Fridays at NACON is a day set aside for meetings and training sessions. NACON 2003 proved to be no exception.

The morning started off bright and early 0730 with the first large gathering of the conference, the meeting of the Committee of the Whole. This meeting is held in a format similar to the general assembly except that motions are brought to the floor, briefly discussed and set aside for the final vote at tomorrow’s general assembly. Two agenda items were introduced, discussed and set also set aside for tomorrow’s vote. The details of the motions and agenda items will be covered in tomorrow’s general assembly report.
Captain Bibeau, Director of Admissions for the Coast Guard Academy, treated the assembled to a great presentation. Captain Bibeau praised the efforts of our Career Counselor Officers. She said, “the newly expanded two week Academy Introduction Program was a resounding success.”

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. (CGAuxA, Inc) board meeting followed the meeting of the Committee of the Whole. During this meeting the executive officers of the Association discuss finances, budget and other proprietary matters.

Running concurrent to these meetings were specialized meetings for the Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) and another for the Coast Guard Operational Training Officers (OTO). Issues and topics relative to their respective duties and assignments were discussed. As with yesterday’s Area meetings, these meetings also afforded outside agencies and specialized Coast Guard activities to air their programs.

Immediately following a recess for lunch an afternoon of training unfolded. It is well beyond the scope of this report to fully cover the materials offered at these training sessions. A brief overview is herewith included, full content reporting is left to the respective attendees who are requested to carry the information back to their respective areas of responsibility.

On Water Training: The revised program, how it works, as well as tools for attracting new members.

America’s Boating Course: The best we can offer in a one-day venue; selling and pricing the course; and when they will not come to your classes, ABC as the product.

New Short Courses: How to read nautical charts; navigating with GPS; and the new and improved Boating Safely Course.

Tricks of the Trade-How To Make Public Education Zing in Your Flotilla: Getting the public to come to classes…. techniques in promotion and advertising. Marine dealers, they are your ally in successful public education. Why one-day courses really do work; and value added public education.

AUXDATA and AUXINFO: An overview for our members.

E-Auxiliary: An overview of all on-line resources and services available to members as well as important tips for home computing.

USCG Marine Safety Program-Meeting the Support Needs: Analysis of the MSO-Augmentation Survey; review survey findings; analyze the various types of skills needed; identify those personal qualification standards (PQSs) to meet those needs; and making your training programs responsive to those needs.

“Developing Member’s Critical Skills”: Overview of Auxiliary PQSs in Maritime Homeland Security; getting the membership on board to qualify.

Emergency Response Planning: Reviewing and applying the basic principles and understanding why such planning is important.

Maritime Domain Awareness and Homeland Security: Our current boat crew programs and aviation training programs place little emphasis on the knowledge and skills needed to make intelligent observations that can be used to improve the safety and security of the ports. Maritime domain awareness (MDA) for Auxiliary surface and aviation assets blends recognition of the threat and anticipation of the vulnerabilities. Identify the knowledge and skill sets needed to be an effective Coast Guard force multiplier in Homeland Security. Learn about some of the initiatives being developed to improve our ability to respond to the new normalcy and surge operations.

Aviation Program Update: The aviation program is soaring as new tools are being developed for pilots, aircrew and air observers. There are new pilot and air observer tests on-line. A new Air Training Manual is being developed to assist those involved in training and qualifying members. Aviation safety was discussed, highlighted by a review of Pilot Medical Standards by Robert S. Poole, MD, the USCG Auxiliary Flight Surgeon and FAA Deputy Air Surgeon.

As you can see many topics were offered and covered. Check the various department websites for more complete content of these training workshops. Check with local members who attended NACON 2003 and see if they have info they can pass on.