Auxiliary leads way in safety

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

Wayne Spivak of the National Press Corps just informed me that the

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has sworn in a new leader, who

has a new vision for the time-honored volunteers who assist on our

waterways. Gene Seibert now holds the title of national commodore.

Some 35,000 uniformed volunteers will look to him for his new vision.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer component of the United

States Coast Guard.

The auxiliary volunteers are widely popular for their free

vessel-safety checks for any recreational boat. The checks help the

recreational boat owner comply with the sometimes confusing federal

safety regulations, and the inspector will make additional safety

recommendations. The auxiliary is also known for teaching

boating-safety classes and handing out safety pamphlets at boat

shows.

While on the water, the volunteers operate safety and regatta

patrols aboard their private vessels.

They are a very important resource as part of Coast Guard search

and rescue teams, too. Duties include standing communication watches,

assisting during mobilization exercises, performing harbor and

pollution patrols, providing platforms for unarmed boarding parties

and recruiting new people for the service.

Seibert’s vision for the auxiliary in the post-Sept. 11 era is an

organization that will meet America’s changing maritime safety and

security challenges. This includes bringing the American public an

array of homeland security, boating and environmental safety

programs.

“The overarching mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to

contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports,

waterways and coastal regions,” Seibert said. “We will balance our

missions of recreational boating safety and Coast Guard support with

maritime homeland security and other challenges that emerge as a

result of our growing understanding of changes required in the

post-9/11 era.”

Watchwords for Seibert’s two-year term as national commodore are

“Ready, Responsive and Resolute,” blending with those of Coast Guard

Admiral Collins: “Readiness, People and Stewardship.”

“Ready focuses on the roles and missions for which the Auxiliary

has been given authority to fulfill,” Seibert said. “Responsive is

our ability to respond, to adapt and to embrace change. Resolute

speaks to our value system, our commitment to our nation and the

Coast Guard, dedication to our mission and our commitment to the

public.”

OPINION OF THE WEEK

I find it very sad that Newport Beach honors an outside, morally

questionable television show with a key to the city when weeks

earlier the mayor outright refused to help our local sportfishing

boats. This city was built around a harbor with a very deep tradition

in boating and fishing that lures shows like this to our area.

The Community Commentary titled “Key endorses tourism, not ‘The

OC’ lifestyle” written by Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway is a sad

backpedal with his statement: “It is estimated that more than $20

million of city revenue comes from tourism. When the Newport Beach

Conference and Visitors Bureau arranged ‘The OC’ event, many concerns

were voiced about sending the wrong message. In the end, it was

agreed that name identity for Newport Beach benefits tourism. There

was national attention for this televised event.”

This was said after the key was given to an outside production

company that will make millions defaming Newport. However, what is

shameful is that the ceremony was held just feet away from Davey’s

Locker Sportfishing, which has supported this city for decades. For

years the boating and fishing industry have stood true to our harbor

and encouraged tourism in a safe, family atmosphere.

I find it very amazing that photos of Newport’s beaches and boats

cruising Newport Harbor are featured in Newport’s tourism photos. For

shame to grab 15 minutes of fame on the backs of those who have built

and who are actually supporting this harbor. Where is sportfishing’s

key to the city?

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation, “Capt.

Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs every Saturday from

noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170). You can join me, Chandler Bell and

Eric Hovland by calling the listener line at (888) 344-1170.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to [email protected] or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.