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Auxiliary and Flotilla News
Four Fathoms - Flotilla Newsletter
Flotilla 15-04 is nestled in the small town of Homosassa Springs, Florida, located approximately one hour North of Tampa, Florida off of U.S. Highway 19. Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at our Flotilla Building located at the West Citrus Community Center, 8940 West Veterans Drive, Homosassa, Florida 34448.
Read Matthew Dooris' Naval Postgraduate School Master's thesis (December 2008) "Enhancing Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary."
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Do you want to learn more about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? Click here for a history lesson.
Do you want to learn more about the structure of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? Click here to learn more.
Still have questions concerning membership? Click here for answers to frequently aked questions.
There are security measures for prospective members to be aware of prior to submitting an application. Read more ...
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Membership benefits presentation.
Flotilla Staff Officers
Commercial Operators
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) - Learn more! All Coast Guard credentialed mariners must have a TWIC no later than April 15, 2009 unless you are holding a credential for continuity purposes (that is, not using it for profit but hanging it on a wall). However, all credential renewals after April 15, 2009 will require the TWIC. Otherwise, the National Maritime Center will not issue your License, Document, or Certificate of Registry.
Coast Guard Documents and Licensing - Learn more! Regulations governing Merchant Mariner Documents can be found in 46 CFR 10 while Licensing regulations are located in 46 CFR 12.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements - Learn more! A marine employer is responsible for ensuring that all crewmembers involved in safety sensitive positions are enrolled in a random drug testing program as required in 46 CFR 16.
Uninspected Passenger Vessels "Six Packs"- Learn more! A six pack is a vessel carrying no more than six passengers with at least one for hire. This means that only one passenger has to pay for you to be operating as a six pack. You must possess a Coast Guard License and be enrolled in a drug program to operate a six pack.
Safety regulations for Uninspected Passenger Vessels "Six Packs" can be found in 46 CFR 24, 25, and 26. Towing vessels must also meet requirements in 46 CFR 27 while commercial fishing vessels must meet requirements in 46 CFR 28.
Marine Casualty Reporting for commercial operators or to download CG-2692 Form - Learn more by clicking here and then clicking on "Investigations" Tab on the left hand side of the Homeport webpage. Reporting injuries, deaths, fires, groundings, collisions, allisions, losses of steering or propulsion, and pollution are required by 46 CFR 4. Make immediate notifications to Sector St. Petersburg 24-hour Command Center at 727-824-7506. Fax written reports (CG-2692) forms to 813-228-2399.
For owners/operators of Coast Guard Inspected Vessels, you may schedule a Coast Guard inspection on your vessel by calling 813-228-2191, Ext. 8122.
For any questions concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Merchant Mariner Credentials, Drug and Alcohol Program requirements, or marine casualty reporting, please call Sector St. Petersburg's Senior Investigating Officer at 813-228-2191 Ext. 8150. To report illegal operators, call Sector St. Petersburg 24-hour Command Center at 727-824-7506.
Need to find a law or regulation? For the U.S. Code, search here. For the Code of Federal Regulations, search here.
More Useful Information
Learn safe boating and protect your children read more ...
Coast Guard rescues here ...
Always Boat Safety Class
Forty-two children from the Gulf Coast Academy recently completed their Always Boat Safety Class at Station Yankeetown and earned a Florida Boater's Card. Flotilla 15-04 has been instructing this course for 8 years with nearly 300 graduates.
Aids to Navigation Verifier Class
Several members from Flotilla 15-04 receiving Aid to Navigation verification.
Auxiliary Leadership with Coast Guard Leadership
Flotilla Commander, Patricia Dooris, and Vice Flotilla Commander, Al Hepner, with the Officer-in-Charge of Station Yankeetown.
Safe Boating Classes
Group picture of the Boating Safety Class completed on Saturday, November 21st. There were 10 adults with 6 finishing with perfect test scores. The lowest score was a 90%. A special thank you to all involved, as well as Don Abner, for helping to cart in all the equipment and setup.
Another group picture of 32 students from the Gulf Coast Acadamy looking on as a Coast Guard Petty Officer adresses them before entering Coast Guard Station Yankeetown. These students were taught safe boating skills over a 6 week period at Tillis Hill. They all tested well with several perfect scores. Thank you also to all who helped with this endeavor.
Flotilla Members Receive Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations
John Algeo and Ray Koeppel accepting the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations for AIRBORN RADAR TEST AND EVALUATION. The recognition was presented by Captain M. J. Sisson for assisting in the test program in May of 2009. There were other Flotilla members who participated but were not present at the ceremony at Air Station Clearwater.
