USPS America’s Boating Club Ideas to achieve greater numbers of Vessel Safety Checks for your Squadron Designed and prepared by Dave Fuller, XO America’s Boating Club Atlanta. Certified as a VE in the Auxiliary and USPS since 2002 with over 400 VSCs completed.

Agenda This is a facilitator led discussion – you are the teachers! Statistics Who, What, When, Where, Why ? Sharing best practices and obtaining results Resources Next steps

USCG Challenge At the Annual Meeting CAPT Scott Johnson issued a challenge to USPS members to work with the Auxiliary to increase relationships and mission focus with a goal to advance the RBS mission. He additionally challenged leadership to develop more Vessel Examiners and increase the number of Vessel Exams. CAPT Johnson with Robert Holub who has performed over 2000 Vessel Safety Checks for each of the last 17 years in a row!

Statistics In terms of certified Vessel Examiner count, the overall trend line shows a steady decline over time Source – Coast Guard Auxiliary Annual Vessel Safety Check Report 2018

Who, What, When Who can perform Vessel Safety Checks? New Members? Long Term members? What steps are necessary to qualify members? Maintaining currency and effectiveness - competency What number should you set as a goal for minimum participation? When is the best time to perform Vessel Safety Checks?

Where, Why Where do you go to perform Vessel Safety Checks? Partnerships and relationships are critical How do you market and publicize this program? Partnerships and relationships make for long term success Why do we do this program?

Sharing Best Practices Establishing a robust program in your Squadron Motivating Volunteers Engaging new members Engaging members not yet participating in the program

Sharing Best Practices Establishing relationships with partners Scheduling events Internal and external communications Timely reporting of results

Resources Vessel Safety Check Manual COMDTINST M16796.8A USPS Safety Committee website Auxiliary VSC webpage I want a VSC website Internal and external communications Timely reporting of results

Vessel Safety Check We offer FREE Vessel Safety Checks to ensure your boat meets the MINIMUM legal standards required by law. We also discuss equipment not required by law, but a prudent mariner would have aboard and know how to use. Annual program and when you pass you display a decal. Not a get out of jail free decal, but it shows you met the requirements on the day of the examination.

Next Steps Prepare materials and discuss strategies with leadership Publicize initiatives and strategies Have a Cheerleading session with members RECOGNIZE and reward members who participate Consider Squadron awards – brainstorm! Potential on-line workshop hosted by Dave Fuller

Questions? I hope you enjoyed this discussion and sharing of ideas! Thanks for Your Time! For more information contact: