Transcript What is Program Visitation (for the USPS)

 The
Power Squadrons and Coast
Guard Auxiliary share a common
goal – Boating Safety
 Joint commitment to a key
community outreach program –
Vessel Safety Checks
A
key element of the Recreational
Boating Safety (RBS) outreach
effort
 Promotes safe boating through
local businesses, offices, and
marine dealerships
 Distributes safety-related
brochures, training opportunities,
and Vessel Safety Check
information
 Save
lives and property
 Increase public awareness of the
organization
 Enhance the organization’s image
 Recruit new members
 Recruit
partner facilities for
education programs
 Promote other programs:
◦ America’s Boating Course
◦ Boating education programs
◦ Seminars
◦ Vessel Safety Checks
 Program
Visitors
 Program Partners
 Recreational boating public
 Critical
to a successful program
 Specially trained and certified
member
 Very knowledgeable about
organization’s missions,
recreational boating safety, and
the U.S. Coast Guard
 Program
Visitor is an:
◦ Educator
◦ Good will ambassador
◦ Recruiter
◦ Salesperson
◦ Source of information
 Make
a commitment
 Be assigned a mentor
 Study the manual and material
 Pass the exam
 Conduct supervised visits
 Receive a certification
 Maintain currency
 Businesses
that volunteer to assist
with distributing RBS literature
 Allow the display of literature
display racks in their
establishments
 Marinas
 Bait
shops
 Boat ramps
 Repair stations
 Boating supply stores
 Doctor’s
offices
 Grocery stores
 Gas stations
 Coffee shops
 Hardware stores
 The list is as good as you make it!
 Initial
contact
◦ Know the potential partner before
you contact them
◦ Understand the partner’s needs
◦ Know what materials are applicable
to the partner
◦ Wear appropriate attire
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Explain the benefits of participation
Provide a professional display of
materials
Service them regularly
Be reliable and available, when
needed
Stress commitment to boating
safety
 Find
box
a good spot for the display
◦ Using the display promotes the
organization’s programs and
missions
◦ Promote boating safety events like
National Boating Safety Week
◦ Promote boater classes, vessel safety
check events, and membership

Consists of:
◦ Vessel Safety Check
information
◦ Life jacket wear
◦ State and local
boating handouts
◦ Information about
classes & vessel
safety check events
Get a
professional
photo of the new
box
Enhance Boating Safety image with
public
 Stay current on information and
programs of interest
 Provide closer contact with the
Program Visitor for answers to
questions

Source: USCG Imagery: http://www.uscgboating.org/gallery/default.aspx
 Enhances
public education
 Better awareness of federal, state
and local safety requirements
 Awareness of organization’s
missions and services
 Understand boat owner’s and
operator’s responsibilities
 Vast,
untapped resource
 2010 statistics indicate there are:
◦ 82 million adult Americans
participating in recreational boating
◦ 12.7 million boats registered in the
United States
 Participation
in the RBS Program
Visitation program enhances
recreational boating safety by:
◦ Increasing contact with the
public
◦ Broadening distribution of
boating safety information
It has been a pleasure meeting with you.