Craft Expansion and the Vessel Safety Check 2016 Annual VE Workshop National RBS Program Mission Statement To minimize loss of life personal injury property damage and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats through preventative means in order to max ID: 464837
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Slide1
Paddle
Craft
Expansion and theVessel Safety Check
2016 Annual
VE WorkshopSlide2
National RBS Program
Mission Statement
To minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventative means, in order to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public.Slide3
Why are we here?
As qualified Vessel Examiners of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, we are respected for our knowledge in the area of Recreational Boating Safety.
We are supposed to be well trained as qualified Vessel ExaminersWe are supposed to educate the people we encounter during Vessel Safety ChecksWe have succeeded in our job for years with sail boaters, power boaters, and even Personal Watercraft operatorsWe ARE the EXPERTS!But when it comes to the paddling community we are FAILINGSlide4
Why are we failing?
Paddlers don’t trust power boaters & they connect us with power boating
Paddlers do not consider themselves “boaters”Our Vessel Examiners don’t know much about the Paddle Craft communityWe are not familiar with all the specialized gear that goes with the sportWe don’t “speak” their languageWe are looked at as enforcersI’m sure there are other reasons – can you name some?A BIG reason is that…“We haven’t taken the time to educate ourselves about their sport!”Slide5
What is a Paddle Craft ?
United States Coast Guard Definition:
From 33 CFR 173 definitions:“Paddle craft means a vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single or double bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches, or similar arrangements”.Slide6
Types of Paddle Craft
KAYAKS:
Sea, Touring, Recreational, Sit on Top, Inflatable, Folding, Modular, Fishing, Whitewater, etc…CANOES:Recreational, Whitewater, Racing, River Tripping, Wilderness Tripping, Specialty Use, etc…
PADDLEBOARDS:
Stand-up, Wave Boards for SUP Surfing, Cruise/Explore, Inflatables,
Racebards
, Whitewater, Yoga & Fitness Boards, etc..
PEDAL BOATS & ROW
BOATSSlide7
Some Examples of Paddle CraftSlide8
Why are we so concerned with Paddle Craft safety?
It’s the fastest growing “on the water” platform today
Ease of obtaining oneNo formal training neededCheaper than a boat or PWCPaddle Craft fatalities are on the riseNo training – Paddler’s skill & experienceLimited understanding of NAVRULESNot wearing a life jacketVarious other reasons…Can you name some?Slide9
22%
of all boating fatalities and increasing !
610135Slide10
Paddle Craft Statistics
2009 - 2013
88% OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING
75-78% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET
2014
89
%
OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO
DROWNING
81
%
OF DROWNINGS
- NOT
WEARING A LIFE JACKETSlide11
Commonalities – What Do We Know
Most
Paddle Craft fatalities occur:Timeframe:On a Saturday afternoon in JulyLocation:On a lake , pond, reservoir, or damWeather:Clear skies, winds 0-6 mphWater:Calm, waves less than 6 inchesThe majority of paddlers never took any kind of boating safety class !!!Slide12
WHO ARE THESE NEW BOATERS ?
AND WHY THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN PADDLECRAFT
ACTIVITY ?Slide13
BOATER PADDLER
SPORTSMAN
?
MANY “PADDLERS” DON’T CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE “BOATERS”
“Paddling my kayak is an inexpensive way for me to be on the water, enjoy nature and get some exercise all at the same time. I don’t own a boat– I don’t even want to own one
.
I just want to paddle around and enjoy myself.”Slide14
Who is operating these Paddle Craft?
CANOES
MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP : 6-17 YEARS OLD 50
% ARE ON THE WATER LESS THAN 4 TIMES A YEAR
KAYAKS
MOST
POPULAR AGE GROUP: 25- 44 YEARS OLD
63% ARE ON THE WATER 3 OR LESS TIMES A YEAR
BY FAR- THE MOST POPULAR OF ALL PADDLESPORTSSlide15
Purchasing a Paddle Craft
Majority of Paddle Craft are purchased from:
Local sporting good stores“Big Box” StoresNot specialty Paddle Craft Retailers where prices might be higher…but staff is more knowledgeable
Why is this not good?
Many sales representatives are not Paddlers
Lack paddle craft knowledge
They don’t know what safety equipment to recommend
Slide16
Ease of Purchase
YOU CAN PURCHASE A KAYAK ALMOST ANYWHERE…
HERE– THEY’RE LOCATED BETWEEN FERTILIZER AND WET CAT FOODSlide17
What can we do to make a difference?
Before we answer this, we need to know our limits…
As Vessel Examiners we don’t:Teach people to operate their vesselsOffer advice on making repairs to vesselsTell boaters how to raise their sails and sailCan you think of any other examples?We can… use our time during a Vessel Safety Check to educate paddlers on safety, paddling educations courses available, and other recommended items that they might not be aware of.Slide18
The Vessel Examiners role in Paddle Craft Safety
As VE’s, we need to think…
WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BRING TO THE PADDLING COMMUNITY?Safe Boating KnowledgeAn understanding of Boating Safety LawsNautical Rules of the RoadThat is not enoughSlide19
Gaining trust in a “new” community
First, we have to admit that we aren’t all Paddle Craft Experts.
Don’t come off as such – you will be finished before you startShow a genuine interest in learning about paddling/paddlersMake your initial introductions to paddlers/clubs informal, but professionalTake the initiative to EDUCATE yourself about paddling and all the safety gear related to the sportHave the knowledge to discuss these things and know what your talking about – fakers will be identified immediatelyOffer suggestions and make conversation about the “Recommended Items “ listed on the 7012A FormSlide20
Let’s take a few minutes to review
HOW CAN WE GAIN THE PADDLERS/PADDLING COMMUNITIES TRUST?
IS OUR PADDLING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AT THE LEVEL IT SHOULD BE?HOW DO WE, AS AN AUXILIARY, MAKE AN IMPACT WITHIN THE PADDLECRAFT
COMMUNITY?
OUR ATTITUDE SAYS IT ALL !Slide21
Dealing with 3 Distinct Paddling Groups
THE INDIVIDUAL PADDLER
PADDLING CLUBSLIVERIES & RENTAL LOCATIONSSlide22
Dealing with – The Individual Paddler
THIS IS NOT YOUR “EVERYDAY” VESSEL SAFETY
CHECK:A Paddle Craft VSC is not just a Life Jacket and a whistleUse the time to discuss additional itemsSafety equipment for different type of paddlingRules of the RoadPossibly taking a paddling course for familiarization
USE THEIR
LANGUAGE:
It’s a Paddle Craft, not a boat
It’s a voluntary examination, not an inspection
FOCUS ON 3 TOPICS:
Water Safety & equipment
Examination of the Paddle Craft
Rules of the RoadSlide23
Dealing with – The Individual Paddler
Make use of the 7012a Form during a Paddle Craft VSC:
It was designed to provide the VE “talking points”Follow and discuss the listed “Recommended” itemsRemember with proactive self study you will know what these items are before you conduct the VSCLife JacketsSound producing deviceOverall vessel condition
Hatch covers
Bulkheads /air bags / floatation
Serviceable paddle
VDS (as required)
Navigation lights (as required)
State and local requirementsSlide24
Dealing with – The Individual Paddler
Additional “talking points”:
LIFE JACKETS - The most important piece of safety equipmentComfort is importantLife jackets work only when wornLook for quality and quick drying materialType III lifejackets are often recommended
Wear bright clothing:
Paddle
craft
are often difficult to see
Large vessels often are not looking for paddle craft and in rough water a white paddle craft is nearly
invisible
When operating in large bodies of water, rough water, high traffic areas, opt for high visibility paddle craft, clothing and accessories
Speaking of clothing – make certain to take into account the weather and water temperatureSlide25
Dealing with – The Individual Paddler
Additional “talking points”:
CARRY AN I.D. ON YOUR PERSONThe reasons are obviousPLACE AN “IF FOUND” DECAL ON YOUR BOAT:
Unoccupied vessels can cause needless SAR casesLEAVE A “FLOAT PLAN” WITH A FRIEND OR RELATIVE
A simple note of where you’re going, when you’ll return, who you are traveling with and a description of your boat will help determine if you require
assistance
SPRAY SKIRTS
(sometimes called spray decks)
Designed to keep water from flooding into the cockpit in rough water
Don't waste your money if doesn’t make a watertight sealSlide26
Dealing with – The Individual Paddler
Additional “talking points”:
PADDLES (It’s only an oar if used in a row boat)Different styles. Can be made of many different materials Personal choiceHELMETS
Suggested use in whitewater, surf, tide races, breaking waves etc.
Different helmets should be tried
Comfort and full head protection are equally important decision factors
THE LIST OF EQUIPMENT COULD GO ON AND ON……..
Our responsibility is to help the boater to THINK about what they need to carry, depending on their type of
boatingSlide27
SUGGESTED OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
PADDLE FLOAT
LED FLASHLIGHT
STROBE LIGHT
RESCUE THROW ROPE
DECK COMPASS
DECK DRY BAG
SEA ANCHOR
SPRAY SKIRT
DEWATERING PUMP
WATERPROOF GEAR BAGS
PADDLE LEASH
SCUPPER PLUGS
PERSONAL LOCATOR
MARINE BAND RADIO
INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETSSlide28
Emphasizing Paddler Safety
Remember your initial interaction with this paddler may be their first and only exposure to paddle craft safety:
Explain the importance of taking a formal paddling courseStress the importance of having an “If Found” decal Explain why they should have a Vessel Safety Check conducted on their paddle craftDiscuss how they are expected to follow the same rules of the road as other vesselsMake sure that you are familiar with and can identify and explain how to use additional recommended safety equipmentRemember, as a Vessel Examiner, YOU are expected to be knowledgeable in all aspects of paddling. This means that you may have to take the time and initiative to self educate yourself prior to going out and conducting paddle craft VSC’s.Slide29
Expanding our reach
PADDLE CRAFT CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Good place to reach paddlers of all experience typesDevelop relationships with organizers – Start with a friendly talk, not a presentationLet them know that you are here to help educate paddlers and are not a law enforcement entityAsk to be invited to their events to conduct Vessel Safety Check’sCan be located in the yellow pages or on the internetThink outside the box…Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local and state recreation programsThese all have and use paddle craftApproach these locations with these things in mind:Don’t come off as an expert in paddle craft if you are not
Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impressionYou are a representative of the Coast GuardSlide30
Expanding our reach
LIVERIES & RENTAL FACILITIES:
Great places to reach a large number of new inexperienced paddlersBuild friendship with owner/management & make a new RBS PartnerLarge groups of paddles in a local areaProvide up to date paddling materialsCan be located in the local yellow pages or on the internetApproach these locations with these things in mind:Understand your dealing with a money making businessTheir willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impressionYou are a representative of the Coast Guard
You are there to help them develop good safety practicesEnsure that they have the knowledge and resources to relate the boating safety message to their customersSlide31
Examining Paddle Craft Rental Equipment
KEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH:
Someone’s life may depend on itEXAMINE EACH PADDLE CRAFT CAREFULLY:Know how to identify problems/issuesReport problems to management, and explain the issueDON’T FORGET TO EXAMINE THE RENTAL LIFE JACKETS:QualityQuantityAvailable sizes – Do they have infant, children, and youth sizes too?Slide32
The Paperwork
Complete a 7012-A for every examination
Be sure to sign and date each form
Summarize
your examinations on a ANSC 7038
REMEMBER:
The job’s not done until the paperwork is submittedSlide33
Reflection…
As Vessel Examiners…What is our primary goal?
To Educate the Boating Public and to Save Lives!To accomplish this goal we need to realize that the paddling and boating communities are ever changing entities. Technology and advances in recreational water activities dictate, that with new inventions, come new rules and regulations. In order for us to continue to provide the best Recreational Boating Safety information we can, we as Vessel Examiners need to continue to educate ourselves.Slide34
Questions?Slide35
Presented by:
National Directorate of Vessel Examination and Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Programs
DirectorDeputy DirectorDivision Chief – VEDivision Chief – VPDivision Chief – VC
Division Chief – VIDivision Chief – VT
Division Chief – VS
Michael S. Klacik
Andrew J. Render
Randolph M. Wesson
Joseph C.
Reichal
Jr.
William J. Howard
Norman L. Fehr Jr.
John
Yskamp
James A. Cortes