United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Providence Flotilla 0708

Commander's Greeting

Office of the Flotilla Commander
Flotilla 78 1NR
Providence Flotilla
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is a civilian volunteer service whose purpose is to assist the United States Coast Guard. As Auxiliary members, we assist the Coast Guard in all its missions except direct law enforcement and military operations. The three primary missions of the Auxiliary are Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education, and Surface/Air Operations.

Prior to a Vessel Safety Check, a recreational boat owner will contact and invite an Auxiliary vessel examiner onto his/her boat. During the Vessel Safety Check, the recreational boat owner will receive personalized one-on-one education while the Auxiliary member checks the condition and availability of suggested and required safety equipment. A Vessel Safety Check in NOT a law enforcement activity, but a public outreach and education activity. If a boat is found to be missing key safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers) the Auxiliary member will advise the boat owner of the need. Once corrected, the boat owner may request another Vessel Safety Check. If a recreational boat is found to have all the key safety equipment, the boat owner will be able to display the Vessel Safety Check decal on their boat. The best part of a Vessel Safety Check is that it is FREE.

Flotilla 78 offers a Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course twice a year. The first class is typically held in March/April and the second class is held in November/December. In addition to the BS&S course test, the students will be given the opportunity to take the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's State test in order to receive the State's "Certificate of Boating Safety Education" card. Flotilla 78 has about ten qualified instructors. We are able to have different instructors teach different class/chapters each night. This helps keep the material, and class, more interesting. The number of instructors and assistant instructors also provides the students with plenty of one-on-one instruction.

As Auxiliary members,
we have the opportunity to train and become "qualified" to participate in operational missions such on radio communications, air operations, and surface operations. We are typically trained by, and with, fellow Auxiliary members in a stress free professional environment.

As
Auxiliary members, we have the opportunity to help save lives, increase our boating skills, support the Coast Guard, and enjoy fun and fellowship.

- If you are interested in learning more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please contact Arnie Geller.

- If you are interested in a Safe Boating class, please contact Jan Koleszar.

- If you would like a free Vessel Safety Check, please contact Vicki Morin.

- If you have any general questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

Donna Gunning
Flotilla Commander, 1NR 07-08

 

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