USCGAUX WHAT'S NEW
This page will contain postings for the last 30 days. For previous "WHAT'S NEW" topics, please check the WHAT'S NEW Archives. For articles older than 1 August 2008, please use the OLD WHAT'S NEW Archives. To find all material in a particular topic area (new and old), either access the relevant page from the menu on the left or use the Advanced Search feature.
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- 2009 Auxiliarist of the Year
The Deputy Commandant of the Coast Guard, Operations, announced the 2009 Auxiliarist of the Year. Read the accomplishments of this Auxiliarist, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: Jul 27, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP] - DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH DSC RADIOS
April 13, 2010 Alert 02-10
Washington, DC
DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH AUTOMATIC CHANNEL SWITCHING ON DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) EQUIPPED VHF MARINE RADIOS
It has come to the Coast Guard's attention that an automatic channel switching feature found on certain models of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipped VHF marine radios may create an unintended hazard by automatically switching from a working channel that might be in use at the time to Channel 16 when the VHF marine radio receives a DSC distress alert, distress alert acknowledgment or other DSC call where a VHF channel number has been designated. This could happen without a vessel/radio operator's immediate knowledge and could initiate an unsafe condition by which the vessel/radio operators would believe they were communicating on a working channel such as Channel 13 when, in fact, they were actually on Channel 16. Imagine a towboat operator on the lower Mississippi River making passing agreements on VHF channel 67 and then suddenly, without warning, not being able to quickly reestablish communications with those vessels because his/her radio automatically switched to Channel 16 instead.
Since this unsafe condition can happen at any time, the Coast Guard strongly recommends disabling the automatic channel switching feature when maintaining a listening watch or communicating on the designated bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone, or while monitoring the vessel traffic services (VTS) channel. Radios that lack the disabling feature should not be used for bridgeto-bridge or VTS communications.
The International Telecommunications Union Sector for Radiocommunications, Recommendation M.493-11 published in 2004 and later versions require DSC-equipped radios to provide for disabling of this channel auto-switch feature. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all DSC-equipped radios certified after March 25, 2009 to meet this requirement. Manufacturers that do not provide a disable function are encouraged to do so and to inform their customers if means for correction exist. Updated information including a listing of manufacturers of radios believed to be affected by this Safety Alert will be posted as available at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/.
The Coast Guard strongly reminds radio operators and other users to always ensure they are on the proper operating channel when communicating or maintaining watch, particularly with DSCequipped radios capable of channel auto-switching.
This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement. Developed by the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Policy Division (CG-652), United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC. Questions should be directed to Mr. Russell Levin at (202) 475 3555 or Russell.S.Levin@uscg.mil.
[Posted: Jul 26, 2010. Source: P. Urgola, Director V-Dept] - JUNE 2010 ISSUE OF BEACON AVAILABLE
For your reading pleasure,the June 2010 BEACON is now available for viewing. Just click on June 2010 BEACON to enjoy this issue.
[Posted: Jul 23, 2010. Source: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA] - AVOID LATE REGISTRATION FEE
Last minute reminder, the NACON 2010 registration fee is due no later than Thursday July 22, 2010. A LATE registration fee applies beginning Friday July 23, 2010. Register now and avoid the late fee. Just click on NACON 2010. Register now so you can join us in Scottsdale!
[Posted: Jul 21, 2010. Source: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA] - "Coastie" still a crowd pleaser
"Coastie" the robot safety boat still draws attention at events from young and old. The safety message "Coastie" offers is delicately woven into the fun the robot exudes. As with other Auxiliary units across the country, District 5-Northern Region Auxiliarists are using the robot whenever possible and are making sure the "Coastie" handlers are well trained and proficient in their task. Read about their latest efforts, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: Jul 19, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP] - NACON REGISTRATION DEADLINE
As a reminder, the NACON 2010 registration fee is due no later than July 22, 2010. The late registration fee will apply beginning Friday July 23, 2010. Register now and avoid the late fee by clicking on NACON 2010. See you in Scottsdale!
[Posted: Jul 16, 2010. Source: Martin L. Phillips, Executive Director CGAuxA] - Auxiliarists assist rescue in Boston Harbor
What started out as a routine photo-op public affairs mission turned into a large scale rescue mission. A popular whale watch tourist excursion boat grounded and started to sink with 160 persons aboard. The Auxiliarists were close enough to be pressed into service. Read the entire story, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: Jul 11, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP] - Cooking on the Coast Guard Cutter
The question was posed, “Sector St. Petersburg needs a volunteer to fill in with food service on their cutters while underway. Are you interested?" This Auxiliarist, very qualified and experienced stepped up to the plate and the rest is history. Read about this Auxiliarist's adventure aboard the CG Cutter "Vise" now on SITREP, the Auxiliary's National e-magazine.
[Posted: Jul 3, 2010. Source: Mel Borofsky, Editor SITREP]
[Posted: Jun 28, 2010. Source: ]