Media Note: Coast Guard spokespersons in your area may be available to discuss the importance of safe boating and swimming for the duration of National Safe Boating Week. Please contact us at 216-902-6020 to check on availability. If no answer or after hours, wait for a voicemail prompt to be forwarded to a 24/7 on-call duty public affairs specialist. Click here for more information about the 9th Coast Guard District's NSBW outreach.

CLEVELAND — As National Safe Boating Week continues, the 9th Coast Guard District is reminding paddlesport enthusiasts to take precautions to ensure safe trips and increase survivability in case of an emergency.

Paddling — canoes, kayaks, etc. — is the fastest growing segment of recreational boating, with more than 300,000 paddlecraft now being sold annually.

Paddlecraft are an extremely affordable entry point to recreational boating, which is attractive to new boaters, boaters downsizing from larger boats, and those interested in getting closer to the environment.

The Coast Guard encourages Great Lakes citizens who enjoy paddlesports to continue doing so, but to use National Safe Boating Week as an opportunity to survey and add to safety and survival equipment.  Paddlesport enthusiasts should also brush up on paddling education by taking one or more of the paddler education classes offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, state departments of natural resources, community park districts, paddling clubs and local commercial outfitters.

New and inexperienced paddlers should seek out paddler education before heading out on the water. The Coast Guard Auxiliary now offers their “Paddlesports America Course,” a four-hour, classroom-based introduction to paddling safety, techniques and safety strategies. Click here for Coast Guard Auxiliary course information. The American Canoe Association offers several hands-on courses, for novice to experienced paddlers, as well. Click here for more information about ACA paddlesport courses.

Click here to read a blog post about Operation Paddle Smart, a multi-agency effort to educate and remind new, casual and experienced paddlers to assess the risks and be prepared for what might go wrong while paddling.

The following three pieces of equipment are some examples of gear the Coast Guard considers essential for all paddlers, no matter what type, how long or short the trip, or where the destination:

• Life Jacket - A life jacket is one of a paddler’s primary pieces of safety gear. Any life jacket worn is better than none at all. However, the Coast Guard recommends paddlers use life jackets that are inherently buoyant rather than inflatable, which makes reentering a paddlecraft, especially a sit-inside kayak, easier in the event of a roll-over. Life jackets should be brightly colored to increase visibility to boaters in power and sail craft.
  
• VHF-FM Marine Radio - Paddlers are encouraged to invest in a waterproof, hand-held VHF-FM marine radio as their primary means of distress alerting on the water. Communication via VHF-FM radio provides superior alerting capabilities compared to cell phones. When a mayday is sent out via VHF-FM radio, it is a broadcast and not just a one-to-one communication; any nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance.
  
• Personal Locator Beacon - A personal locator beacon is a compact device that is clipped to a boater, normally on the life jacket he is wearing. In the U.S., users are required by law to directly register their PLB in the 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database at: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE.
  
  Other users can register beacons in their country's national beacon registration database or, if no national database is available, in the International Beacon Registration Database at https://www.406registration.com/. Once activated in a distress situation, the PLB transmits a 406 MHz signal to the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System, which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world. When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database. This includes the beacon owner's contact information, emergency contact information, and vessel/aircraft identifying characteristics. Having this information allows the Coast Guard, or other rescue personnel, to respond appropriately.

Below are additional safety tips the Coast Guard recommends for all paddlers:

• Paddlers should always check the weather forecast before paddling and should dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature. At times this might mean wearing wet or dry suits while paddling.
  
• A float plan should be completed and left with someone who is not going with the paddlers. A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and provides emergency responders with valuable information they would need in order to search for a distressed or overdue boater. Information on a float plan and how to obtain a blank float plan can be found at http://www.floatplancentral.org/.
  
• Paddlers should resist the temptation to paddle alone and should instead paddle with a partner or in groups. This reduces risk to an individual in the event of an emergency. Paddling in groups increases the chances of being seen by powerboat operators and sail craft in the vicinity.
  
• Paddlers need to understand their physical limitations and endurance. Paddling can be strenuous exercise, and paddlers should be physically fit and know techniques for self-rescue, as well as how to rescue fellow paddlers.
  
• Paddlers need to understand the limitations of their paddlecraft. There are different types of paddlecraft design. Some kayaks are designed for touring and are capable of carrying significant amounts of gear for longer trips. These types of kayaks may cost several thousand dollars. Others, such as inexpensive, entry-level kayaks, are generally designed for protected waters, near-shore waters or water such as that found on lakes and slow moving rivers when paddling trips will be of shorter duration.

Commercial fishing vessel Arctic Storm experiences an engine room fire approximately 32 miles west of Grays Harbor, Wash., May 20, 2013. CoastGuard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews and 47-foot motor lifeboat crews oversaw the evacuation of 78 crew members after Arctic Storm's Halon firefighting system successfully extinguished the blaze.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Michael Wunderle

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard continues to respond to an extinguished vessel fire approximately 30 miles west of Grays Harbor, Wash., Monday.

Crewmembers aboard the fishing vessel Arctic Storm successfully put out the fire using the Halon chemical firefighting system aboard the ship.

 A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria and two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews from Station Grays Harbor monitored as good Samaritan vessels evacuated 78 of the 120 personnel aboard the fishing vessel. 42 crewmembers will remain aboard Arctic Storm to man the vessel. The 78 evacuated crewmembers were moved to commercial fishing vessels Northern Voyager, Golden Alaska, Sea Dawn and Excellence. Evacuated crewmembers are scheduled to be transported to Westport, Wash.

 A tug is enroute to tow the Arctic Storm to Aberdeen, Wash.

 Arctic Storm is reported to contain approximately 188,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

 No pollution or injuries have been reported. The Washington Department of Ecology was notified and is standing by to assist, if needed.

 The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire.

 For the previous press release regarding this case, click here.

 For additional information, please contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn at (816) 582-1725.

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard is responding to a fire aboard a vessel approximately 32 miles west of Grays Harbor, Wash., Monday.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a call from the 314-foot fishing vessel Arctic Storm at approximately 3:20 p.m. reporting an uncontrolled engine room fire with 120 people on board.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River launched two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Air Station Astoria, a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Cape Disappointment and two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews from Station Grays Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River has issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to alert all mariners in the area.

For additional information, please contact Petty Officer 3^rd Class Nate Littlejohn at (503) 861-6132.

NEW YORK - The Coast Guard, along with the National Safe Boating Council, is encouraging boaters to take part in National Safe Boating Week, May 18 - 24, 2013.

The purpose of National Safe Boating Week is to promote safe boating practices for recreational boaters, in an effort to reduce preventable accidents and deaths.

Many people agree riding a bike without a helmet or being in a car without a seatbelt can be risky behavior; however, each year boaters take to the lakes, rivers and seas without wearing the most fundamental element of safe boating – life jackets.

Nationwide, 379 people drowned while not wearing their life jackets during 2012, according to the 2012 Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report.

The Coast Guard encourages boaters to take a safer approach during the 2013 boating season by ensuring they have a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket and wear it while on the water.  Other safety measures that can save your life are:

• Have your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron.
• File a float plan with someone who knows when you are leaving and when you plan to be back.
• Make sure you have working sound-producing devices in the event of an emergency in low visibility.
• Ensure flares are up to date and in good working order.

For a comprehensive list of boating safety checklists and instructional information, please visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx

For more information on life jacket safety as a part of National Safe Boating Week, take a look at the National Safe Boating Council’s website: http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/

To file an electronic float plan: www.floatplancentral.org

For a vessel safety check, visit the Coast Guard Auxiliary website at: http://cgaux.org/vsc/

For safety information specific to boating in the Port of NY and NJ visit: http://www.thesafeharbor.us

Mariners Guide to the Port of New York and New Jersey PSA

Printable Paddler Safety Checklist 

***Editor's Note***

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide free vessel examinations and recreational boating safety information Saturday, May 25, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 521 City Island Ave, City Island Marina, and 148 City Island Ave, North Minneford Yacht Club, Bronx, N.Y.

###

Media Note: Coast Guard spokespersons in your area may be available to discuss the importance of safe boating and swimming for the duration of National Safe Boating Week. Please contact us at 216-902-6020 to check on availability. If no answer or after hours, wait for a voicemail prompt to be forwarded to a 24/7 on-call duty public affairs specialist. Click here for more information about the 9th Coast Guard District's NSBW outreach.

CLEVELAND — Continuing our active outreach during National Safe Boating Week, the 9th Coast Guard District is reminding Great Lakes boaters of the importance of carrying life-saving communication and emergency distress equipment.

While not all boating safety equipment is required by law, all the equipment described below can play a hand in saving lives during an emergency situation and is highly recommended by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard believes that some equipment is so essential that they will even provide it to boaters they are assisting. During a rescue or assist, Coast Guard rescue crews are prepared to pass on materials such as:

• blankets, hypothermic kits or first aid kits;
• communications equipment, such as a handheld VHF-FM radio or a message block, which is used to pass written messages to survivors;
• various miscellaneous materials such as flares, survival knife or strobe light.

Click here to read a news release about Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich., assisting the Michigan State Police locate a lost kayaker in northern Michigan. The equipment dropped to the kayaker was essential in the ground search party locating him.

While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, VHF-FM radios are much more reliable in the marine environment and work in areas where cell phones sometimes may not.  Additionally, when a mayday is broadcast over FM channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency, response agencies and other nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance. It is also a good idea for a boater to carry a cell phone in a waterproof container as a backup form of communication.

The Coast Guard also highly recommends all mariners equip their boats with emergency position-indicating radio beacons or personal locator beacons.

“EPIRBs and PLBs are absolutely invaluable during emergencies because they instantly alert responders to your distress, provide a precise GPS location, and give a description of your vessel when they’re properly registered,” said Cmdr. Joseph Buzzella, commanding officer at Air Station Traverse City.

EPIRBs and PLBs may be activated manually by the push of a button or automatically when coming in contact with water, depending on the model.

Additionally, in accordance with federal law, recreational boats 16 feet and longer are required to carry visual distress signals such as flares, smoke signals or non-pyrotechnic devices in all five of the Great Lakes, and vessels 12 meters or longer are required to carry sound-producing devices such as whistles, bells and gongs. State and local laws may require further safety equipment.

Last week, two people were assisted to shore by the Mooring Point Fire Department after they fired off an orange flare in the vicinity of Point Place, Ohio. At about 11 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Detroit received a report of an orange flare and diverted a boatcrew aboard a 45-foot Response-Medium, from Coast Guard Station Toledo, Ohio, already underway in the area. While Sector Detroit was gathering information, the Mooring Point Fire Department located the 24-foot pleasure craft with two people onboard. The two boaters confirmed they had shot the flare and, because they were prepared, they prevented a possible dangerous and long night in Lake Erie. Unfortunately, earlier this month, two men lost their lives near the same area of western Lake Erie.

The best equipment to have in an emergency situation is a plan. If a boater has a plan and follows through with that plan, the chances of surviving an emergency situation increases significantly. Plan to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. Plan to submit a float plan, which lets a third party know where you are going and when you plan to return. Plan on dressing for the water temperature and not the air temperature. Plan on having a registered EPIRB onboard your vessel. Plan on knowing your limitations. Plan on knowing navigational rules. Plan on knowing current and future weather conditions.

Federal requirements can be found in the brochure A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.

• All of these devices will greatly assist you if you are in distress.  Click here for more information on visual distress signals.
• Click here to learn more about registering your EPIRB.
• Start the season off right with a thorough boat inspection, including the hull and propulsion equipment. Pay particular attention to through-hull fittings and hoses that may have cracked or become brittle over the winter.
• Obtain a free vessel inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boating safety courses are also available.
• Click here for additional boating safety tips
• Click here to read a series of safe boating blogs published by the 9th Coast Guard District

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:  http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

CLEVELAND — A Coast Guard rescue boatcrew conducted a medical evacuation Monday morning of a 62-year-old man who reported experiencing chest pains in the vicinity of Cleveland Harbor.

The man's name is not being released, and there is no Coast Guard imagery available.

Just after 10:30 a.m., the search-and-rescue controllers at Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, N.Y., heard a mayday broadcast on VHF-FM marine radio. The radio call came from a sailing vessel in the vicinity of Cleveland Harbor and reported the 62-year-old man was experiencing chest pains, excessive sweating, and tingling and numbness in his extremities.

Two rescue boatcrews, aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, both from Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor, in Cleveland, were already underway and arrived within a few minutes.

Once on scene, the crew aboard the RB-M transferred the man onto the response boat and took him to Clifton Lagoons Marina in Lakewood, Ohio, to meet emergency medical personnel. The EMS team then transported the man, who was alert and in good condition, to Fairview Hospital.

There were two others aboard the sailing vessel, and they were able to continue their voyage.

"The fact that they had a marine radio onboard their vessel helped us to assist the man this morning," said Petty Officer 3rd Matthew Whalen, a member of the boatcrew on the RB-M.

Earlier today, the 9th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office released another news release in our series related to National Safe Boating Week. The topic was the importance of being prepared and carrying safety and communications equipment. Click here to read more.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard will join the rest of the nation in observing National Safe Boating Week starting Saturday throughout Alaska to encourage safe boating practices and prevent recreational boating accidents.

National Safe Boating Week is organized by the National Safe Boating Council with many partner agencies in the U.S. and Canada, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, BoatUS, the American Canoe Association, and local groups to encourage safe boating practices and educate the public timed to coincide with Memorial Day weekend, one of the biggest recreational boating weekends of the year.

The Coast Guard released its 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics Monday, revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 651 nationwide, the lowest number of boating fatalities on record. The report states alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and almost 71 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, with 84 percent of those victims were reportedly not wearing a life jacket. In Alaska there were 22 recreational boating deaths and five injuries reported in 2012.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to boat responsibly while on the water and avoid the consumption of alcohol. The use of life jackets, emergency beacons, flares, float plans and appropriate communications devices are advised for anyone operating watercraft. To ensure compliance with boating safety requirements, Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be offering vessel safety checks and safety classes in many coastal Alaskan towns. For times and locations click here.

"Alaska is a vast and beautiful area but it is wild and unpredictable as well," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17^th District. "I encourage anyone going out on the water to plan ahead, check the weather, file a float plan and wear their life jacket! Our goal is zero recreational boating fatalities in 2013."

More information on the importance of boating safety and resources detailing steps that can be taken to minimize risk on the water can be found at safeboatingcampaign.com and uscgboating.org. In addition, video and radio PSAs with tips for safe boating are available here:

Preparedness - Video
Preparedness -Audio

EPIRB - Video
EPIRB -Audio

Life Jacket -Video
Life Jacket - Audio

Float Plan - Video
Float Plan - Audio

To view the 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx.

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is moored at Millard D. Olds Memorial Moorings at the cutter's homeport of Cheboygan, Mich., Feb. 9, 2013. This was the first time the crew of the cutter had been home in 40 days and commemorates the midwinter period. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Stephen Elliot

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is moored at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, Mich., Aug. 7, 2008. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Diantha Kaufman

CHEBOYGAN, Mich. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is scheduled to hold an open house, allowing members of the public to tour the ship and speak with members of the crew, Saturday at the ship's homeport of Cheboygan.

The cutter's crew will be available for visitors from 9 – 11 a.m. and from 1 – 3 p.m.

For further information, contact Lt. j.g. Katie Braynard, Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw public affairs officer, at 231-597-2030.

Capt. John Bingaman (right), chief of staff of the 9th Coast Guard District, recognizes and presents Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Rofidal, a Coast Guard reservist assigned to Marine Safety Unit Duluth, Minn., with the 9th Coast Guard District’s Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year award at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, May 18, 2013. Rofidal, a maritime enforcement specialist, was also awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal during the ceremony. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Elmer Engman

Capt. John Bingaman (right), chief of staff of the 9th Coast Guard District, recognizes and presents Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Rofidal, a Coast Guard reservist assigned to Marine Safety Unit Duluth, Minn., with the Coast Guard Achievement Medal at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, May 18, 2013. Rofidal, a maritime enforcement specialist, was awarded the medal during a ceremony where he was recognized at the 9th Coast Guard District’s Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Diane Martinek

DULUTH, Minn. — A Minnesota-based Coast Guardsman was recognized during a formal ceremony Saturday morning for being named the 2012 9^th Coast Guard District's Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year.

Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Rofidal, a maritime enforcement specialist stationed at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Duluth, was named the Reserve EPOY for the 9th Coast Guard District.

Rofidal was recognized at his unit with a special visit by Capt. John Bingaman, chief of staff of the 9^th Coast Guard, who also awarded Rofidal a Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

“Petty Officer Rofidal, through his exemplary commitment to Coast Guard missions and servant leadership, really exemplifies our service’s core values,” said Cmdr. Kenneth R. Bryan, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Duluth. “His individual contribution, and those of the entire Reserve cadre throughout the 9^th Coast Guard District, is absolutely critical to team Coast Guard meeting missions and serving the public.”

In addition to his extraordinary performance of duty, Rofidal voluntarily served as chairperson for the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Committee in charge of coordinating the Memorial Day tribute.

In 2012, Rofidal liaised with Coast Guard historians, and staff at the National Personnel Records Center and the Officer Down Memorial that resulted in the successful verification of 11 Coast Guard reservists, allowing their names to be engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Rofidal continues to proudly serve with distinction in the 9^th District as he has since the beginning of his Coast Guard career.

Stretching from northern New York state to northern Minnesota, the 9^th Coast Guard District encompasses the five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and parts of eight surrounding states, including 6,700 miles of shoreline and 1,500 miles of shared international border with Canada. Out of about 1,700 members in the district who are in the eligible enlisted rates, only one person is chosen as the active-duty and reserve EPOY of the Great Lakes.

Media interested in speaking to the 9^th District Reserve EPOY can contact the 9^th District external affairs office at 216-902-6020.

Throughout his career, Rofidal has deployed to various responses around the country and taken part in several memorable events. Click on photos below to see a few of the responses that he not only responded to, but also provided imagery.

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard assisted two men aboard a grounded 21-foot personal craft in the vicinity of Gardner Island near the Mississippi Gulf Outlet, Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report from the good Samaritan vessel Capt. Blake Kerry at approximately 9 a.m. that a flare alerted the location of two men aboard a grounded boat in a marshy area. The two men initially declined assistance until one of the boaters, a 70-year-old man, began to experience health concerns.

Sector New Orleans directed the lauch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a Coast Guard Station Venice 24-foot Special Purpose Craft — Shallow Water boatcrew to the scene. Air Station New Orleans arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 a.m. and delivered a radio for the men to maintain communication. The Station Venice boatcrew remained on scene until the aircrew returned from base. Upon return at approximately 12:30 p.m. the aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer down to the grounded boat. The rescue swimmer asssessed the situation and rigged a towing line from the grounded boat to the Blake Kerry.

The Blake Kerry towed the boat and the two men to the nearest port. Both men reported no injuries or medical concerns.

"This was the first case we had a rescue swimmer who was able to help a boater in a shallow, marshy area; he earned his keep, he was pretty muddy," said Lt. Bryan Conrad, Air Station New Orleans pilot. "It was very helpful to have a good Samaritan who was able to help in such a shallow area."

The men's condition are unknown.

The Coast Guard recommends all boaters have a working VHF-FM marine-band radio on board their vessel. With marine-band radios on board and set to channel 16, a boater is only a call away from help. The Coast Guard, other rescue agencies and other boaters monitor marine band radios 24/7, which increases the number of people who can respond.  The radios are better than cellular phones because their signals can be of assistance locating a person in distress. Though cell phones are better than no communication device at all, they tend to have gaps in coverage while on the water, and they have limited battery life.

In addition, the Coast Guard advises boaters to always wear their life jackets.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard has updated its schedule for the formal marine casualty investigation hearing into the Kulluk grounding, scheduled to take place at the Anchorage Loussac Library, Assembly Hall Chambers, beginning Monday at noon.

May 20 - Shell
May 21 - Offshore Rig Mover’s International*, Shell
May 22 - Noble, Crowley
May 23 - Edison Chouest Offshore
May 24 - Shell Marine, Edison Chouest Offshore Alaska Operations
May 25 - Shell Alaska Operations, Nobel*
May 28 - Delmar*, Offshore Rig Mover’s International
May 29 - Offshore Rig Mover’s International, U.S. Coast Guard
May 30 - Shell*, Edison Chouest Offshore
May 31 - Edison Chouest Offshore
* Testimony is scheduled to be conducted via telephone.  All scheduled testimonies are subject to change at the needs of the investigating officer.

Hearings beginning on Tuesday will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. These are closed-door hearings, and attendees will not be authorized to leave during testimony unless in an emergency situation.

Throughout the hearings, only one photographer, one video camera operator and one audio technician will be allowed in the proceedings at a time so pooling of photographs, video and audio may be necessary.

Media members are solely responsible for designating pool representatives and will be required to follow all ground rules for attending the hearing.

For more information, contact Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley at: 907-227-9248. Media members who confirm their attendance will be provided with a full copy of the marine casualty hearing attendance ground rules.

ATLANTIC OCEAN - A fourth class cadet carefully makes up a taught line after hauling around in the rain during sail stations aboard the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, May 14, 2013. second and fourth class cadets are underway for their summer training deployment to further develop their teamwork and leadership skills. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Swanson.	ATLANTIC OCEAN - Fourth class cadets examine the altitude reading after shooting a sun-line using a sextant during a celestial navigation course held on the fantail of the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, May 12, 2013. Second and fourth class cadets are underway for their summer training deployment to further develop their teamwork and leadership skills. U.S. Coast Guard photo by 2nd class cadet Samuel Keith.	ATLANTIC OCEAN - Petty Officer 2nd Class Franklin Johnson, a damage controlman, instructs fourth class cadets how to don a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, May 13, 2013. This equipment is used on all Coast Guard Cutters to help Coast Guardsmen fight fires. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Swanson.

UNDERWAY ABOARD BARQUE EAGLE – The Coast Guard Barque Eagle successfully completed its first week of 11 of the cadet summer training deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Eagle left its homeport in New London, Conn., and sailed more than 600 miles headed to the Caribbean while under sail power and using celestial navigation. Serving as an afloat training platform for more 140 Coast Guard Academy cadets at a time, Eagle’s summer deployment spans 11 weeks, visiting at nine port calls in five countries, with four different groups of cadets training onboard.

"The Eagle crew has challenged these future officers, especially the upper class cadets, to assume the leadership roles of junior officers while sailing the Barque, and they have truly taken ownership of this responsibility, said Capt. Wes Pulver, Commanding Officer of Eagle. “Upperclass cadets are leading the rising sophomores during navigation, engineering, bridge, and deck watches, and are helping them understand how a Coast Guard cutter operates while at sea. The challenges of living aboard and manning a square-rigger on the open ocean are building the teamwork, character, and leadership skills necessary for success as officers in the Coast Guard."

There are currently 24 upper class cadets from the Coast Guard Academy and 120 cadets who just completed their freshman year.  

The cadets have faced a myriad of challenges since stepping aboard Eagle working through nearly 12-foot seas to set and handle the 23 sails onboard as thet acquire their sea legs. They have climbed the barque’s 147-ft. tall masts through harsh weather and stood bridge, command in control, and engine room watches in the 24-hour classroom. Cadets are learning and training in fire fighting, celestial navigation and weather forecasting.  The ship’s navigator secured all means of electronic navigation, leaving the cadets to ensure they arrive at their next portcall with only a sextant and the stars.

“Eagle has been a good introduction into the Coast Guard and has given us the opportunity to apply many of the things we've learned at the Academy,” said 4^th Class cadet Townsend Hirst.

With more than 23,500 square feet of sail and six miles of rigging, Eagle has been a classroom at sea for future Coast Guard officers since 1946, providing in-depth leadership and professional development experience.

A permanent crew of seven officers and 50 enlisted personnel maintain the ship throughout the winter and are now guiding the cadets in an extensive underway and in-port training schedule.  Instruction is focused on teaching the skills of navigation, damage control, watchstanding, engineering and deck seamanship. 

The Eagle is on schedule to arrive at its first foreign port call of St. Martin, Friday, May 24.

At 295 feet, the Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the stars and stripes and the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service. Constructed in 1936 by the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and originally commissioned as the Horst Wessel by the German Navy, the Eagle was taken by the United States as a war reparation following World War II.

More on Eagle's port call schedule: http://www.uscga.edu/eagle  

To follow the Eagle’s summer cruise, visit the ship’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/CoastGuardCutterEagle

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 50-year-old man Saturday from the Carnival Splendor, a 952-foot cruise ship, approximately 150 miles east of Cape Lookout, N.C.

A medical representative aboard the Carnival Splendor contacted Coast Guard watchstanders at approximately 8 p.m. reporting a man suffered a heart attack and was in need of assistance.

Personnel from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., dispatched crews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft to assist.

"The Hercules is launched as a safety asset to provide cover for the Jayhawk crew when they're conducting search and rescue cases far from shore," said Lt. Zach Huff, the operations duty officer and a Hercules pilot.  "The Hercules crew uses their weather radar and relays that information to the helicopter for safe navigation. They're also able to locate the ship, conduct a safety brief with the ship's crew prior to the helicopter's arrival and vector in the Jayhawk."

With coordination from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders, the Hercules crew arrived on scene, located the vessel and established communications with the Carnival Splendor. When the Jayhawk crew arrived on scene, they hoisted the man and a nurse into the helicopter and took them to the air station. There, the Jayhawk crew swapped out with a standby crew, who flew the man and nurse to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The patient was reported to be in stable condition.

"I got to help someone today," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve Scheren, the rescue swimmer aboard the Jayhawk. "This is why I joined the service. You spend so long training, hearing instructors yell ‘so others may live,’ it’s nice to really feel that you’re living your creed."

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A Coast Guard helicopter crew located an overdue boater Saturday after his 19-foot boat ran aground on a sandbar near Corson's Inlet.

The boater’s son, who knew his father’s float plan, alerted Coast Guard watchstanders at approximately 5 p.m. that his father was overdue from what was supposed to be a short transit. He said his father put his boat in the water from the Corson's Inlet State Park boat ramp and failed to reach his destination, which was two miles away.

Watchstanders diverted an already in-fight crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City to locate the man. The helicopter crew found the man, who was signaling them with a flashing light, and the helicopter crew lowered a radio to communicate with the boater.

After confirming he was the missing boater, Coast Guard watchstanders from Sector Delaware Bay, in Philadelphia, established communications with him via VHF-FM channel 16 and arranged for a commercial towboat crew to take the vessel back to the boat ramp at Corson's Inlet State Park.

Media Note: Coast Guard spokespersons in your area may be available to discuss the importance of safe boating and swimming for the duration of National Safe Boating Week. Please contact us at 216-902-6020 to check on availability. If no answer or after hours, wait for a voicemail prompt to be forwarded to a 24/7 on-call duty public affairs specialist. Click here for more information about the 9th Coast Guard District's NSBW outreach.

CLEVELAND — As National Safe Boating Week continues, the 9th Coast Guard District is reminding boaters Sunday that, just like on the road, they need to make a commitment to boat sober.

According to the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety's Recreational Boating Statistics 2012, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents last year. It was listed as the leading factor in 17% of deaths.

When the Coast Guard determines that an operator is impaired, the operator’s voyage may be terminated.  The vessel may be brought to a mooring by the Coast Guard or turned over to a competent and un-intoxicated person aboard the vessel.  Depending on the circumstances, the Coast Guard may arrest the operator, detain him until sober, or turn him over to state or local authorities.

The Coast Guard and every state have stringent penalties for boaters violating BUI laws.  The federal statute can be found in Title 46, U.S. Code, Section 2302.  Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.

"When mariners boat under the influence, it puts all those around them at significant risk,” said Capt. Stephen Torpey, chief of response for the 9th District.  “We want mariners to enjoy our nation's waterways but to do it safely and responsibly.  The Coast Guard will continue to work closely with federal, state and local partners to ensure the safety of those on the water.”

Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.  These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat — for both passengers and boat operators.  Coast Guard data shows that in boating deaths involving alcohol use, more than half the victims either capsized their boat or fell overboard.

Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land.  The marine environment — motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray — accelerates a drinker's impairment.  These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol.

Click HERE to read more about the dangers of BUI.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 50-year-old man Saturday from the Carnival Splendor, a 952-foot cruise ship, approximately 150 miles east of Cape Lookout, N.C.

A medical representative aboard the Carnival Splendor contacted Coast Guard watchstanders at approximately 8 p.m. reporting a man suffered a heart attack and was in need of assistance.

Personnel from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., dispatched crews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft to assist.

"The Hercules is launched as a safety asset to provide cover for the Jayhawk crew when they're conducting search and rescue cases far from shore," said Lt. Zach Huff, the operations duty officer and a Hercules pilot.  "The Hercules crew uses their weather radar and relays that information to the helicopter for safe navigation. They're also able to locate the ship, conduct a safety brief with the ship's crew prior to the helicopter's arrival and vector in the Jayhawk."

With coordination from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders, the Hercules crew arrived on scene, located the vessel and established communications with the Carnival Splendor. When the Jayhawk crew arrived on scene, they hoisted the man and a nurse into the helicopter and took them to the air station. There, the Jayhawk crew swapped out with a standby crew, who flew the man and nurse to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The patient was reported to be in stable condition.

"I got to help someone today," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve Scheren, the rescue swimmer aboard the Jayhawk. "This is why I joined the service. You spend so long training, hearing instructors yell ‘so others may live,’ it’s nice to really feel that you’re living your creed."

HONOLULU – Coast Guard Capt. Joanna Nunan, Commander of Sector Honolulu, was relieved by Capt. Shannon Gilreath during a ceremony at Coast Guard Base Honolulu Friday.

Gilreath is a native of LaFayette, Ga. and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1991 with a B.S. in Government. He received his J.D. with honors in 2001 from Tulane Law School and is a member of the bar in the state of Louisiana.

Gilreath was promoted from Sector Honolulu's deputy commander position. His previous assignments include the Coast Guard Cutter Northland, Marine Safety Office New Orleans, Eighth Coast Guard District Legal Office, Commanding Officer of Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge, and Chief of the Prevention Law Group within the Office of Maritime and International Law at Coast Guard Headquarters.  He also served as a Senior Military Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a non partisan think tank based in Washington, DC. 

Gilreath’s military awards include the Legion of Merit with gold star, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.  He was honored by the Judge Advocate Association with the Coast Guard Outstanding Career Judge Advocate Award in 2011.

Nunan will be the new chief of staff at Force Readiness Command in Norfolk, Va. Her previous assignments include Deputy Commander of Sector San Juan, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutters SPAR and Ironwood and executive officer of the Basswood. 

Previous to her assignments afloat Nunan served as the Coast Guard Academy admissions officer, personnel services division chief, deputy director in the Civil Rights Directorate, military assistant to the Secretary of Transportation and as the Coast Guard Innovation Manager.

Rear Adm. Charles Ray, Commander of the Coast Guard’s 14th District, was the presiding official for the ceremony.

For more information contact the 14th District Public Affairs Office at (808) 535-3230.