Vol. 65 No. 21 Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Whiting Field Opens New ATC Tower

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first day of operations in the new Air Traffic Control Tower. Factory
Hand 109 was the first aircraft to call the tower a 9 a.m. to begin flight
ops May 26. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
After nearly a two-year long wait, the anticipation is
finally over for Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field's air
traffic controllers. The team that helps direct the traffic for
the Navy's busiest airfield got to move into their new home

May 26.
The $4.6 million air traffic control tower overlooks
the south field of the base's two airfields with a view that is
20 feet higher than the old tower. With additional working
space and an unobstructed view utilizing an extra two feet
of window all the way around, the tower provides a more
comfortable and efficient office to monitor the more than
160,000 flight operations at south field annually. The im-
provements are a welcome addition to the controllers.
"I've been watching it be built for two years hop-
ing I would get in it before I transferred," said Air Traffic
Controller First Class John Vernon who was also the tower
supervisor during the tower's first operational shift. "Espe-
cially with it being right next to the old tower, people would
come over here periodically to see how things were coming
along. It is definitely a lot nicer."
Operations commenced promptly at 9 a.m. with
nary a glitch, although a few items were still being installed.
That's not always par for the course on an electronics instal-
lation that was completed in four weeks when it normally
takes six. Whiting Field's Operations Department pushed
(Cont. on Page 5)

Base Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage

By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field
Public Affairs Ethnic dances, region-
al food, and a riveting slice of history
highlighted Naval Air Station Whiting
Field's celebration of Asian Pacific Is-
lander Heritage Month. The one and
one-half hour luncheon Wednesday,
May 20 provided base personnel an op-
portunity to experience a small portion
of Asian-American culture.
More than 100 people packed
the base's Wings Club ballroom to en-
joy the festivities. Following the lunch
of pancit, sweet and sour chicken, egg
rolls and more, Capt. Enrique Sadsad,
NAS Whiting Field's commanding of-
ficer started the ceremony with some
opening remarks.
"To see diversity, you only

have to take a look around Whiting
Field," said Sadsad referring, among
others, to his status as a Filipino Amer-
ican, the female executive officer and
the Command Master Chief's Indian
ancestry. "It is readily apparent, not
only in the professions, but in our cul-
ture. We have a lot to offer in what we
are and who we are."
May was chosen as the month
to commemorate Asian Pacific Ameri-
can Heritage Month at least partly to
recognize the arrival of the first Japa-
nese to the United States on May 7,
1843 and to celebrate the completion
of the transcontinental on May 10,
1869. Much of the railroad's labor was
supplied by Chinese immigrants. It
was initially celebrated as a week-long

dancers irom tne local riipino-Amencan
Association perform a traditional Phillippine
dance during the Asian Pacific American
Heritage event at NAS Whiting Field May 20.
U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
event as dedicated by President Jimmy
Carter in 1978. President George H.
W. Bush extended the recognition into
a month-long celebration twelve years
later.
(Cont. on Page 7)

Pilot for a Day Program Thriving

The Naval Air Station Whiting Field Fire Department comes out in force to welcome
Trevor Allen to the base for his stint as Pilot for a Day. U. S. Navy photo courtesy of
VT-2)
By Lt. Brian Steckroth
Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) at Naval Air Station Whiting Field
warmly welcomed Trevor Allen, 14, into their squadron in cooperation as
May's Pilot for a Day. Allen is a local Pensacola resident and a patient from
Sacred Heart Hospital suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome a disease that
affects the kidneys.
The VT-2 Doerbirds packed an exciting schedule for Allen, who was
accompanied by his mother and grandmother. His event-filled day began at
8 a.m. with a police escort to the VT-2 Ready Room. Commanding Officer,
Cmdr. Neil Lipscomb, USN, and Executive Officer, Cmdr. Tim McGuire,
USCG, welcomed and outfitted Allen with all the accouterments of a pilot:
flightsuit, patches, helmet, gloves, boots, sunglasses, kneeboard, helmet bag
and even a jacket! After a brief trip to the locker room, he was ready for ac-
tion.
He began his busy day with a trip to the paraloft followed by a taxi-fam ride
around the airfield in a T-34. He also had an opportunity to fly the TH-57
helicopter simulator, which is equipped with the latest visual technology.
After mastering the art of flying in the helicopter simulator, Allen enjoyed
his favorite lunch at the NAS Whiting Field's Wings club with VT-2 pilots,
his family, and his nurse from Sacred Heart Hospital, Megan Sealy.
Following lunch, Trevor received a tour of the South Tower as well
as the Radar Room where he became an Honorary Air Traffic Controller.
After becoming the newest member of ATC, Allen travelled to the NVG
(Night Vision Goggle) lab where Lt. Col. Wayne Forbush (Ret.) allowed the
group test out and learn more about the latest in night vision goggle technol-
ogy. Not to be out-performed by the NVG lab, the fire department, lead by
Asst. Chief Larry Wilbanks, had Allen to shoot the high-pressure fire hose
and ride in the Crash truck. They topped it all off with a cake and ice cream
party with the entire NAS Whiting Field Fire Department.
"It was VT-2's honor to have Trevor Allen and his family as guests
for the Pilot for a Day Program. Trevor has an amazing spirit and is full of
excitement. The Doerbirds of VT-2, Trevor and his family would like to
thank everyone at NAS Whiting Field who made his day so special," said

News and Notes
DEFY Sign Ups For everyone's convenience, Staff and Youth
applications for the 2009 DEFY Program, as well as flyers about
the Program, are now available to download from the new NAS
Whiting Field website at: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/WhitingField/
index.htm. Please contact HM1 Clara Davis at the Branch Health
Clinic at 452-8970 ext 120 or clara.davis@tmed.navy.mil.
Runners' Club Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is
looking for a few good runners for a new runners' club. The club
is for people of all ability levels, and will offer incentives for cer-
tain performance achievements reached. This is a new program
and suggestions are appreciated. Sign up at the Fitness Center or
contact Todd Mooneyham at (850) 665-6102.
Also, the NAS Whiting Field Running Club will hold its Inau-
gural Memorial Day 5-K FUN RUN Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. For more information and to reg-
ister please contact Todd Mooneyham at 850-665-6102, Fitness
Center at 623-7412, or the Liberty Center at 623-7472.
Tennis Anyone? USPTA's "Tennis Across America 2009:"
Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- Pensacola Junior College, Main Cam-
pus (Pensacola). Children/Junior sessions are 8 10 a.m, with
the Adult/Senior session following from 10 a.m. to noon. Loaner
rackets are available and there are lots of tennis balls to hit, light
refreshments to have and fun tennis on the courts. Please contact
Mario Alvarez, USPTA/USPTR, at 623-2911 for further informa-
tion.
Navy College The Navy College office is now open onboard
NAS Whiting Field. They are located in the Atrium, Bldg. 1417
room 168. Their hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday with the
TA workshop held at 11 a.m.
Wings Club Luau Due to forecasted inclement weather, the
2nd Annual Luau will be held at the Wings Club All Hands Pool
from 1300-1700, Sat, May 30. The Crow's Nest will be open for
everyone's enjoyment (specialty drinks will be available):Enjoy
Roasted Pig, BBQ Chicken, Sweet-and-Souur Meatballs, Asian
Slaw, Egg Rolls & Pineapple Cake for only $5. The pool will be
open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for family enjoyment (cost is free to use
the pool). Anyone wishing to eat between 1-5 p.m. while enjoying
the pool will have to pay $5.00. Please contact the Wings Club at
623-7311 for more information.
Library to Close for Renovations The Santa Rosa Coun-
ty Milton Library will be closed from Friday, May 29 Sunday,
June 21 for carpet replacement and minor renovations. During
this period, all other county libraries in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Navarre,
and Pace will be open. Library materials will not be due during
the time the library is closed. The Milton Library will reopen on
Monday, June 22 at 9 a.m. and resume regular hours. The Santa
Rosa County Library System is a department of the Santa Rosa
County Board of County Commissioners. Libraries are located in
Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, and Pace. Further information
is available at http://www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.
New Hours for Troy U. As Troy University settles into their
new offices in Bldg. 1417 behind the command building, they are
also offering extended hours to serve NAS Whiting Field students.
There is a new Student Service Receptionist available to counsel
current or potential students from 10 a.m. 2 p.m Mondays through
Fridays. A Student Service Advisor will also be available Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 8 a.m. 4 p.m.. Call (850) 981-0333 or email

milton@troy.edu for more details.
Embry Riddle's New Home Embry Riddle has moved to
Bldg. 1417 in Room 163, on NAS Whiting Field. Whiting office
hours are Mon. and Wed. from 9:00 am 4:00 pm.
ID Card Office Closure The NAS Whiting Field ID Card
Office in Bldg. 1401 will be closed May 27-29 to facilitate the
transfer of the facility to a location in Pass & Tag, Bldg. 48A near
the front gate. The office will reopen at the new location Monday
June 1. The phone number, (850) 623-7159, will remain the same
as will hours of operation, Mon through Fri, 0730-1500.
Are You Ready for Some Futbal The Futball Club of
Santa Rosa (FCSR) Academy is a developmental program for U12
and younger designed to help young players further develop a pas-
sion for the game while simultaneously learning the skills needed
to play soccer at the competitive and high school level.
For more information contact Academy Director, David
Seevers (dseevers 854 gmail.com).
Fall Season is August through December with registration and
tryouts running June 1 2 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Early registra-
tion period). Early registration makes a child eligible for summer
Academy events. Regular registration is Aug 3rd & 4th from 5:00-
6:30 p.m.
Spring Season runs January through May with registra-
tion nd tryouts occurring December 1 & 3 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
The normal registration period is January 4 & 5 from 5:00-6:30
p.m.
Costs :
Registration Fee: $100 (One time fee A player who registers for
the fall season is eligible for the spring season without paying the
registration fee a second time)
Uniform Fee: $60 (One time fee A player who registers for
the fall season is eligible for the spring season without paying the
uniform fee a second time)
Club Fee: Club fees may be paid in full or in monthly in-
stallments: Under 10 $200 per season. Under 11 & Under 12
$250 per season
Game Fees: These fees will vary according to age group, and
the number and types of games played.
The FCSR Competitive program is for ages U13 to U18. It is
geared toward players who have outgrown the recreational or
Academy programs and are looking for a more challenging soccer
environment.
For more information contact Director of Coaching, Louie Sahin
(l.sahin@mchsi.com). Season runs August 2009 May 2010
Registration & Tryouts: June 1st & 2nd from 5:30-8:00 pm
Parents' meeting: June 4th 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Costs: Registration Fee: $100 (This is a one time fee paid at reg-
istration)
Uniform Fee: $150 (This is a one time fee paid at registration)
Club Fee: $70 per month
Game Fees: These fees will vary according to age group, and the
number and types of games played.
Once Upon A Wolf The Panhandle Community Theatre
group will be performing the fractured fairy tale, "Once Upon a
Wolf' Friday, May 29 and Sunday, May 31 at Pace High School's
Black Box Theatre. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids.
This is a family friendly show that tells the story of the Big Bad
Wolf when he no longer wants to be big and bad. He goes on a
quest to become a hero. Call (850) 450-2566 for reservation.

Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Welcome to Whiting! Every Thursday 1000 1200
If you are new to NAS Whiting Field or just want to learn more about the Milton Pensacola area, this class is for you! Come find
out about MWR and other recreational facilities, hurricane preparedness, the FFSC and other support services available! Children are
welcome and this is a great opportunity to meet new friends! Join us at the Whiting Pines Community Center any Thursday or call the
FFSC at 623-7177 for more information.
VA Appointments (Call to schedule) -Friday, June 5, 0800 1200 & Friday, June 19, 0800 1200
Time Management Wednesday, June 3, 1300 1400
At the end of the day, do you ask yourself "where did the day go?" and feel like you have accomplished very little on your list of "things
to do?" If you answered "yes" to these questions, this class is for you. The information provided in this class will provide you with tools
that will help you make the most of your busy and demanding days. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more informa-
tion, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Pick a Partner Session 1: Monday, June 8, 1800 2000 Session 2: Monday, June 15, 1800 2000
Learn about the warning signs of a difficult partner, relationship skills essential for a healthy relationship, five key areas that you need to
explore during the dating process, the difference between "acting like a jerk" and "being a jerk", and how to follow your heart without
losing your mind. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Financial Planning for Deployment Tuesday, June 9, 0900 1100
The purpose of this program is to raise or refresh our financial awareness in order to decrease the financial stress of deployment. For
more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
The Federal Application Process Monday, June 15, 0800 1000
"Is it worth your while to invest your time and effort in searching and applying for a Federal Job?" If your answer is "yes", then you
need to attend this class in order to learn how to prepare the best application possible. You will learn how to read an announcement,
analyze core competencies for language, analyze vacancy listings for keywords, and how to apply for jobs. Class will be held at the
FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.

Bagdad Hosts Day-Long Historical Celebration

Join the Bagdad Village Preservation Association
(BVPA) Saturday, May 30 for a day filled with food, fun and
living local history! The Association will unveil a State His-
toric marker commemorating the "Thompson House" and
"The Skirmish on the Blackwater in Santa Rosa County".
Today, the circa 1847 Thompson House is one of the
few remaining Florida Panhandle examples of a symmetri-
cal Greek Revival antebellum home that reflects the pros-
perity of the period. Raiding Union soldiers from the 1864
Skirmish, under the leadership of Major Andrew Spurling,
camped on the grounds and in the house, leaving messages
that were discovered during a 1970's restoration. At 5 p.m.
the new State Historic Marker commemorating these events
will be unveiled. The historic home is currently owned by
Dr. and Mrs. Charles N. D'Asaro.
The public is invited to visit an authentic Civil War
living history encampment on the grounds of the Thompson
House, 4620 Forsyth Street (across from the post office) and
at 4 p.m., view a demonstration between the troops of Com-
pany "E" First Regiment Florida Volunteer Infantry and the
Robertsdale/Dents Florida Battery. Local historians will re-
late the events of 1864 while period flags wave and soldiers

race ahead of the cannon's roar. Enjoy authentic Southern
snacks "goober peas" and lemonade on the neighbors'
porch. And, look for special issue commemorative enve-
lopes celebrating this occasion, complete with appropriate
historic theme stamps and ready to be hand-canceled at the
Bagdad Post Office.
The day's events begin with an old fashioned Mar-
ket Day at the Bagdad Community Center, 6860 Pooley St.
corerr of Pooley and School Streets-look for signs) between
9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be a fish fry, homemade ice
cream, baked goods, arts, crafts, heritage and vintage items,
cake walk and more. Admission is free.
Once a bustling lumber and ship-building complex,
Bagdad was the center of the southeastern lumber industry
for 110 years. In 1987, the Village of Bagdad was placed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information phone Pat D'Asaso at 850-
623-8493 or BVPA Vice President Robyn Baker at 850-554-
4669. For information about the Bagdad Village Preser-
vation Association, sponsor of this and other events in the
Bagdad community, visit their web site at www.bagdadvil-
lage.org.

2009 Safe Boating
KEY WEST, Fla. The Coast Guard
is urging people to be safe this year and
remember to not only have their proper
life saving devices such as life jackets,
but to "wear it" while boating.
In 2007, the state of Florida led
the nation in boating accidents at 663.
Wearing Life Jackets Saves Lives
90 percent of all boaters who
drown are not wearing life jackets.
There are new and improved
life jackets that are comfortable and
unobtrusive.
Boaters are responsible for the
safety of themselves, their passengers,
and other boaters. This means not only
having life jackets on board but re-
quiring all onboard to wear them at all
times. No one knows when an accident
will happen, WEAR IT because you
may not have time to reach for it.
Boating Education Saves Lives
According to the National Rec-
reational Boating Survey, 75% of those

Week Reminds Boaters to "Wear It"

who died in boating accidents were on-
board boats whose operators had not
received basic boating safety instruc-
tion.
If we compare the fatality
rates for boaters who had taken a boat-
ing safety course in the past ten years
to those who had not, we find an "un-
trained" boater is five times more like-
ly to die in a boating accident than one
who received boating safety training.
Statistics show the leading
contributing factors in boating acci-
dents are operator inattention, careless
or reckless operation, operator inexpe-
rience, and excessive speed.
Safe Boats Save Live
Vessels that are properly outfit-
ted and in good working order are less
likely to be involved in fatal accidents
than other vessels.
Vessel safety checks do two
things: they provide a penalty-free way
for boaters to enhance vessel safety, and

they provide a ready means for exam-
iners to teach boaters some basic safety
lessons in a relaxed non-confrontation-
al atmosphere before heading out onto
the water.
Sober Boating Saves Lives
This goes for both operators
and passengers.
Alcohol involvement was a
contributing factor in approximately
one-third of all reported recreational
boating fatalities.
Studies indicate that only a
third of the alcohol needed to make a
person impaired on the road can make a
person equally impaired on the water.
Top Ten Boating Tips
1. Always wear your life jacket.
2. Avoid mixing alcohol and
boating.
3. Check your flares, fire extin-
guishers, and other safety equipment to
be certain it's in good condition and up-
to-date. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxilia-

TRICARE NOTE
Real Warriors Campaign
Takes Aim at Stigma
The Real Warriors Campaign (RWC) takes
aim at stigma. Launched yesterday, this ongoing mul-
timedia public education effort is designed to increase
psychological health awareness and resources avail-
able to service members.
For more information about the campaign,
visit the Real Warriors Campaign at www.realwar-
riors.net. Click and view our public service announce-
ments, posters and flyers and read service-specific
content designed for active duty service members,
veterans, Guard & Reserve, families and health pro-
fessionals.
The campaign features a broad-based call to
action, including information for families and employ-
ers on what to expect when service members come
home and how to support and encourage them to seek
help for their psychological needs.
The public service announcements feature
service members telling their stories of seeking treat-
ment and achieving successful military and post-mili-
tary careers.
Keep track of the campaign by signing up for
Real Warriors on Facebook or Twitter.

/ COME JOIN THE FUN
At the
2nd Annual Military Appreciation

KARAOKE NIGHT

On Friday, May 29th
At Ace's Bar NAS Whiting Field
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Appetizers will be provided
Prizes & Give-a-ways to Active Duty Military &
NAS Whiting Civil Service
It's sure to be a BLAST...
See you there III

Sponsored by the SRC Chamber of Commerce
In Honor of National Military Appreciation Month

\1no
/i, ; 4

May Safety Training Schedule

28 May -0730-1430- Experienced Rider Course
29 May -0730-1700-Military Sport Bike Course
30-31 May -0730-1600-Basic Rider course

Military Sport Bike Rider Course (MSRC) is mandatory for all ac-
tive duty personnel who ride on or off base and all DoD civilians who
ride sports bikes on base. The MSRC also meets the requirement for
the new three year re-qualification to receive a decal for base access. To
qualify for the MSRC you must have completed an approved Motor-
cycle Safety Foundation approved Basic Rider Course or Experienced
Rider Course.

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a 15 hour course designed for be-
ginners or personnel who have not rode in a long period of time. It also
meets the State of Florida requirement for a motorcycle endorsement
on your license. The BRC is mandatory for active duty personnel who
ride on and off base and all DoD civilians who ride on base.

The Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is a one day course and is
designed for refresher training. The course meets the requirement for
the three year retrain requirement, except for personnel who ride sports
bikes. Sports bike riders must complete the MSRC every three years.

Enroll at www.navymotorcyclerider.com or contact Michael McMillan
at (850) 452-3674 or Mike Amos at (850) 623-7180.

hard for the Memorial Day weekend instal-
lation, however, to reduce any impact on the
flight schedule.
"We did everything we could to fa-
cilitate their schedule," said Harlen Wood, the
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
(SPAWAR) project manager. "Fortunately, we
were able to keep the timeline."
Wood and his four-man team com-
pleted the installation by working 12 hour days
during the holiday weekend. It was an effort
that pleased the base's Air Operations Officer
immensely.
"I couldn't be happier," said Lt. Mi-
chael McDonough. "Everyone was anxious,
but things are going smoothly. We are in here
and flying on time."
The new tower replaces one that was
not ideal for controlling the sheer numbers of
operations at the airfield and was no longer
meeting current FAA standards. The new con-
trol stations have better line of sight to airfield
operations, the tower contains improved com-
munication equipment, and has an improved
design for modernizing equipment in the future
and for maintenance. Additionally, the larger
space enables training to be conducted at each
workstation simultaneously, which was not
possible in the old tower.
NAS Whiting Field will be holding a
ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the
new tower later in June.

Asian American Heritage

(Cont. from Page 1)
Air Force Maj. An T. Doung
served as the guest speaker for the event.
She currently serves as a flight surgeon at
NAS Whiting field and has been a doctor
in the Air Force since 2005. She told the
tale of a family for which such a celebra-
tion of Asian-American culture would
have been a surprise at one time.
The father of the family was a
scientist working for the government of
an Asian nation, when the nation was
overrun by a non-democratic neighbor.
The family was unable to escape the war-
fare. The father, named Mo, was sent to a
re-indoctrination camp where the expect-
ed one month "school" turned into three
years of forced labor. The family sold all
their possessions to buy food, since they
were not allowed to work in the new re-
gime. The mother was only allowed to
send him food every six months.
Ultimately, following his release,
the father and his eldest daughter took an
immense risk and joined with hundreds

of others to flee the nation on a small boat
not meant for one-tenth of passengers it
carried. Through great fortune his ship
arrived at a small island where through
bribes they were allowed to stay. They
may have starved if not for some pass-
ing tourists who announced their plight
to the western nations. Only about one-
third of the original immigrants were still
alive, but now they were designated as
refugees and provided food, and allowed
an opportunity to immigrate to France or
the U.S. Six years later, the story ends
happily when the rest of the family was
able to join them in America.
"Mo's story isn't the only one of
its kind. Part of our heritage is our jour-
ney to this country we love. Ask your
friend, family, colleague about his or her
story," said Doung. "I am always touched
by the stories I hear. They are our history
and what make us American. Thank you
for a chance to share this small piece of
the history of my father."

Following Doung's touching sto-
ry, the local Filipino-American Associa-
tion presented a variety of Pacific dances
wearing traditional costumes. While the
dances are rarely performed in the Philip-
pines today, they are a part of the history
of the land that the group wants to perpet-
uate. Several of the performances were
ritual courtship and wedding dances.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate First
Class Jack Velasco, who was born and
raised in the Philippines, helped to coor-
dinate the event and feels that ceremonies
that recognize the rich cultural heritage
of the country continue to serve a need.
"It's really important for me,
since coming from the president on down
our chain of command respects where
we all came from," he said. I am glad
they understand that no matter where we
come from, we are all together in one
mission.

2009 Boating Tips
(Cont. from Page 5)
ry and U.S. Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks
that can help identify these or any other potential problems.
Know your boat and its passenger capacity.
4. Familiarize yourself with an online weather service
so it becomes a routine part of your pre-departure planning.
Knowing potential conditions before you go makes float
planning easier. The National Weather Service broadcasts
marine weather forecasts regularly. Log onto the NWS web-
site at www.nws.noaa.gov.
5. Tell someone where you are going, file a float plan.
If you change plans, let someone know.
6. Purchase an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator
Radio Beacon). Register it with NOAA according to the in-
structions provided with the beacon. Registration is manda-
tory, improves response, reduces false alarms, and can be
completed online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov.
7. Keep updated navigational charts on your boat and
use them.
8. Register your marine radio; obtain a free 9 digit
MMSI number that is assigned to a DSC (digital select call-
ing) radio.
9. Shut off your engines when approaching swimmers
or divers.
10. Take at least one certified boating safety course.
Diving Safety
Have a physical checkup with your doctor to ensure

you are physically fit enough to dive.
Take a refresher course if you have been out of div-
ing for an extended period of time or feel the need for ad-
ditional review.
Ensure that you have the proper equipment and have
it serviced according to the manufacturer.
Always dive with a buddy.
Dive within your qualification limit.
Don't dive if you are uncomfortable with your sur-
roundings.
Carry a first aid kit.
Know where the nearest hospital with a decompres-
sion chamber is located.
Become a member of a professional dive organiza-
tion (such as DAN).
For more safety tips visit the Florida Keys Safe Div-
ing Initiative website at www.divealive.org.
About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over
330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reduc-
ing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience.
Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign mate-
rials and additional safe boating resources.
For other information on boating safety and boating
safety classes contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary at 1-888-
470-5566