Training Workshops at the Conference

Friday and Saturday, August 22-23. 
One of the benefits of attending the National Conference is the availability of specialized workshops featuring expert instructors and facilitators.  This is a great opportunity to speak to individuals who are currently active in their areas.

Operations Security Program Workshop

Operations Security (OPSEC) is important to every Auxiliarist, especially those working in any of the Operations programs, whether surface, air or telecommunications. This session discussed the role of the Coast Guard OPSEC Program in protecting sensitive information relating to operations.

Mr. John Goebeler from the Coast Guard Office of Security Policy and Management presented a session on OPSEC and its applications. The session included a brief history of the National Operations Security Program, its mandates, origins and requirements, and an overview of its purpose within the Coast Guard.

In addition, the session included a detailed description of the five-step OPSEC process as well as a discussion of actual observations made during recent surveys conducted by the headquarters OPSEC Team throughout the Coast Guard, including Auxiliary operational activities.

The session concluded with OPSEC practitioner training that will provide guidance for assessing the risk of Open Source Information, the development of Critical Information Lists, and conducting unit/organization OPSEC self-assessments. Attendees were provided with examples of OPSEC Awareness materials for distribution in their organizations and shown how to request assistance with their OPSEC Programs.

Rescue 21 Workshop

Just what is "Rescue 21"? How will it affect Coast Guard operations? What impact will it have on our Auxiliary missions? A representative from the Coast Guard Rescue 21 development team was on hand to present an overview of the Rescue 21 program.

The background and status of Rescue 21 was explored. There was an explanation of the system details and its capabilities along with a discussion of how the Rescue 21 program will impact operations, both active-duty and Auxiliary. The session presented an opportunity to understand the impact of the move to a state-of-the-art communications network and the changes it may bring to our operations.

Interpreter Workshop

Current members of the USCG Auxiliary Interpreter Corps and those members that desire to join and qualify as Auxiliary interpreters received answers to their questions by attending the Interpreter Workshop on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Diversity Workshop

Participants discussed diversity awareness in our organizational structure. Of particular interest to unit leadership and District Diversity Advisors, the seminar examined our current standing from a diversity standpoint and offered suggestions on how to grow our non-traditional membership and retain these members. Diversity is about making people comfortable within the group, so thoughts were shared about how to recruit diverse members and what motivations they may have to stay. This interactive workshop explored the issues and relates what future initiatives are being undertaken in the diversity field of the Auxiliary.

Retention Workshop

Division Chief Dave Esparza discussed the issue of retention in the Auxiliary. Whereas our organization does a good job of recruiting new members, there are some challenges in keeping these newly acquired members. Retention is easy to do but can be overlooked in our fast paced, busy lives. This dynamic, interactive workshop explored just how easy retention can be by offering suggestions that can be immediately put into practice.

Academy and Uniforms Workshop

Members of the Academy Division presented the newest information about the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) program and what sort of assistance the Coast Guard Academy desires from the Auxiliary. The Uniform Division described the future of uniforms and the proper care and display of uniforms.

Public Education Workshop

The Education Department staff offered what's new in public education. Looking for ways to freshen up your public education program and reach new audiences? This workshop showcased some exciting partnerships and products available for Auxiliary instructors. Attendees were able to share tips and tricks for successes with other instructors from around the country, and take home great ideas.

Commercial Uninspected Vessels Workshop

How can the Auxiliary support Sector uninspected vessel examination programs? What new Commercial Fishing Vessel regulations may be in the future? These were some of the questions answered during the Commercial Uninspected Vessels workshop.

Other training included an overview of uninspected towing vessel safety and training on commercial fishing vessel winch and machinery guards. In addition, there were discussions on EPIRBs, DSC VFM-FM radios, and distress signals. The ever popular damage control simulator was outside for demonstrations

Emergency Beacons and DSC VHF-FM Radios Workshop

Representatives from the Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue discussed important issues with emergency satellite distress beacons including how to assist boaters in registering and properly using their EPIRBs. They discussed when a personal locator beacon (PLB) should be used, and what happens in Feb 2009 when older 121.5 beacons which will no longer be monitored by SAR satellites. There were demonstrations on the correct procedures for mariners to register for their MMSI number and how to properly connect their DSC VHF -FM radio with the boat's navigation system.