Commanders Report
Boating Classes in the US have continued to decline during the year 2005. We are currently looking at new ways
to get the public to know us. For instance consider a presentation of GPS----as a public seminar. This will accomplish
three things-provide an income to the coffers, educating the public and getting the public to recognize Milford
Power and Sail Squadron. It's an interesting new direction-I'd like to know what you all think about it! No test,
or exam just information. Perhaps you have an idea of your own-we'd be glad to hear it!
Did you know that you can get free NOAA charts? Yep! Map-tech has provided a website link on the USPS web site
for members to download free charts-every chart in the NOAA inventory. If you go to the USPS site on www.usps.org
you can find the link just under the Maptech Chart Icon. Click on and you've got it.
Its time to give thanks to our devoted staff of instructors and able assistants that have devoted time and effort
to the furthering of Milford Power and Sail Squadron. This year we have 12 members who've done just that and I'd
like to thank them personally. They are:
Member Total Merit Marks
Tony Barbieri 25
George Buffinton 3
Bill Carotenuto 31
Hank Chmielewski 15
Gabe Cordova 2
Ed Delaney 0
Roger Johns 5
Al Mongillo 14
Bob Post 3
Bill Rinckel 0
Bruce Ross 1
George Sender 10
Five MM awards signifies "Senior Member"-25 MM awards signifies "Life Member"
These members don't get a raise but they will receive an additional Merit Mark Award to those identified above
from National headquarters. Many thanks guys for all of your well directed effort.
We need all the help we can get-so please give me a call and offer a few hours of your time to further the effort
toward increased "Boatiing Safety"
Have a safe and happy New Year
Bob Reeves, Cdr.
Boating Updated
Recreational boating remains a popular pastime in the United States. According to U. S. Coast Guard statistics,
12, 781,476 boats were registered in America in 2004. It is estimated that more than 70 million people participate
in recreational boating in this country every year.
Unfortunately, boating does have its risks. Last year 676 boaters died in boat accidents on America's waters. The
coat Guard estimates that 70% of these deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received any boating
safety instruction.
It's increasingly important for boaters to learn boating skills and seamanship in order to maintain safety on the
waterways. In addition to reducing the risks, loss of life, personal injury and property damage-education increases
boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.
Boater licensing and education is becoming mote prevalent across the country. The 1988 Boating Safety Manual, produced
by the U.S.Coast Guard shows the just 20 years ago no states mandated operator licensing or boating safety education.
By 1996, four states-Maryland, Vermont, Conneticut, and Alabama-required some type of licensing and 18 states mandated
education. Today 44 states and territories have implemented some type of mandatory boating safety education.
Boating have numerous opportunities to learn about boating safety. With traditional teaching techniques, distance
learning and outreach efforts boater education is readily available.
A recent Coast Guard study shows that people are taking advantage of these educational offerings. In 2004 alone,
432,179 boaters earned their safe boating certification by completing course approved by the National Association
of State Boating Law Administrators. (NASBLA).-----------
Partial article from "SCA" SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY, 9-05-05
Education Report
With the holidays over its now time to think about our boating education. I'm advising all members
to be alert to the changing methods of Navigation .We are now changing over to electronics (GPS) as our prime means
of getting from point A to point B. Not to say that the "old" method of plotting a course is gone but
to say that the prime means of navigation is the GPS and the chart. It is very important to know how GPS works,
how to use the instrument, and how to plot its data on a chart. Members who have taken the Piloting and Advanced
Piloting courses may want to review the new courses and the new techniques employed today for safety reasons. Think
about it ---- try to take a course starting with Piloting where you will get the basics of electronic navigation
and learn how to use the data properly. You will be given a CD to use on your desktop or laptop to go along with
the course. It is very interesting and very necessary for the recreational sailor.
JN has completed its final exam with only 1 out of 3 students participating. We are waiting for final marks.
Module 1 of Marine Electronics has been completed. The exam is to be given and then Module 2 started.
We are trying to get in a Kayak course in April. Those interested please call.
Check our calendar for the latest dates and hope to see you in class.
Bob Reeves, SEO (Squadron Education Officer)
Start Date
7 Sept Wednesday Boat Smart at Foran High School 7:00PM-Registration $20, Text Book and material $30.
5,6,7,8,Oct Basic Kayaking at Egan Center Rm 136 and
Milford Academy Pool.Hands on and classroom education-$50-7:00 PM
2006
14,21 Jan Saturday Boat Smart at Milford Library. 10:30 to 2:30PM
2 Sat's, 4 hrs. each class--$50
13 Feb Wednesday Boat Smart at Foran High School-7:00PM
18,25 Mar Saturday Boat Smart at Milford Library. 10:30 to 2:30PM
2 Sat's, 4 hrs. each class--$50
15,22 April Saturday Boat Smart at Milford Library. 10:30 to 2:30PM
2 Sat's, 4 hrs. each class--$50
13,20 May Saturday Boat Smart at Milford Yacht Club 10:30 to 2:30PM -Tentative
Member Advanced Courses
12 Sept Monday JN-Basic Celestial Navigation-7:00PM at the Egan Egan Center (In Progress)
3 Oct Monday Seamanship-2 Modules-7:00PM Egan Center
8 Nov Tuesday Marine Electronics- 2 Modules-7:00PM Egan
Center (Module 3 in the Spring)
If you care to sign up for any of these courses please call Bob Reeves, 876-8261 or E-Mail to Bobr876@aol.com
