the extinguisher.), detach the extinguisher from its bracket, pull the safety pin and then squeeze the trigger. Spray the fire with a back and forth movement directed at the base of the fire.

If the fire is wood, paper or other combustibles, your chances of putting it out are good. But watch out if the fire is close to fuel; it could spread and be uncontainable real fast.

Just as soon as you can after initial suppression efforts are underway, put on your life preserver in preparation for the last resort – abandoning the ship!

PHOTO CREDIT: A U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat battles a simulated vessel fire in San Diego harbor during a training evolution. Maritime assistance is only one of the ways the Coast Guard serves the American public. Under the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard patrols American harbors, enforces maritime law, and protects America's shoreline. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden

[timmpowell]

The upcoming Labor Day holiday is expected to bring many Middle Tennesseans to area lakes and river to celebrate for one of the last warm weather weekends of 2013, let’s make it a safe one!

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary stresses the importance of safety for all vessel operators and passengers.“The Labor Day holiday weekend is not typically as busy as Memorial Day or the 4th of July holidays, there still is a need for increased safety awareness from all boaters,” said Wayne Meunier. “The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) will strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe, but we at the Coast Guard Auxiliary also encourage people to pay extra attention to others on the water.” 

Everyone should follow these safety tips on the water during the remainder of the summer:

Life jackets save lives. Out of all the 2012 fatal boating accidents where drowning was the cause of death, 85 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 percent or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle. Penalties may include fines, jail, boat impoundment and the loss of on-the-road driving privileges. 

File a float plan. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and are reliant on batteries.

Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.

Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication aboard your vessel.

Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.

For more information or to schedule a FREE no-fault vessel safety check, contact Wayne Meunier at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by email: wayne@auxiliarist.com

[timmpowell]

DO YOU LIKE TO COOK? THE US COAST GUARD LIKES TO EAT! The AUXCHEF program has become a National support group working directly with the Gold side. Whether you're an experienced Chef or a novice beginner, we have a place for you. Opportunities to serve and learn are available at various stations, special functions, and formal dignitary events or on board many of United States Coast Guard's cutters and specialty craft. AUXCHEF Program