Paddle Craft Operator (PCO) - PowerPoint Presentation

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Paddle Craft Operator (PCO)

Don GoffD5S PCO CoordinatorMarch 2014Slide2

Overview

What is a PCO?MissionsPaddle Craft OPFACsQualification ProcessTraining

Testing

Fitness

Currency Maintenance

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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What is a PCO?

The PCO's mission is to promote Recreational Boating Safety through education, both by example and through the distribution of boating literature to all members of the boating public.While on patrol, all Auxiliary PCOs will conduct themselves and operate their PCs in a professional and courteous manner. They will comply with all state/local regulations. They shall be sensitive to operating in environmentally sensitive areas and act accordingly.

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Missions

Examples of where PCOs can accomplish the RBS mission include the following interaction with the paddling public at paddling events and venues, such as:•

Community paddling events

• Canoe races

•Canoe / Kayak liveries

•Kayak races•Stand up paddleboard events

•Sculling events•Triathlons

•“Meet-Up” Groups

•Local Schools and Colleges

•Local paddling clubs/organizations

•Boat, Outdoor & Sportsman Shows

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Operational Limits

Paddle Craft will operate in tandem with:another PCa PWC

Motorized OPFAC

Maximum

Six Hour Patrol, One Hour BreakNo Night Ops

Patrol Orders Through AOMLimits of hand held

radios (5 watts power on high) may mean deploying a TCO-certified member with a mobile VHF radio facility.

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Paddle Craft OPFAC Gear

Printed pre-underway checklistPen or pencil

Notebook/logbook

Sponge and manual pump for dewatering

Other gear needed for safe operation and self-rescue of the particular type of paddle

craft: paddle float, paddle leash, spray skirtDrinking waterVisual Distress Signals (

VDS)Label or Nameplate affixed to interior of vessel, identifying Owner and "if found" phone numbersCGAUX patrol ensign and National Ensign (if practical)

CGAUX patrol sign* (if practical)

RBS literature in waterproof container (if practical)

One

waterproof VHF marine radio or portable VHF radio in clear plastic waterproof bag.

Watch , (waterproof)

Cell Phone in waterproof container as backup

Flashlight or Headlamp

Flotation foam or bags sufficient to permit self-rescue

GPSCompass, hand-held or mounted

Rescue throw bag (smaller size for paddle craft, 30' max recommended)

Spare paddle/oar

First Aid Kit

Emergency survival blankets (2) "space blankets"

Chart of Local Area

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Required Gear

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PPE

PFD Strobe light WhistleSignal MirrorKnife (3" blade minimum)

Appropriate protective clothing for the environmental conditions must be worn.

Dry bag with dry uniform clothes is required to be carried, unless

a dry suit is

wornPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB) AUX ball cap or approved "Sun" hat (Tilley hat, or ODU “Boonie” hat).

Sunglasses with lanyard Drinking waterIn the rare

instance when a PC Facility Patrol is authorized when water temperatures are below 60 degrees F, PCOs are required to wear dry suit and appropriate undergarments

Footwear appropriate to conditions as approved by the OIA

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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QUALIFICATION TASKS In-Port

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Qualification Tasks-Underway

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Paddle Float Self Rescue

Assisted Rescue

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Training and Signoffs

Current Coxswain and Crew are “grandfathered” for in-port tasks.For Break-ins, if signed off for Crew or Coxswain, overlaps count. (less than 2 years old)Any authorized mentor can sign In-port tasks

PCO mentor required for Underway tasks

QE is a special PC-QE, not necessarily the same as for power boats

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Testing

QE:DocksideUnderway

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Personal Fitness Plan Requirements

Due to the physically demanding nature of this program, all PCOs are encouraged to be physically fit and to strive to meet the goals established by the Coast Guard for sex/age group outlined in the Coast Guard Personal Fitness Plan Data Sheet, CG-6049.

There are no specific requirements for age, weight, strength, or endurance other than demonstrating proficiency in the standard qualification tasks. In place of detailed physical requirements, trainees must meet the following standards in completing each qualification task:

The trainee must successfully perform each task personally, without assistance.

Each task must be performed with little hesitation.

Each task must be performed with confidence.

Each task must be performed safely.

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Currency Maintenance

Annual: Regular TCT requirements, (1 hr, 4 hr)

Eight Hours Under Way

Swim Test

Pre-Underway Check

Third Year, (QE):Demonstrate a Self-RescueRescue

Evolution of another Paddle CraftDemonstrate the rescue throw bag Operate

a handheld VHF-FM

Radio

Obtain

Distress Info and Pass to Controlling

Authority

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Build the

Team—Train and Evaluate

Operate Safely and Successfully

Promote

The Program

Throughout

the

Sector

Recruit New

Paddler Members

for the Auxiliary

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PQS

Available at:http://www.uscga5sr.com/paddle_sports/D5SR_paddle_craft.pdf

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

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Questions?

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