VEschedule

USCG Auxiliary Division 3

Vessel Examiner Information

Fellow VEs of Division 3: My name is Bud Kuran and while I've been an active VE for many years, this is my first time as SO-VE for the division. I've taken over for Alan Gould who has been very ably your SO-VE for the past few years. With the reduction in the number of Flotillas from 5 to 3 I've felt that we need to try some changes in how the program will be carried out. The goal is to try and integrate the activities of the Division and to look at us as the DIV 3 VE team. While in the past every VE has basically functioned as an independent entity, we will need to work at manning Cashman on more of a team concept. You are still free to function independently as before, but would like to see some commitment to meeting a scheduled manning for Cashman. We will try to be as flexible as possible, but solicit your cooperation in maintaining the schedule for Cashman.

Following are the Goals for the DIV 3 VE Program for 2009

(1) Exceed the Number of Safety Checks completed in 2008. (For 2008 Div 3 completed 272 Vessel Safety Checks)

(2) Provide Inspection coverage for Cashman Park Newburyport Boat Ramp on Saturdays, throughout the boating season.

(3) Conduct a safety check program in the local Marinas and Boat Clubs.

(4) Conduct periodic vessel safety checks at the public Newburyport town docks in support of boat safety events to be scheduled.

(5) Look at implementing a paddle boat Safety Check program for the Division.

(6) Implement efforts to bring additional Division members into the action as VEs.

Cashman Park Boat Inspections I've been in contact with the Newburyport Harbormaster for a date when the docks at the boat ramp will be installed. He indicated there is a problem in that all the docks are to be replaced / refurbished this year which was suppose to be accomplished by the Jan of 2009. His best guess is that they probably wouldn't get in until the end of May. With this in mind, I've scheduled our first session at Cashman for May 16. This date may change, and I'll keep you informed.

In past years when Division 3 had five active Flotillas, coverage at Cashman Park consisted of assigning each of the Flotillas a scheduled week for Saturday inspections at the boat ramp. This year with our Division down to 3 active Flotillas we will be trying something different. A schedule has been worked out in which the active VEs from 2008 have been assigned coverage at Cashman. An attempt has been made to assign members from specific flotillas for the same Saturday. For each Saturday an event chief has been assigned for coordination of the day's activities. If a member assigned for a particular Saturday will not be able to make it, they should contact the event chief. Generally four VEs have been assigned to a Cashman event and one cancellation should not be a problem. For those VEs wishing to come out of REYN they may come down to Cashman and complete their required checks under a certified VE and have their FC send a letter in indicating that they have completed the required checks.

While we are scheduling Cashman Park events, this does not preclude you from doing you own thing and inspecting vessels at your leisure and convenience. Many VEs carry the forms, decals and are ready to conduct a Safety Check when requested; you never know when you might be asked "could you inspect my boat now".

Local Marina Inspections For the past years we've been getting calls from boat owners at the various marinas for vessel inspections. This seems to trigger other boat owners to wanting their vessels inspected. This year we will explore scheduling VE sessions at each of the marinas for a specific Sunday. I've scheduled VEs for the first few sessions but most sessions have been left open and as session are set up we will be looking for volunteers for each session. In the schedule a Marina Facilitator has been assigned for each of the marinas. It will be their job to contact the marina owners to coordinate the visit, get signup sheets and publicity in place at the marinas prior to the event. The first few events will be trials to set up the best procedure for the events.

Division 3 VE Summary for 2009 I've worked with Joe Antanavich to put together a summary of the VEs in Division 3 with their contact information and statistics of their activity in 2008. Those currently considered in REYN must complete inspections under a certified VE to reactivate their Cert. If you will be coming down, contact the event chief to let him know you will be coming.

Paddle Boat Safety Checks Contact me for information on what is needed to conduct a paddle boat safety check. I will keep you informed on any Division / Flotilla paddle events that we will need to provide a VE presence for.

VE Training Material The District VE department has put together a detailed package with various training material, which I can email to you upon request.

Spring is here, with Boats soon to go into the water. The best time to do VEs is early in the season when boats our first getting into the water after the winter lay-up.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me.

Felix H. (Bud) Kuran Jr., SO-VE 3



		USCG Auxiliary Division 3 Vessel Examiner Information

	Fellow VEs of Division 3: My name is Bud Kuran and while I've been an active VE for many years, this is my first time as SO-VE for the division. I've taken over for Alan Gould who has been very ably your SO-VE for the past few years. With the reduction in the number of Flotillas from 5 to 3 I've felt that we need to try some changes in how the program will be carried out. The goal is to try and integrate the activities of the Division and to look at us as the DIV 3 VE team. While in the past every VE has basically functioned as an independent entity, we will need to work at manning Cashman on more of a team concept. You are still free to function independently as before, but would like to see some commitment to meeting a scheduled manning for Cashman. We will try to be as flexible as possible, but solicit your cooperation in maintaining the schedule for Cashman. Following are the Goals for the DIV 3 VE Program for 2009 (1) Exceed the Number of Safety Checks completed in 2008. (For 2008 Div 3 completed 272 Vessel Safety Checks) (2) Provide Inspection coverage for Cashman Park Newburyport Boat Ramp on Saturdays, throughout the boating season. (3) Conduct a safety check program in the local Marinas and Boat Clubs. (4) Conduct periodic vessel safety checks at the public Newburyport town docks in support of boat safety events to be scheduled. (5) Look at implementing a paddle boat Safety Check program for the Division. (6) Implement efforts to bring additional Division members into the action as VEs. Cashman Park Boat Inspections I've been in contact with the Newburyport Harbormaster for a date when the docks at the boat ramp will be installed. He indicated there is a problem in that all the docks are to be replaced / refurbished this year which was suppose to be accomplished by the Jan of 2009. His best guess is that they probably wouldn't get in until the end of May. With this in mind, I've scheduled our first session at Cashman for May 16. This date may change, and I'll keep you informed. In past years when Division 3 had five active Flotillas, coverage at Cashman Park consisted of assigning each of the Flotillas a scheduled week for Saturday inspections at the boat ramp. This year with our Division down to 3 active Flotillas we will be trying something different. A schedule has been worked out in which the active VEs from 2008 have been assigned coverage at Cashman. An attempt has been made to assign members from specific flotillas for the same Saturday. For each Saturday an event chief has been assigned for coordination of the day's activities. If a member assigned for a particular Saturday will not be able to make it, they should contact the event chief. Generally four VEs have been assigned to a Cashman event and one cancellation should not be a problem. For those VEs wishing to come out of REYN they may come down to Cashman and complete their required checks under a certified VE and have their FC send a letter in indicating that they have completed the required checks. While we are scheduling Cashman Park events, this does not preclude you from doing you own thing and inspecting vessels at your leisure and convenience. Many VEs carry the forms, decals and are ready to conduct a Safety Check when requested; you never know when you might be asked "could you inspect my boat now". Local Marina Inspections For the past years we've been getting calls from boat owners at the various marinas for vessel inspections. This seems to trigger other boat owners to wanting their vessels inspected. This year we will explore scheduling VE sessions at each of the marinas for a specific Sunday. I've scheduled VEs for the first few sessions but most sessions have been left open and as session are set up we will be looking for volunteers for each session. In the schedule a Marina Facilitator has been assigned for each of the marinas. It will be their job to contact the marina owners to coordinate the visit, get signup sheets and publicity in place at the marinas prior to the event. The first few events will be trials to set up the best procedure for the events. Division 3 VE Summary for 2009 I've worked with Joe Antanavich to put together a summary of the VEs in Division 3 with their contact information and statistics of their activity in 2008. Those currently considered in REYN must complete inspections under a certified VE to reactivate their Cert. If you will be coming down, contact the event chief to let him know you will be coming. Paddle Boat Safety Checks Contact me for information on what is needed to conduct a paddle boat safety check. I will keep you informed on any Division / Flotilla paddle events that we will need to provide a VE presence for. VE Training Material The District VE department has put together a detailed package with various training material, which I can email to you upon request. Spring is here, with Boats soon to go into the water. The best time to do VEs is early in the season when boats our first getting into the water after the winter lay-up. If there are any questions please feel free to contact me. Felix H. (Bud) Kuran Jr., SO-VE 3