NAV EX 2nd QTR 2018 NavEx 2nd Qtr 2018 - FINAL | Page 34

BOAT CREW
Continued from page 33
Spring is the best time of year to prepare your vessel, your equipment and your life jackets for the start of
Auxiliary patrol season. It is also a perfect time to prepare members with boat crew training.
In the beginning of the year District Fifth Northern Division Eight members interested in pursuing boat
crew qualifications attended a six-weekend crew school organized and coordinated by John Tredinnick
and Ralph Atwell (FL82). Joseph Giannattasio QE and a cadre of instructors included Glena Tredinnick,
Tony Kupstas, James Carey, and Jim McCarty AUX-TCT provided the trainees a well-rounded curriculum of
training to prepare them for task completions and qualifications. A bonus for the boat crew candidates was
receiving instruction and demonstrations from the active duty from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape May.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew School provides trainees with theoretical and practical knowledge
in safety, first aid, seamanship, navigation, boat operations, vessel construction, basic principles of marine
engines and minor repairs, vessel handling, distress situations, and other topics related to Auxiliary vessel
operations. Working with experienced trainers and active duty personnel, boat crew schools organized
within flotilla or division units provides members wishing to obtain their boat crew qualification a wonderful
venue to learn and work as a team.
Once qualified, members can patrol area waters assisting the Coast Guard in recreational boater safety.
CLOCKWISE from BOTTOM LEFT: Mentor Tony Kupstas (left) demonstrates marlinspike tips to trainee Marty Sannino; Boat Crew
trainees are given a behind-the-scenes opportunity from Radio Watch-standers at USCG Station Cape May; Division 08 (5NR) Boat
Crew Trainees are presented their Certificates of Completion at USCG Station Cape May.
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NAVIGATO