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WHAT'S NEW ARCHIVE - APRIL 2008

• DHS Unveils Small Vessel Security Strategy
  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its new Small Vessel Security Strategy (SVSS) document (PDF: 1290 KB / 57 pages), designed to close security gaps and reduce risks associated with the potential exploitation of small maritime vessels. An online Fact Sheet on the SVSS is also available. Auxiliarists are encouraged to become familiar with these documents, and to promote America's Waterway Watch Program when conducting RBS activities (teaching public education courses, conducting vessel safety checks, conducting RBS program visits, and making speeches to local marinas, yacht clubs, and other groups).
  [Posted: 30 APR 2008. Source: COMO Ed Sweeney, NADCO-RBS]

• April Issue Of eBeacon Available
  The eBeacon is now posted and available for viewing. The next issue is planned for posting on or about June 15th. Set yourself a reminder as we plan to have information on NACON 2008 in Orlando, FL in that issue.
  [Posted: 22 APR 2008. Source: Martin Phillips, Executive Director, CGAuxA]

• National Safe Boating Week/North American Safe Boating Campaign
  National Boating Week (NSBW) takes place 17-23 MAY 08. "Wear It" is again this year's theme and we are hoping to educate the boating community about life jacket wear and the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight jackets. We are also continuing our close relationship with our partner organizations to create a larger grassroots network and create a more consistent campaign message. For more details and ideas, as well as resources available for ordering online to support your efforts, visit SafeBoatingCampaign.net.
  [Posted: 22 APR 2008. Source: Ed Sweeney, NADCO-RBS]

• Auxiliary Election Eligibility Criteria Revision
  As per the CHDIRAUX policy in an ALAUX-009/08 dated 11 April 2008, the previous ALAUX-003/07 released in February 2007 has been revised. The Administrative Procedures Course (APC) is now the only acceptable course to meet election eligibility criteria. The EOC and AUXMIN are only acceptable (i.e. - "grandfathered") for Auxiliarists who have held any elected office in the past.
  [Posted: 18 APR 2008. Source: Ken Kendall, DVC-T]

• Coastie On The White House Lawn
  Coastie, the Auxiliary’s motorized mascot, was one of the guests on the White House lawn this past Easter Sunday. Coastie joined the thousands of youngsters invited by President and Mrs. Bush for the traditional gathering. While the youngsters participated in the annual Easter Egg Roll, Coastie was entertaining and educating the participants in safe boating practices. Read about Coastie’s guest appearance, now on SITREP, the Auxiliary’s National e-magazine.
  [Posted: 14 APR 2008. Source: Mel Borofsky, PRCO]

• Best Of Web Awards
  Now is the time to start polishing you websites for the 2008 Best of Web (BOW) competition with a deadline of 10 June 2008. Nominations should be via your DSO-CS officer. All Flotilla, Division, and District sites are encouraged to participate, with specific details for this year's event posted in the CS Guide (PDF: 1900 KB / 132 pages). The CS Guide has a wealth of additional information you will find helpful in creating a winning site. First place winners will receive a distinctive five-star logo for their website and a beautiful trophy will be presented at NACON 2008 in Orlando FL Don't miss your chance to be the Best of the Best.
  [Posted: 11 APR 2008. Source: Brett Grooms , DC-I]

• Up Top In Operations Newsletter March 2008 Published
  The March issue includes: Continuity of Community, Maritime Domain Awareness Part III (MDA), DVC Questions, 2007 Surface Operations Review, and Patrol Ready (PDF: 120 KB / 6 pages).
  [Posted: 08 APR 2008. Source: Nevin Lantry, BC-OEW]

• April 2008 National Safe Boating Campaign News
  What development led to today's foam life jacket? Find out in the April National Safe Boating Campaign News (PDF: 94 KB / 1 page).
  [Posted: 01 APR 2008. Source: Harriet Howard, DVC-AS]

• National Search And Rescue Competition (NSAR) Update
  The new NSAR website is now online. Five districts have signed on for this exciting event with more expected in the next few weeks. The competition is expected to be intense so begin training now. Deadline for districts sending a team is 1 May 2008. Travel Dates will be Thursday October 2nd through Sunday October 5th with crew briefings beginning Thursday at 1900 hrs. Be a part of the action at the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary’s First National Search and Rescue Competition in Cape May New Jersey . District Commodores please contact Dante J. Laurino, National Chair NSAR at to confirm your district three person team.
  [Posted: 01 APR 2008. Source: Dante J. Laurino, National Chair NSAR]