Flotilla Joins with the Army Corp. of Engineers to Promote Boating Safety
Article and photos by Commodore Carolyn Belmore, Commander, Flotilla 11-8, East Falmouth, MA

Photo 25 – COMO Renelle Leblanc, D1-NR, checks the anchor locker on the Army Corps of Engineers patrol boat Cataumet with the crew member.

For the fourth year in a row, Flotilla 11-8 joined with the Army Corp. of Engineers at the Cape Cod Canal to promote boating Safety.

On 30 May flotilla members joined by members from surrounding divisions spent the day at the Sandwich Basin of the Cape Cod Canal conducting vessel safety checks at the launch ramp and throughout the marina. They also performed a vessel safety check on the Cataumet, a patrol boat of the Army Corps of Engineers. The Auxiliarists also manned a public affairs booth to pass out “Paddle Smart” packets and other boating safety information to the public.

The program started four years ago shortly after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the USCG and the Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps requested the Auxiliary to come to their basin at the Cape Cod Canal and inspect their vessels; then join them in an effort to promote boating safety during National Safe Boating Week.

Assisting in the project is the Sandwich, MA, Harbor Master who gives free launch passes for all boats presenting evidence of a vessel safety check (VSC). The program continues at USCG Station Cape Cod Canal where tours of the station and their boats are provided.

Flotilla 11-8 hosted a VSC Station at the marina launch ramp area. Public interest has grown each year and this year over 35 VSCs were conducted. The safety checks were performed at the marina and with boaters driving up to the VSC tent requesting a safety check on their towed boat.. This year we had members from 4 Divisions coming to participate in the event and even qualified a brand new vessel examiner during the day.

The Army Corps of Engineers opens their Welcome Center (the former USCG boathouse) and brings in “Bobber” their mascot who makes quite an impact with the youngsters in attendance. The Corps makes space available for other agencies to participate, including the Sandwich Fire Rescue Unit to display their boat and equipment; a Massachusetts DEM Recreational Boating Specialist, and the United States Power Squadron. The Army Corps of Engineers do most of the promotion for the event and give great support to everyone who participates.

A follow up day will be held early in July for those boaters who were not quite ready for ia vessel safety check on 30 May.

Additional Photos

Photo 001	Photo 008	Photo 012
Photo 018	Photo 026	Photo 032

~IJLA