Service Cruise

[boat_dr]

This was posted on the BOC web sight, anybody interested? By an MI BO


2009 Bayliner Owners Club Military Servicemen Outing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My last post was in response to a story in another thread which talked about the daughter of one of our members being given free coffee and a first class upgrade on one of her recent flights for serving her country. That thread had prompted me to talk about my service in the Army and how I was also treated upon my return from IRAQ 18 years ago. This got me to thinking about how we as the BOC could do something to give back to our current service men and women. So here comes an idea....

Would anyone else be interested in setting up a nationwide boat outing day/weekend/month in 2009 to take out these people on our boats? I'm talking about the injured, still healthy, men and women which have finished or are on leave from their tours in Iraq and abroad... This would mean multiple locations, putting soldiers together with us and kind of letting you do the leg work to possibly finding more boats near you to accomodate everyone. There would be many details to discuss.

I think we Bayliner owners are of a different breed of boaters which want to spread the infection of our loave of boats... Am I wrong to think that? Is this too big of an idea? I think in terms of website programming and to set this up would be doable. We set up a list of boaters, locations, dates, and capacities. We work to publicize the event to get connected with the soldiers, we assign them to certain captains nationwide, we capture the event on our cameras, and post our pics and videos and such online. And maybe we do it every year!

One of the things which makes me think that this is a possibility is that this past summer and the summer before that I participated in an event in which we take out kids which are currently and have beaten cancer among other illnesses. We take them out on Lake Michigan for a 2-3 hour boat ride to the next harbor to the north and back and then treat them to lunch and a pool party at the marina. The kids love it.

[SomeSailor]

Sounds like a great idea. Are you gonna be coordinating it on your end?

I'd be willing to participate and I'm sure others would as well.

[Nehalennia]

I think it would be good to see if we can make a destination with coordinated BBQ on the other end. Like if We shuttle Our Service Men and Women from Everett to Langley and with approval from Langley, set up a "Q" there in the parking lot. I'm sure we can get donations for the food.

May be more popular in better weather around here though.

[dumluck53]

I have participated in Tacoma Yacht Club's program for a number of years. They do the same thing. I have met some very fine people.

I would be willing to participate however, before commiting I would have to consider the details due to fuel costs for a one day event.

I do like to support our military, though.

[boat_dr]

Unfortunatly I am in Las Vegas and get to the NW for 2-3 months at a time. I would be happy to participate and help but I don't have any contacts in the NW.

[boat_dr]

I have passed this on to the Navy Yacht Club Everett. We may have a real snowball rolling. Maybe this could become a multiclub function. I don't even know if that is possible

[SomeSailor]

Are you a member of the Navy Yacht Club also? (Doug and I are as well). They've got LOTS of big boats in their club. I'm sure they'd be able to do it right.

[boat_dr]

Are you a member of the Navy Yacht Club also? (Doug and I are as well). They've got LOTS of big boats in their club. I'm sure they'd be able to do it right.

Sent to Dale, Check web site

[Skagit_Prince]

I would love to help where ever I can

[Skagit_Prince]

I was working on this while in the shower this morning. I am to far out to think about major involvment, but this is what I do for a living. I may even be able to get the Corp I work for to provide a little free transportation with handicap busses. We have several facilities down in that area.
I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, just love to assist people reach there full activity potential. And give 110% support to our Vets from all theaters of war.

I did something like this, this summer. 24 residents and 10 volunteers bussed out to Cornet Bay where we boarded the Deception Pass Senic Cruise ship for a tour. It took well over an hour just to get everyone onboard. We had to log and bucket lift every person aboard and up over seats to make it happen. The smiles made it worth all the work. The lagistics need to be worked out for the boarding and unboarding of the Vets. I would sugest that we would need to have transfer trained personal standing by to assist. My wife and I are both trained and am sure we can come up with a few more volunteers for this endeavor.

"Hats Off" to you all for such a wonderful venture!

[Skagit_Prince]

Are we still interested in this project. I have feelers at Divisional looking into transportation (handicaped equipped busses) I also have another volunteer lined up, she is a Disabled experienced LPN who assisited me in my last boat venture. Now would be the time to start the planning stage.

This is such a great operation that with or without IBNW I plan to be a part of it.

Richard

[SomeSailor]

Put together the specifics of it. I'm sure many people would be interested, but with the size of many of our boats it might limit their safe use, and I'm not sure, but Coast Guard may wanna see six pack licenses and liability insurances?

[Skagit_Prince]

Put together the specifics of it. I'm sure many people would be interested, but with the size of many of our boats it might limit their safe use, and I'm not sure, but Coast Guard may wanna see six pack licenses and liability insurances?

There should be no need of licenser as long as it is all volunteer and load limits are adhered to. The big hurdle that may well kill the whole idea, is the loading and unloading. From experience I know just how complicated it is to get disabled persons on and off a boat. My 2350 would be impossible unless there was a Hoyer lift available and even then I have my doubts. It would require large open boats hhhhmmmmmmmmmm..........New idea. My son is in thr reserves at Tacoma. They have all sorts of ships and large open landing craft. They invite family members out on a picknick every year. The landing craft can be pulled right up to a boat launch, drop there bow and wheel em aboard. I will have to rattle his cage. Would be funny....The Army taking service men to sea.:argh2

[SomeSailor]

Yeah... depending on what sort of disabilities you're talking about, it could be difficult, if not down right dangerous.

Sounds like a great idea, and I'd love to help out, but I think a lot of forethought would have to go into it to be sure safety and comfort is accounted for.

[Skagit_Prince]

Yeah... depending on what sort of disabilities you're talking about, it could be difficult, if not down right dangerous.

Sounds like a great idea, and I'd love to help out, but I think a lot of forethought would have to go into it to be sure safety and comfort is accounted for.

I guess working daily with disabilities I tend to forget that there are those who still walk. Out if 105 average census I would work with at most 2 ambulatory residents. In my world all activity functions are geared to the wheel chair level. And we still go on boats, ride horses, fish, play pool..................Everything everybody does but walk. It does require an open mind and help.

[SomeSailor]

I've worked as a Divemaster in Hawaii and have taken double amputees and even a blind guy down. Wheelchair divers need special accommodations in many cases is all I was wanting to share. With the weather conditions we get here, planning to have someone aboard who couldn't necessarily use the head, or get in and dry are also things to keep in mind.

That's one reason I suggested the Navy Yacht Club. The have some really large trawler folks that could make it a lot of fun.

My 2859 is available if you get this organized. Just lemme know what you get figured out.

[Play N Hookie II]

I've worked as a Divemaster in Hawaii and have taken double amputees and even a blind guy down. Wheelchair divers need special accommodations in many cases is all I was wanting to share. With the weather conditions we get here, planning to have someone aboard who couldn't necessarily use the head, or get in and dry are also things to keep in mind.

That's one reason I suggested the Navy Yacht Club. The have some really large trawler folks that could make it a lot of fun.

My 2859 is available if you get this organized. Just lemme know what you get figured out.

I have a friend who is a licensed scuba instructor. She is part of a group that teaches scuba to disabled veterans. I was going to get my divemaster cert this year to help her. I don't have the necessary amount of time to get that done as of yet. She trained 6 or 8 other friends of ours to DM for the group.

[SomeSailor]

I haven't kept my DM dues up so it's been awhile, but one of the first things you learn is conservatism. I'm not saying a boat trip for a disabled Vet is not a worthwhile idea, just be sure we're doing things safely.

I wouldn't (for example), be able to safely get a chair-bound person onto my boat, downstairs out of the weather, or off the boat and into a raft or life jacket safely. There would have to be some guidelines for mobility standards when looking at many of our boats.

It's just the prudent thing to do. Now... if a guy or gal can walk on and off... it's a whole new game. Count me in.

[Skagit_Prince]

I already loaded and unloaded 24 wheel chair bond persons to/from a none wheel chair accesable boat. This was done safely and the people who went (many for the first time ever aboard) had a graet time and still talk about it. All is takes is properly trained personal with a POSITIVE attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile to help out those who have already given great sacrafice. This is not lip service or a I did this once, this is what I do 5 days a week for a living and volunteer holidays and weekends to boot. What I did Thanksgiving day and what I will be doing Christmas day. The rewards in smiles goes far beyond anything I else I could think of doing for the holidays. And my family understands, infact most of them have got the bug and help when and where they can also. They get that a cando attitude moves mountians.
After viewing all the negative responses I have seen on here I think I will just continue on with out IBNW. I have already got a group of positive people working on can do instead of can't do. I am not willing to leave someone at the doc. All should have the same chance and will at my party

Thanks for your time
Richard

[Go Aweigh2452]

Hey Richard, I am still interested... I am sure others are also. I've been following this thread for a while and have no problems with this. Just did not see a need to respond yet... your response got me to post...

I actually have a trip script on board my boat that would be fun for DV's. I make a visitor run starting in Port Orchard, drive by the mothball fleet pointing out the various ships there and some history about them. Then we head to the Ballard locks, run to the opening of Lake WA and anchor, have lunch and continue on to Bill's house, spend a few minutes passing around the floor plans and some neat stuff Bill has done inside the house... etc. We then cruise back through the locks and depending on weather, etc, stop by Blake Island and do the Salmon feed or just head back via Agate Pass and smooth water back to home base... Takes all day and is a lot of fun...

Would that work?

[Skagit_Prince]

Doug that sounds like a great itinerary. I would love to go on that one. We will propabley need to shorten it up for some. With multple boats we can load for longer or shorter outings depending on needs. My thoughts for most is one vet per boat, max of two. This would give them more room for maneuvering on deck and some privacy should they need to use a urnal. And of coarse it will have to come down to wheather permiting, with multiple launch dates prearranged. I am thinking around the 4th of july or later. More chances of a sunny day later in the month. Lots of things to get set up. The first will be compiling a list of available boats, so we can figure a head count. We will need to look at the boats and figure loading. We will also need lots of volunteers. Another choice is to procure a open tour type boat. Perhaps some of you down in the area can look into that, or maybe even have an "in" with a tour boat owner. Lots to think about, but it is doable.

Richard

[tolly28]

I've been watching this thread with interest, but I have to say that some might be putting the cart before the horse.... The way I read the original post is that this cruise is intended for injured, but still healthy individuals...

Might be best to get some more information before making too many plans.:)



This was posted on the BOC web sight, anybody interested? By an MI BO


2009 Bayliner Owners Club Military Servicemen Outing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My last post was in response to a story in another thread which talked about the daughter of one of our members being given free coffee and a first class upgrade on one of her recent flights for serving her country. That thread had prompted me to talk about my service in the Army and how I was also treated upon my return from IRAQ 18 years ago. This got me to thinking about how we as the BOC could do something to give back to our current service men and women. So here comes an idea....

Would anyone else be interested in setting up a nationwide boat outing day/weekend/month in 2009 to take out these people on our boats? I'm talking about the injured, still healthy, men and women which have finished or are on leave from their tours in Iraq and abroad... This would mean multiple locations, putting soldiers together with us and kind of letting you do the leg work to possibly finding more boats near you to accomodate everyone. There would be many details to discuss.

I think we Bayliner owners are of a different breed of boaters which want to spread the infection of our loave of boats... Am I wrong to think that? Is this too big of an idea? I think in terms of website programming and to set this up would be doable. We set up a list of boaters, locations, dates, and capacities. We work to publicize the event to get connected with the soldiers, we assign them to certain captains nationwide, we capture the event on our cameras, and post our pics and videos and such online. And maybe we do it every year!

One of the things which makes me think that this is a possibility is that this past summer and the summer before that I participated in an event in which we take out kids which are currently and have beaten cancer among other illnesses. We take them out on Lake Michigan for a 2-3 hour boat ride to the next harbor to the north and back and then treat them to lunch and a pool party at the marina. The kids love it.

[Nehalennia]

Doug's got a good intinerary, but I was thinking it may be a good idea to involve the CG, get their input and maybe assistance if not awareness. Since the Navy base in Everett may have the people we're interested helping + the Oak Harbor NAS we can make a run from Everett to Oak Harbor with a possible escort from either Naval or CG or at least assistance in loading unloading on shore at each end.

[SomeSailor]

I'd really recommend working this through the base PAO if you tried that. NS Everett for example is still within the exclusion zone. You'd have to arrange passage through there and back to the Navy Marina (behind C Dock).

As far as Oak Harbor, that's yet another PAO contact. If you ask the Coast Guard, I'd bet they're still going to recommend a OUPV (Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vehicle) or "6-Pack license".

Liability-wise I think this REALLY needs to be better planned out. I would love to help out, but simply getting a list of boats together without understanding the restrictions, capabilities, special needs and safety concerns of those you're talking about is putting the cart ahead of the horse (as previously mentioned).

Count me in for helping... but this shouldn't be anything that puts an individual or group in a position where someone gets hurt or disappointed.

Is there a website, a coordinator or something for this? Is this a national level thing you're talking about? (I see you on BOC as well). Either way, I think proper planning is crucial.

[Nehalennia]

I'd really recommend working this through the base PAO if you tried that. NS Everett for example is still within the exclusion zone. You'd have to arrange passage through there and back to the Navy Marina (behind C Dock).

As far as Oak Harbor, that's yet another PAO contact. If you ask the Coast Guard, I'd bet they're still going to recommend a OUPV (Operator of Un-inspected Passenger Vehicle) or "6-Pack license".

Liability-wise I think this REALLY needs to be better planned out. I would love to help out, but simply getting a list of boats together without understanding the restrictions, capabilities, special needs and safety concerns of those you're talking about is putting the cart ahead of the horse (as previously mentioned).

Count me in for helping... but this shouldn't be anything that puts an individual or group in a position where someone gets hurt or disappointed.

Is there a website, a coordinator or something for this? Is this a national level thing you're talking about? (I see you on BOC as well). Either way, I think proper planning is crucial.

Yeah, I'm willing to help or participate as well, but well beyond my baliwick to set-up or organize.

[Skagit_Prince]

I've been watching this thread with interest, but I have to say that some might be putting the cart before the horse.... The way I read the original post is that this cruise is intended for injured, but still healthy individuals...

Might be best to get some more information before making too many plans.:)

Sorry I don't believe that leaving someone at the doc because they are more disabled then you want to deal with is ok. Think this through, are you willing to say to a vet, sorry that you gave a leg but I am not willing to deal with you on my boat.

Maybe I am over the line. Not the first time I have been accused of not letting the public define what a hadicap is. Or where the line is on what is "To Handicapped to Participate"

"Injured, but still healthy" would you like to define that so I can tell the DV's I work with everyday what that means to them. Better yet come and tell them yourself, I will stand and watch.

[tolly28]

This is a quote from the original post. Please read it...

"Would anyone else be interested in setting up a nationwide boat outing day/weekend/month in 2009 to take out these people on our boats? I'm talking about the injured, still healthy, men and women which have finished or are on leave from their tours in Iraq and abroad... This would mean multiple locations, putting soldiers together with us and kind of letting you do the leg work to possibly finding more boats near you to accomodate everyone. There would be many details to discuss."

I'm not saying that anyone should be left at the dock....

However, it looks to me the original post spelled it out that the cruise was intended for those who are more or less able-bodied, but that could just be my interpretation of someone elses words.

[Skagit_Prince]

Even better. you guys all sit around and talk about how you wish you could of helped and I will go and make it happen local. I am done here.

[tolly28]

Even better. you guys all sit around and talk about how you wish you could of helped and I will go and make it happen local. I am done here.

Now that's a spirit of cooperation!

[SomeSailor]

Even better. you guys all sit around and talk about how you wish you could of helped and I will go and make it happen local. I am done here.

From the beginning of this you've seemed put off by any sort of caution. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I'm telling you that being concerned for the safety, comfort and dignity of a service member isn't unpatriotic or disrespectful.

I have a 28 foot boat. It would be perfect for taking a group of servicemen fishing or sightseeing, but would not be the best choice for someone depending on a chair.

Lots of things come to mind:


Loading / Unloading
Protection from the weather
Head facilities
Safety (engine problem, dead battery, fire)
Space concerns, etc

Don't get me wrong... Most on here would love to help out, but don't start calling names and getting all defensive if someone asks questions.