From the Vessel Examination Department
By Peter J. Urgola, DC-V

Highlights of the Program Visitor Workshop

On January 1, 2005 the Marine Dealer Visitation (MDV) Program was replaced with the Recreational Boating Safety Visitor Program (RBS-VP). The new program provides expanded roles and opportunities for interfacing with the recreational boating community. In addition, it allows for the recruiting and nurturing of new partners. The DSO-PVs attending N-Train will review the changes to the program and be given an opportunity to discuss relative issues.

In January, the US Power Squadron signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Auxiliary to participate in the RBS-VP. Implementation and training strategies will be discussed to effect an efficient introduction of USPS members to the program.

Building effective Teams, Goal Setting, Communications, and Performance Measures are key skills required for any successful project. The DSO-PVs will be provided those basic skills and will assist in identifying areas to utilize a Team approach in delivery of the RBS message. They will also participate in establishing goals and measures to determine how successfully goals have been met.

In addition to safety, opportunities to support maritime security issues will be discussed with the presentation of the Water Ways Watch Program. The DSO-PVs will be asked to carry this important message to their Districts and to cascade it to the Flotilla Program Visitors. The more individuals and partners that are involved in this vital program the more successful the effort.

In summary, this years N-Train experience for the DSO-PVs will provide them with an opportunity to share local successes and to discuss important problems, which hamper the progress of their efforts.