MINUTES: February 17, 2010

 

The regular meeting of the Niagara District Council was held at the centre for Inland Waters, Burlington on February 17, 2010

 

Chairperson: District Commander Jim Brown

 

1. CALL TO ORDER                                        Time 2000

 

2. ROLL CALL

 

     BRANT                       present                    HAMILTON                                 present

     BURLINGTON           present                    KITCHENER-WATERLOO        present

     CAMBRIDGE             absent                     PORT COLBORNE                      present

     FORT ERIE                 absent                     PORT DALHOUSIE                     present

     GUELPH                      present                   PORT DOVER                              present

 

3. REPORTS FROM DISTRICT OFFICERS

 

  District Commander                            D/C   Jim Brown

Commander’s Report

February 17, 2010

 

The past month since the last District Meeting has been busy with submitting Merit Marks for the District Officers and Squadron Commanders, taking the opportunity to visit Squadron Bridge Meetings and finalizing the District Nomination Report for 2010-11.

 

All Squadron and District Merit Marks were submitted prior to the January 31st. deadline, and for this, I thank the Commanders for their input.

 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a Squadron Bridge Meeting in Port Dalhousie.

Commander David Bull and his group conducted a very productive meeting and it was good to see such a positive interaction among all Bridge Officers.

 

I will be attending the Port Dover Bridge Meeting tomorrow evening and look forward to seeing the group again.

 

My main objective in attending these meetings is to have the opportunity to meet the Squadron Officers who I am not acquainted with, and to hopefully answer any questions they may have.

 

I have been invited to attend the upcoming Training Officer’s Meeting March 5 & 6 and plan to present an update on the National MAP2 Program and Evolution of Change Marketing Program.

 

Both programs have had a very positive impact on the current and future success of CPS.

 

D.T.O. Bruce Holden will be representing the Niagara District at the meeting and I encourage you to bring any training issues or questions to Bruce’s attention prior to March 5th.

 

I will also be attending the Governing Board Meeting at the end of March and once again, solicit any issues or questions you would like to have brought forward.

 

We are fast approaching the end of our Training Season and you will be hosting your local AGM’s and Student Graduations.

 

Please get your dates into myself early so that we can ensure District representation at your events.

 

Thanks again to D.E.O Bill Allan for hosting the January meeting.

 

Respectfully Submitted

Jim Brown

Niagara District Commander

 

 District Executive Officer                     Bill Allan SN

 

Executive Officer’s Report to the

CPS Niagara District Council

February 17, 2010


Since my last report, I chaired the District Council meeting on January 20, 2010, since D/C Jim Brown was away on holidays.

 

I signed applications for 4 people in the Hamilton area to act as Recognized Examiners, and submitted them to John Gullick at CPS Headquarters.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Allan

Niagara District Executive Officer

 

 District Administrative Officer            Garry Van Zandt AP

 

No Report

 

 District Training Officer                        Bruce Holden   SN

 

Report to Niagara District Council

February 17th, 2010

By

Bruce A Holden, SN, DTO

 

 

The Seamanship exam modification is insignificant for the instructor and student.  The credit possible for three questions on Part l, have been reduced.  The three questions were answered by copying lists from the Student Notes.  Four questions have had their value increased.  These four questions relate to NOTMAR updating and plotting questions.

 

The procedure for ordering tests and exams has been emailed to Squadron & District Training Officers and Assistant Training Officers.  The process is consistent with the one used in Niagara District and confirmed at the November breakout meeting on training.  There are three clarifications that deserve repeating:

·        Tests & exams sent automatically with study material need to be counted by the STO upon receipt to determine whether additional copies are required for the examinees.

·        Whether the STO uses or does not use WBAS to register students, provide the number of registrants to the DTO with sufficient lead-time to obtain and deliver the exams.

·        The Niagara STO’s & DTO have agreed that the STO’s will place the order for CN, JN & N exams since individual students must meet requirements before proceeding.

 

Exams for Cambridge, Guelph and Port Colborne have been prepared for this February meeting.  Any other Squadrons should get their requests in as early as possible as there will be a lag time for most courses.

 

Preparation for the Spring Training Meeting is underway.  Numbers and reasons for the total registration by course will be useful.  In view of the lower enrolment, there will likely be a discussion.  Registration information received from the STO’s by Feb 24th will be used in the District Report.

 

Two quick reminders:

·        The Boating Course Survey is an excellent means to convey experience with True & Magnetic course, tracks & bearings.

·        The Instructor Development Survey is probably related to the instructor standards that will eventually come.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Bruce A Holden, SN

 

District Secretary                                   Lem Tamm

 No Report

 District Public Relations Officer          Les Armstrong

 

 PRO Workshop will be deferred to a later date - possibly May

 

 District Membership Officer                 Thor Olsen

 No report.

 

  District MAREP Officer                       Diane Allan P

 

DISTRICT MAREP REPORT

Feb 17, 2010

 

Tour of the Weather Channel network on Bristol Circle in Oakville on March 10th

There are two spots remaining -- Please advise if interested.

 

Respectfully submitted

Diane Allan

 

   Past District Commander                       P/D/C/ Darryl Lankin

 

Past District Commander’s Report

To Niagara District Council

January 20, 2010

 

The Nominating Committee Report ready to be released - it will be forwarded to the District Secretary for distribution.

 

Respectfully submitted,

PDC Darryl Lankin SN

 

   Electronic Communications                    Ernie Whalley

   Web Master

Communications Officer Report

For 17 Feb. 2010

I am unable to attend the meeting this evening as I’m teaching the Radar Course in

Guelph. It finishes up this evening.

We have noted a number of errors in the Radar course. I will be preparing a report

for the Guelph TO, and he will forward to the DTO when it’s completed.

Filling in for Ken Budd who was ill at the time, I had the opportunity to speak about

CPS, at the Royal City Men's Club, in Guelph, on the 4th February.

 

Regarding the District web site:

All officers’ reports received for this evenings meeting and the minutes of the Jan.

2010 meeting have been posted.

 

This is a repeat from the January meeting. Apparently it was not submitted.

I paid a bill in the amount of Cdn$33.58 to Mecca International for two years of web

hosting.

I re-submit the attached invoice for payment.

 

I would like to raise the following for discussion and action:

An attractive CPS ad has been appearing at Sail Magazine’s web site.

There are two issues.

 1) The ad states, ” Everyone driving a boat or jetski needs to have the CPS operator card”- The statement is false advertising and is beneath the standards the members of CPS stand for.

 

2.) The ad goes on; “---- expand your horizons with the CPS Boating Course”,

(great, so far, but then goes on to state); “ or just write the exam”.

This is a horrible insult to the squadron folks that are doing everything in their power

and then some, to get students in the classroom. If they can’t, we have lost them

forever. The last thing they need is an ad suggesting, “just write the exam”

The ad should be withdrawn and revised immediately.

 

A copy of the ad is attached.

 

Respectfully submitted

DCO Ernest Whalley SN

  

District Youth Education Officer             Brian Elder AP

   No Report

 

 District Ports Captain                                Cal Traver

    No Report

  

  Environmental Officer                               TBA

 

  Instructional Techniques                             Ken Budd  AP

 

Instructor Development Officer’s Report

Niagara District Meeting        Feb. 17/10

 

The course is set for the 27th of February and March 20th, 0900 – 1600 hrs. Please note we start sharp at 0900.  The venue is the Canadian Auto Workers Hall on Silvercreek Parkway just north of Woodlawn Rd.

Coffee breaks are provided, however we do not provide lunch. There are several facilities available in the immediate area.  I have five candidates as of this time with room for one more. Time required to hear the final presentations prohibits more than six participants.  I would expect to have another added no later than Wednesday at the District meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Budd, I.D. Officer

  

 District 6 Liaison                                           P/D/C Jeff Eggleton AP

 

Visit District 6 on the web at: http://www.usps.org/localusps/d6 to view the latest news

   

    District Bylaws and Protocol                         Brian Elder AP

    No report

 

    District Historian                                            P/D/C Darryl Lankin

    No report

 

    District Flag Officer                                       P/D/C Percy Brown SN

  

   Two sets of Squadron pennants and flags are available on request for use by

   District Squadrons

 

    Assistant  DTO West                                       Steven Cheu

     No Report

 

    Assistant  DTO Mid                                         Mike West 

     No Report

 

4. DISCUSSION OF OFFICERS’ REPORTS

 

Moved by: Ken Budd                            Seconded by: Thor Olsen

 

That the Officer’s Reports be accepted as presented.

 

No Discussion

Carried

 

5. TREASURER’S REPORT and ACCEPTANCE

In the absence of the treasurer read by Secretary

As of January 31, 2009

 

General Account                                                632.40

Conference Account                                          689.29

Training Account                                                721.35

Special Savings Account                                 9619.46

Nat. Hospitality Account                                      87.07

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CIBC Bank Account                                    $ 11,749.57

 

Head Quarters                                                       85.50

Net Worth                                                     $ 11,835.07

 

Respectfully Submitted

Sharon Reeve

District Treasurer

 

Moved by: Lem Tamm                    Seconded by: David Bull

 

That the Treasurer’s report be accepted as read

Discussion: none

Carried

 

6. PAYMENT OF DISTRICT BILLS

 

Bills Submitted

Web Administrator         Domain Renewal - Internet                                    $33.58

 

Moved by: Jim Brown                    Seconded by: Ken Budd

 

To accept payment of District Bills as read

 

Discussion: none

Carried

 

7. REPORTS OF SQUADRON COMMANDERS

 

BRANT :                                        Linda Knapp

 

A Boat Pro has been organized to begin the end of April, with a VHF course immediately following. 

 

The Squadron AGM and Chili Cookoff has been scheduled for May 18th and at this time is to take place at the Pinegrove Community Centre.

 

Our annual Summer Solstice BBQ and Graduation will take place June 21st also at Pinegrove.

 

March 6th we are planning our Winter Rendezvous to be held at the Best Western in Brantford with dinner at 6:30 and a cost of $30.00 per person.  Dave and Sue Williams are going to give a presentation on their Atlantic crossing.  A few rooms have been set aside for any wishing to stay that night.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Linda

 

BURLINGTON                             Larry Kretz

No Report

 

CAMBRIDGE:                               Al Saynor

No Report

 

FORT ERIE                                    Steven Cheu

 

FORT ERIE POWER & SAIL SQUADRON REPORT

Wednesday Feb 17, 2010

 

Fort Erie Squadron has just started the Boating Course last week with three students registered and possibly two more taking the course.  We are in the middle of the Seamanship course with five students doing well.

 

The Niagara Outdoor Show is being held sometime in late February or early March, with Fort Erie Power & Sail Squadron operating a booth.  We will be promoting our squadron and our courses, as well as offering challenges to the BoatPro exam for those who want to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

 

Fort Erie has agreed to host the Niagara District AGM, with D/A/O Garry VanZandt in charge of organizing it.  Saturday, April 17, 2010 has been confirmed and more details will follow.

 

We are making plans for our graduation and AGM; I will inform D/C Jim Brown and his Bridge of the dates as soon as we have them confirmed.

 

Fort Erie’s next Bridge meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 3 at 1900 at May Wah Restaurant.

 

Steven Cheu, P

Commander

Fort Erie Power & Sail Squadron

 

GUELPH                                          Nick Wenzler

 No report

 

HAMILTON:                                   Vicky Grimshaw

 

Safe Boating Week Discrepancies causing ill will

 

CPS Canadian Safe Boating Awareness Week

May 28-June 4, 2010

 

Canadian Safe Boating Council

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week - May 22-28, 2010

 

Issue should be noted by National – competition over opposing weeks not helpful.

 

KITCHENER- WATERLOO:         Ken Amy

No report

 

PORT COLBORNE:                         Harvey Zaturski  

 

Port Colborne held a registration on Jan. 20th for a boating class & V.H.F class.

As a result, we have three students for the boating class and possibly six people

for the V.H.F. class to be held later. A small class is better than no class at all.

As our course will go well into the end of April, we will not be holding our A.G.M.

and graduation until early May.

 

Respectfully submitted

Cdr. Harvey Zaturski

 

 

PORT DALHOUSIE:                         David Bull 

Port Dalhousie Squadron

Report to District

February 17, 2010

 

Current course registrations

 

Boating - 16

Seamanship - 5 (4 new and 1 repeat)

Junior Navigator - 3

Celestial Navigation - 1

 

Important Dates

 

Squadron AGM -Wednesday April 14, 2000, Dalhousie Yacht Club, Bridge members and invited guests will meet at 1800 for dinner.

 

VHF Course - May 4. May 11, 1900 - 2100, Dalhousie Yacht Club

 

Boating Graduation - Saturday May 8, 1130, Dalhousie Yacht Club

 

Respectfully submitted

David Bull, Commander

 

PORT DOVER:                                  Robert Crane        

 

PORT DOVER SQUADRON

REPORT FOR NIAGARA DISTRICT MEETING

February 17, 2010

 

1. Outlined below are our training courses being offered this winter, followed by the number

of students registered.

  a. VHF - 20 registered

  b. Radar Course – 6 registered

2. Friday, April 16, 2010 will be our Graduation Dinner and AGM at the Royal Canadian

Legion, 212 Market St E, Port Dover.

3. We will be having a display booth at two local Open House/Boat Shows:

  a. Bridge Yachts Boat Show, March 27th & 28th at their store in Port Dover

  b. Proctor Marine, April 10th at their store in Simcoe

4. District Commander Jim Brown is planning to attend our next Bridge Meeting scheduled for February 18th.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Bob Crane, Commander

Port Dover Squadron

 

Moved by: Thor Olsen                 Seconded by: Kim Pullman

 

That the Squadron Commander’s Reports be accepted as presented.

Discussion: None

 

 Carried

 

8. ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 

Are there any ERRORS OR OMISSIONS?

None Noted

 

Moved by: David Bull                    Seconded by: Bill Allan

 

That the Jan 20, 2010 Minutes be accepted as presented.

 

Discussion: None

Carried

 

9. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

.

None

 

10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

TRUE AND MAGNETIC LABELING

Report on Old Business: True and Magnetic Labeling

To Niagara District Council

Feb 17th, 2010 

During the Jan 20th, 2010 District Meeting an item was raise by Garry Van Zandt, Admin Officer, on true and magnetic labeling of course lines and bearings as the result of a Dec 2009 National Geographic article on moving poles.  Following the discussion that ensued, I undertook to investigate the background and rationale for the Training Department’s decision to label in both True and Magnetic.

Not only have the two National Geographic articles (Dec 2009 & Dec 2005), referenced by Garry, been examined, but also the CPS’s Course Plotting and Labelling Standards, the CPS’s Boating Student Notes, the CPS’s Seamanship Student Notes, the minutes of CPS’s Training Department for March 2007 and the minutes of Oct 2007.  Discussion with fellow officer, most notably the current National Training Officer, has been quite revealing. 

At the Spring Training Meeting of March 2007, an investigation was initiated and a report requested for the Fall Training Meeting of Oct 25, 2007 on the topic of True and Magnetic Labeling.  The Curriculum Committee (CurCom) Chair was asked to form a special task team to review and advise the Training Department.  The team included members of the CurCom, and Course Directors of the affected courses, Boating, Seamanship, Advanced Piloting, Celestial Navigation & Electronic Navigation.

Please note the mandate consisted of examining labeling in ‘True only’ or in ‘True & Magnetic both’.  The direction limited plotting to ‘True’ and did not contemplate plotting in ‘Magnetic’.  However, the discussion did wander into comments on ‘plotting in Magnetic’ from time to time. 

At the Fall Training Meeting, Peter Girling, CurCom Chair, presented the requested analysis. 

Summary Analysis follows:

True Labelling, Only

  • Traditional method
  • Used in Bowditch
  • True labels never change
  • Educationally, true labels are more rigorous
  • Avoids changing course material, exams, & marking keys

(e.g.: Seamanship going into beta test)

True & Magnetic Labelling, Both

  • Facilitates use of handheld compass
  • Facilitates use of ship’s compass
  • Cruising Guides labeled in magnetic
  • (safer to label both; avoids 2nd guessing)
  • Facilitates use of USPS resources(USPS changed to magnetic labeling 4yrs prior)
  • USPS re-evaluated magnetic labeling Sept 2007 & decided to retain

The analysis by the special task team provides reasons for both ‘True only’ and ‘True & Magnetic’ labeling.  The reported analysis does not indicate a unanimous position by the special task team for either case.

Discussion by Training Department Members

Following the report of the special task team, a discussion of the members, as a whole, occurred and is summarized in the following comments:

True Labelling Only

  • Vancouver CCG labels in true only as they use gyrocompasses
  • Instructors have more difficulty introducing labeling in both than students for whom labeling is new
  • Some sophisticated boats have calibrated all systems & instruments to True

 

True & Magnetic, Both

  • USCG labels in magnetic
  • By show of hands, many Trng Dept Members label in magnetic
  • Small boat operators usually pre-label in magnetic for use with handheld compasses

Morton Biback, ANTO & Electronic Navigation Chair added to the discussion the following, and then recent, comments on the USPS experience:

·         Steering by handheld is more practically & less confusing when done with magnetic labels

·         Inclusion of magnetic labels does not affect the tools of navigation

·         Communication with USCG is facilitated since they use magnetic

·         Magnetic works best for small boats since they cannot steer a true course accurately 

The results of a straw vote on three possibilities resulted in the following:

·         Few Training Dept Members wanted to plot & label in true only,

·         A few more wanted to plot in true & label in magnetic only, and

·         The majority preferred to plot in true & label in both true & magnetic.

As a result, it was decided by the majority to prepare a motion for the next day to plot in true and to label course lines and bearings in true and magnetic. 

The motion

The next day, a motion was made by Peter Girling, CirCom Chair, and seconded by Stewart Robinson, Boating Course Director, stating that courses and bearings be plotted in True and labeled in True and Magnetic. 

The discussion considered:

·         Students taking Boating use magnetic

·         CPaLs had just been completed by Dave Durward & Duane Partee (Rev 2007)

·         Seamanship is beta testing & is all in true

·         Immediate change to labeling in both creates a major change in course material

·         GPS should be added to course material

·          Direction was indicated:      - proceed with beta testing Seamanship as is                                            

                                                  -  proceed with a phased rollout over a few years

- instructors to accept both labeling

- markers not to mark magnetic as wrong

The motion carried.

Conclusion:

It is important to note that the change in the Oct 2007 motion was quite limited.  Plotting continues to be done in True.  Courses and bearings are now noted in True and Magnetic.  The labeling accommodates and places no burden upon either a sophisticated boat system or a rudimentary navigation method.

It is necessary for the boater to understand and use the T-V-M-D-C relationship.  These values are calculated and entered into the Deck Log and most probably in the Navigator’s notebook, regardless of the notebook’s formality.  There is no conflict between the Standard and the educational fundamentals asserted in our courses.

The fact that the poles move with time, or possibly circle, is consistent with the instruction provided to our students.  We rely on the Canadian Hydrographic Service to indicate the variation and the rate of change of variation on the compass rose of the charts.  We teach our students precisely the method to interpret and use this information.  Plotting True and labeling True and Magnetic is consistent with the earth’s physical realities and the instructed methods.

Concerns that lead to the suggestion to eliminate magnetic labeling appear to reside only in Niagara District.  There are other vocal Squadrons and Districts across the country.  No other entity, to date, has suggested that the elimination of magnetic labeling is needed.

At this point in time, very significant content and system improvements are underway in CPS.  It has been suggested that it may be more worthy of the limited resources to progress the improvements than to pursue labeling topics that have been accommodated essentially across the country.

 After careful consideration, I am unable to find, at this time, a scientific, procedural, instrumentation or system reason that compels a request to the Training Department to revert to True only labeling.

  Respectfully submitted,

Bruce A Holden, SN

Niagara District Training Officer

11. NEW BUSINESS

 

CPS ADVERTISING IN SAIL MAGAZINE

 

Jim has spoken to the Marketing Group at CPS re. the ad mentioned by Ernie referencing challenging the PCOC

 

AGM  2010

 

Fort Erie has agreed to host the 2010 AGM on April 17, 2010

Details to follow.

 

For those who received District Trophies last year at the AGM, please remember to return them to Garry VanZandt.

 

SQUADRON EVENTS – DISRICT PRESENCE

Please submit all dates for upcoming Squadron AGM and Graduation events.

 

SQUADRON NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORTS

Due to members at least 14 days prior to the event – do not leave it too late.

 

MAREP WEATHER CHANNEL TOUR

Tour of the weather channel network - Bristol Circle in Oakville - March 10th. There are 2 spaces still available.

 

INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE

 

Moved by: Jim Brown                         Seconded by: Percy Brown

 

That District approve funding for expenses Instructor Development Program up to the amount of $150.00

 

Discussion:   None

Carried

 

Note: participation in this program will meet future certification credentials efforts for CPS Instructors

 

BRIDGE AND SQUADRON COMMANDERS’ REPORTS

 

Please send to Ernie Whalley for posting on the web–site three days prior to our meeting

and to the Secretary when available.

 

VHF  RADIO OPERATION

 

Reported - Peel OPP, apparently has indicated, that they may charge individuals for VHF operation without a ROC Maritime certificate.

 

DISTRICT MEETING NIGHT

A query was made about the possibility that District might consider change of meeting night from Wednesday.

As long as arrangement with the Canadian Centre for Inland Waterways holds, there is no desire to change from Wednesday.

Garry will have to confirm that there is no issue with continuing to hold our meetings there.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Get involved prior to February to encourage re-enlistment

Make sure that any transferred members are include here

Important to encourage Associate Members who do not have the same incentive toto renew – get them involved in something

 

Some of the Reasons you will hear for not renewing

 - Don’t own a boat (anymore)

 - Don’t see the value in membership

 

Give a Prize for Early Renewal – e.g. – a draw for free membership(s)

 

Renew by Feb 15 to save HQ money on not sending out more paperwork.

Non-Renewal Reports available on the Web to track renewals.

Membership Retention Handbook is available online.

Have a Membership Phone Team to ease the load.

Get Members involved!

 

 

12. NEXT DISTRICT MEETING

 

 Wednesday March 17, 2009 at 2000 Hours

 CANADA CENTRE FOR INLAND WATERS,

 Lakeshore Road and Eastport Drive,

 Burlington

 

13. TERMINATION

 

Moved by: Ken Budd                 Seconded by: Kim Pullman

That the meeting be terminated

 

Carried – Terminated:  2201 hrs