topside
Volume 116, Issue 1
Page 10
Division 8
DIVISION 8 CONDUCTS SCHOOL FOR BOAT CREW TRAINEES
Article and Photographs by Joseph Giannattasio, QE
The Spring is the best time of year to prepare your vessel, your equipment, and your PPE for the start of Auxiliary Patrol season. It is also
a perfect time to prepare members with Boat Crew training.
In the beginning of the year Division 8 members interesting in pursuing Boat Crew qualifications attending a six-weekend Crew School
organized and coordinated by John Tredinnick and Ralph Atwell (FL82). Joseph Giannattasio QE and a cadre of instructors included
Glena Tredinnick, Tony Kupstas, James Carey, and Jim McCarty AUX-TCT provided the trainees a well-rounded curriculum of training
to prepare them for task completions and qualifications. A bonus for the Boat Crew candidates was receiving instruction and
demonstrations from the Active Duty from USCG STATION CAPE MAY.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Crew school provides trainees with theoretical and practical knowledge in safety, first aid, seamanship,
navigation, boat operations, vessel construction, basic principles of marine engines and minor repairs, vessel handling, distress situations,
and other topics related to Auxiliary vessel operations. Working with experienced Trainers and active duty personnel, Boat Crew Schools
organized within Flotilla or Division units provides members wishing to obtain their Boat Crew qualification a wonderful venue to learn
and work as a team.
Once qualified, Members can patrol area waters assisting the Coast Guard in recreational boater safety.
Boat Crew trainees receive practical Radio Communications guid-
ance from the “pros” at the Radio Room at USCG STATION
Water swim and test was conducted at the pool at TRACEN.
Crabby Road Beac