This area contains relevant Crew and Activity Updates, including copies of E-Mails,
with links to related material. Check here often.

CREW UNIFORM STANDARDS

29 OCTOBER 2006 - REDEZVOUS GEAR CHECKLIST

Here is a good checklist of what you must have for Rendezvous.

29 OCTOBER 2006 - NEWPORT WAIVER FORMS

An E-mail was sent to all crew and friends. Please print out the attached appropriate waiver form, Adult (18+) or Youth under18), and fill it in. Youth need parent signature. On the Youth form, fill out the top half of the APPLICATION but don't worry about the payment or class areas. Adult and Youth both need to fill in the Waiver form.

Bring this with you this Thursday evening.

We need these for this Saturday, and for future Newport excursions that we are planning.

If you know one of the crew or prospective crew that isn't getting the e-mail (because Idon't have it!) let them know that I will also post them on the web site www.ship11.com and click on the TRAINING button, and look for the link.

29 OCTOBER 2006 - NEWPORT SEABASE TRAINING PHOTOS ON LINE

Click on the link to see the crew training at Newport Sea base. Everyone did a great job, and the hands-on training and the interaction with the other crew was beneficial. In the afternoon, more ships showed up, and we spent some time with Ships Mystic Yankee and Del Mar.

Looking forward to more training and fun next weekend and more photos on line.

28 OCTOBER 2006 - ADULT RENDEZVOUS E-MAIL MEMO

ADULTS:

We will have a brief meeting for adults to discuss Rendezvous, and other relevant updates. Please make an effort to attend, especially if you intend to go to Rendezvous. We must determine vehicles (and license number) and crew disbursement to drivers. I have to get the info to the Navy, or they will not grant you base access. Navy rules...

Also, I have attached a file for you to fill in for judging duties. I need you to return this to me in person at Thursdays meeting. If you are unable to attend, please send it with your youth member, or e-mail it to me. Rendezvous only functions with the participation of adult leadership, and the Rendezvous rules require all BSA registered adults assist with judging and other responsibilities.

Don't worry, many of the events don't require extensive (or any) knowledge of the evolution. Most events have a written, as well as practical, component, so you can proctor the written test. For other practical evolutions, the Area Judge will bird you. You don't have to be able to do the evolution in order to judge it. Often it is a matter of simply checking off a list of required items.

The Ship customarily pays the $40 registration fee for all youth crew members in good standing, and for any BSA registered adults that participate by driving crew members and equipment. Children, siblings and other non-participant family members that are not on our BSA registered roster, that want to attend Rendezvous as observers are welcome to attend, but are responsible for their own fees. I think they will allow observers to stay overnight, as we are in tents, but I have asked for verification.

I also need to verify that 2 registered adults can preside at the November 16 meeting, as my family has a long planned vacation to celebrate Chris's 21st b-day, but the crew should meet for last chance review of their material.

Thanks for all your help.

28 OCTOBER 2006 - CREW E-MAIL MESSAGE

CREW MEMBERS:

The Southwest Rendezvous Event is a critical component to our program, in developing your personal discipline, and improve and demonstrate your leadership, teamwork skills.

INSPECTION
This Thursday is MANDATORY UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTION. This is a critical drop-dead event. We asked that everyone do so last week, so the adults and officers can coordinate uniform orders. The response was unacceptable. I have submitted the uniform order. If something else is needed, we need to know.

THEREFORE, YOU MUST BE IN UNIFORM AND BRING YOUR BOOK AND BINDER THIS WEEK. NO EXCEPTIONS OR EXCUSES, PLEASE.

TEAMWORK
If you did not make if this past weekend to the Newport Sea Base for training, you need to make it this Saturday. I also need adult escorts, please. Those that have been to Rendezvous before, and those that were there the first Saturday, will peer instruct the other members, so everyone will benefit and needs to attend.

BE PREPARED
This is a the Scout Motto. A core value you should all meet. Re: Meeting Nights and Training Days: If you are coming from school, work, football or rugby practice, or another event, PLAN AHEAD. Get a gear bag or something, put your Sea Scout material in your vehicle, and if necessary, change in the restroom at the church before the meeting. You don't show up at rugby without your gear, or without your tuba for band, this is NO different.

UNIFORM STANDARD
Everyone must be in uniform, to the extent you have one, so we can verify last minute uniform needs. This includes:

• plain white crew neck T-shirt
• utility blue work dickies (style 874)
• utility shirt
• gym shoes
• Sea Scout black cap

Everyone must also bring your dress uniform personal wear items for verification and inspection:

• black leather oxford style dress shoes
• black socks

Remember, for dress uniform, you will need plain white underwear, including the aforementioned plain white crew neck t-shirt.

Also, bring your swimwear for verification.

ATTENDANCE STANDARDS
There are a couple members that have not been attending meetings and training events. It is not fair to the balance of the crew that is working hard. If you miss a meeting, you miss critical information. If you miss a training day, you miss the practical application of the evolution. This will drag down your whole squad's score, despite others best efforts.

TEMPORARY DUES WAIVER
Also, Purser Mr Wall has been waiving the $10 monthly crew dues to accommodate some members' so they could acquire necessaries. Everyone has had ample opportunity to do so by now. You should have your all your stuff together by now.

CONCLUSION
We have been discussing this for months. Time has run out. we must assign crews, and e-mail the list following the meeting to the Rendezvous Committee and to the Naval Base for entry. Don't risk being cut from the Rendezvous roster and missing this great event!

Any questions, call me at 609-7456.

10 OCTOBER 2006 - CREW NOTICE - STANDARD UTILITY UNIFORM

The regular Utility Uniform Standard has been posted at www.ship11.com/uniform.html, and it includes copies of the store tags for the approved alternate work pant or work shorts. The alternate pants can be found at WalMart for about $17.64. These are optional to the issued work pants, but are the only approved alternate pants.

02 OCTOBER 2006 - CREW UPDATE - MEETING

TOPIC
Captain Hoey will be here to follow up on the Charting, and we will go over Aids to Navigation.

SCHEDULING
BRING YOUR CALENDARS

HOMEWORK
Anyone that did not turn in their homework form the sailing exercise, please bring it this week. Wear your uniform. or the accepted alternate.

WEB SITE
Check the website www.ship11.com for the new CREW NEWS link

SCUBA GROUP STUDY DATE
We have the first group training date on 22 October is being co-ordinated by S/M LePage. Contact her for specifics re time and place.

See the Scuba Update Page for full info.

02 OCTOBER 2006 - CREW UPDATE

REGISTRATION & RE-CHARTER
It is time to re-charter the Ship with BSA. Registration and re-charter are a condition of membership and to participate in program activities. Some crew members are still not paid up with their initiation fees. I have received some donations to offset the fee, which has been reduced from the standard $100 to $50 to facilitate membership. Of course, you can pay the full amount if you wish. But as long as the budget will allow, we will reduce the fee for those that ask.

All crew members must be current with their initiation fee, or made arrangements with the Skipper for a payment schedule, to be eligible for re-charter and to continue participation.

Adults are asked to register as well, in order to function as escorts, drivers and to participate in activities.

ATTENDANCE
Remember, in order for you to get maximum benefit from the program, and for you to provide maximum potential to your team-mates, it is important to attend on a regular basis. Although there is a minimum requirement for 50% attendance to maintain membership, that should be the exception, (for unforeseen problems or critical family, school or work issues) not the rule. 75% is required for advancement.

Each week we are reviewing material critical to participating in the program safely, important to advance, and imperative for your ability to participate successfully at Rendezvous in November. Failure to attend regularly decreases your knowledge base and your potential to participate in a meaningful and safe manner. Your attendance and participation in routine training and meetings will be a factor taken into consideration when determining your participation in upcoming outing and events.

UNIFORMS
Remember, Sea Scouts is a uniformed organization. If you play football, you wear a uniform. If you are cheerleading you wear one. No different here. There's 168 hours in a week. You wear this one for only 2 hours, slightly over 1%, of that time (and on organized outings). That leaves 166 hours for the fashion statements!

Acknowledging that everyone does not have a Utility Uniform issued yet, please wear the accepted alternate - plain navy blue Dickies trousers ($17.64 at WalMart - NOT the cell phone or baggy style) or the Dickies navy blue 10 inch work short (about the same price at WalMart) and a plain white crew neck t-shirt (free from your dad's underwear drawer). These should be standard fitting. If in doubt, check the Sea Scout manual. Tip: only one person should be able to fit in either the pants or shirt at a time!

Members will be measured at the 05 October meeting so we can get the Utility and Dress uniforms ordered and received in time for Rendezvous.

The Skipper should have a sample of the jacket (red and black water resistant) and polo style regatta shirts for you to check out at the next meeting. I am getting an excellent price on these. The jackets will be purchased by the Ship, and will remain the Ship's property, Some crew members have asked about personal embroidery, such as their name, rank, and office. We can accommodate that request, but the jacket must be purchased by the individual. It looks like a personalized one should be less than $30.

FALL FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION
We will be at the Palmdale Fall Festival on 14 October from 0900 to 2200, and on Sunday 15 October from 1000 to 1800 hours. This is an excellent community relations opportunity, and we have received donations, recruited members, and built considerable good will by participating at this. In addition, one of our tables will be dedicated to distributing free Boating Safety Information, which we document as a public service towards our non-profit status.

We will need some assistance with delivery and set up for a short time on Friday. The main set up will be Saturday morning beginning at 0800.

On Saturday, all hands are expected to be there in the AM (except those taking their SAT test, who will arrive promptly afterwards) for a training exercise and a demo with some Cub Scout Packs. They will be arriving at 1000 hours and later. They have Boat Month for their theme, and have asked for our assistance. This is an opportunity to show these younger kids what you have learned.

The district Scout Executive will be observing, and may be setting up a chair in our booth to distribute general scouting info, so look sharp!

Sunday evening will require some assistance for tear down at the end.

Everyone is expected Saturday morning for the training and demo, and to put in 4 additional hours either Saturday or Sunday. At least 2 crew is needed on duty at all times, but you will have plenty of time to be free to wander the festival and take breaks.

The uniform of the day will be the Utility Uniform, and weather permitting, we may switch to the orange t-shirts.

26 SEPTEMBER 2006 - CREW UPDATE - GENERAL INFO

HOMEWORK:
Be sure to return the Sailing Quiz - remember you were to finish the last page at home.

MEETING TOPIC:
This Thursday 28 September 06 CAPT Chuck Hoey will be on site to cover Charting Basics. Please be on site READY TO GO by 1900, so we can get through this topic. This info will cover the Rendezvous test concepts, as well as assist those working on their Ordinary Advancement requirement.

CALENDAR:
Check it on-line, print it out (I gave everyone a copy 2 weeks ago) and BRING IT! It is helpful if you note any personal commitments, as well. We can't schedule outings without it.

UNIFORM:
Please be in uniform. Minimum: issued uniform pants or navy blue dickies or equivalent; crew logo t-shirt or plain white crew neck t-shirt. Its only 2 hours a week!

COMMUNICATION:
Please pass the word to the new crew members, those technologically impaired (e-mail-less), and any of the new recruits, as I don't have e-mails for some of them yet.

SCUBA:
Lets get an update on where the scuba trainees are with the home prep. Some of the new recruits will be joining the program as well.

SAD NOTE:
I was informed over the weekend that Pastor Jim Ledgerwood, of the church, unexpectedly passed away late last week. I received a voice mail message on Saturday while I was at work that the service was that day, and unfortunately, had no time to prepare or get the crew to attend. We will prepare a card and memo to the family and the church, as they have been very gracious in allowing us the use of this facility.

13 SEPTEMBER 2006 - CREW UPDATE - GENERAL INFO

MEETING
After a few weeks of Thursday Night fundraising, we will be returning to our normal meeting time and place at the church on Thursday, at 7 PM in the Classroom, or if it is occupied, in the Fireside Room. I will have a breakdown of your hours worked for the fundraising, to apply to the scuba training and/or Catalina trip.

SCUBA
I hope all of you are utilizing the home study packet. Please be prepared to report on your progress, as far as what chapter you have completed, at our next meeting, so I can predict with Fred the instructor for pool training dates and potential beach dive dates.

RENDEZVOUS
The meeting agenda will include discussion of upcoming SW Rendezvous, and set training schedule and begin training for the events. Those that have been to Rendezvous before, think about the exercises and which ones you want to help with training new members on. Preregistration has opened and I need FIRM commitment for attendance at rendezvous to give them a head count. I also need to know adult leaders/female escort availability. Remember, departure is before dawn on Thanksgiving Friday, and return Sunday early eve. The crew has expressed a desire to compete as our own team, not having to be combined with another. We need 6 minimum to compete in all events, including scuttlebutt. We should enough members, if we all participate, and it will be a great accomplishment to do so. We have done well in the past, and with the motivation I've seen from this crew , I am confident we will do very well this time.

COMMUNICATE
I need everyone to pass the word, as some seem to have periodic computer or internet problems, and especially those of you that know Alycce, Eric S, and Anthony, PASS THE WORD! Anyone knowing potential new members, bring them along. Bring your books!!!! See you there.