Minutes of the February, 2005, BAMSAR meeting, held at Brookhaven. Thanks to Chiefs Jim Vaz and Don Prince, and the BHFD Dive Team for their hospitality.
Present: Bayport, Patchogue, Bellport, Brookhaven, Mastic Beach, Center Moriches, Eastport.
Excused: Mastic.
Old Business:
Dive Rescue 1 paperwork was signed by Brookhaven FD Chiefs, so it can be advertised for the 20th-22nd of May. See Training section below for more info. We need to ask Randy for the use of the pool for that Friday afternoon, for the skills session.
Dive Rescue 2 (Columbus Day weekend; 08,09, 10 October) needs a sponsor. If you’re interested, please let Tim Dahlen know by next meeting.
We need to plan a current dive drill for this year, in addition to the DR 2 course.
ID cards were discussed again. Several designs were discussed. A member of Brookhaven’s team has a business that can help us with this, also.
Water rescue matrix for the Town of Brookhaven should be coming out soon- possibly next month. The book should also cover what qualifications each team has.
John will start revising the BAMSAR matrix next month, when all updates are in.
Boating Safety Week activities were discussed. Bill Biondi’s recommendation that we go visit local marinas and hand out boating safety literature was agreed upon. Bill and John will coordinate with the Coast Guard and the Power Squadron on this. The more we can educate the boating public, the safer our waters will be.
Pool drill at Brookhaven Lab is still on for Sunday, the 27th, at 1000. John needs the names of all participants by no later than 20 February, in order to get you on the access list. John’s e-mail is o_foghladha@yahoo.com. The Lab imposed a new requirement on us this year, in that we have to show a certificate of insurance. Those teams participating are asked to provide same, as well.
New Business:
Welcome letters were sent to Stony Brook, Miller Place and Sound Beach Chiefs. Rocky Point is also interested in joining us. Minutes will be sent out to them, along with a letter, asking them if the BAMSAR officers can sit down with their individual departments and department officers, at their convenience, in order to acquaint them with what it is we do.
Patchogue needed a swap for the August meeting. Brookhaven FD volunteered to host.
Training:
Hampton Dive Center has the following courses available:
DAN Emergency First Responder & Oxygen Provider: 16 & 17 February, 6pm.
(Come in ASAP to register and pick up materials) Total for books and instruction: $165.
Nitrox Class: 18 February, 7 pm. (Come in ASAP to register and pick up materials).
Basic Open Water Classes: Mondays & Wednesdays, starting 28 February. Class: $199; Course material: $99. Pricing on equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) varies. Ask about their All-inclusive package.
Dive Rescue 1: Brookhaven FD, host. $340/man. Dates are 20, 21 & 22 May. Dive Rescue International has an application on its website: www.diverescueintl.com. Or, you can let Tim Dahlen know at our next meeting.
Next meeting: Thursday, 10 March, 2005, at 1930, at Coast Guard Group Moriches.
March 10th Coast Guard Group Moriches
April 14th Center Moriches
May 12th Hampton Dive Center, Riverhead
June 09th Bellport
July 14th South Country
August 11th Brookhaven
September 08th Eastport
October 13th Bayport
November 10th Mastic
No December Meeting
Any corrections, additions, or questions; please contact the Secretary.
Respectfully,
John Foley