I want to open this up for discussion as it is now up to us to try to get rid of yet another binding policy....

What policy are you talking about? The transition to the SOHAH?

I'm all about safety for my crew and myself, but 30 kts, our boats don't even cruise at 30 kts.

I can't sit here and say that I would enjoy wearing them, especially during my days in South Florida with the heat and humidity.

The one example I can think of about why they probably are a good idea is from an accident that happened in the Keys back when I was with Customs.

The CG crew were underway in an RHI, mostly likely going too fast and the Cox'n failed to hook to the cutoff switch. They hit a wave and all were ejected.

They swam away from the boat and another boat picked them up. A State Officer arrived in his boat so the Coxn climbed aboard. They tried to approach the runaway RHI doing circles. As the Cox'n reached overboard to pull the throttle back on the passing RHI, the RHI hit the State boat tossing the Cox'n back into the water.

The RHI then circled around and I guess it was the skeg that struck the Coxn in the back of his head, just behind his right ear. He survived but lost about a 2" chunk of his skull.

For a much less dramatic example, I could show you the scar on my forehead where I got 12 stitches above my eyebrow from slamming my head on the radio box mounted on a 23' Mako we boarded in rough seas.

Aaaaah, good times!

Don

I completely agree with the above, but i think we're stuck wearing these uncomfortable things until irresponsible coxswain's stop ejecting crew members during pointless evolutions.

quote:

I completely agree with the above, but i think we're stuck wearing these uncomfortable things until irresponsible coxswain's stop ejecting crew members during pointless evolutions.

I would suspect there are things other than irresponsible coxswains that could make helmets necessary.

It's a lot like a motorcycle helmet.....you don't need it until you REALLY need it.

I guess most of the people complaining about the helmets have:

1. Never needed it.
2. Never had someone on their crew need one.

or they are not part of the surf community. It is a helmet. Designed to protect the noggin that the CG has spent so much money shoving important information in. It is not a shirt that says you are stupid. I don't like wearing the helmet, but I do. Why because someone told me to, and I wanna see my wife and son at the end of the day.

BM1

I know this is about the small boats, but can someone, anyone tell me why we need them for anchor detail and special sea detail???

Unfortunately, The OP is so vague I'm not sure what we are discussing...
As far as boat forces go, the amount of helmets required for issue has become confusing. Right now, we have a blue ballistic for MAW operations, an orange non-ballistic for non-MAW operations, and the red whitewater helmet for ice rescue. Had to buy everyone a new bag just to lug their helmets around.
Seems like the policies about helmet issue could use some review.

quote:

we have a blue ballistic for MAW operations, an orange non-ballistic for non-MAW operations,and the red whitewater helmet for ice rescue

The blue GENTEX ballistic is the new boat crew helmet. According to STAN the kayak style helmet is no longer authorized for level one units. All other units should be phasing out the kayak style through attrition and replacing them with the SOHAH.

Ice rescue helmets do not need to be individually issued. You can have a "ready bag" of helmets to be used by the team.

Don't know what the status is of surf helmets, none of the messages regarding helmets address if being issued the blue ballistic helmet suffices or if both need to be issued.

Some policy guidance/clarification via msg traffic would be very helpful regarding which unit needs what and by when....

quote:

The blue GENTEX ballistic is the new boat crew helmet. According to STAN the kayak style helmet is no longer authorized for level one units. All other units should be phasing out the kayak style through attrition and replacing them with the SOHAH.

Ice rescue helmets do not need to be individually issued. You can have a "ready bag" of helmets to be used by the team.


Don't know what the status is of surf helmets, none of the messages regarding helmets address if being issued the blue ballistic helmet suffices or if both need to be issued.

Some policy guidance/clarification via msg traffic would be very helpful regarding which unit needs what and by when....

I agree! we do need some clearification. For me it is easy. I run a Level-1 unit and do not operate in surf. I would guess the ballistic helmet would not work for surf do to no drain holes. I will guess that surf units that also perform Level-1 operations will have to issue both.

BMC Spillane

This message has been edited. Last edited by: USCGK9,

Ask and ye shall receive...

Policy guidance regarding boat crew helmets can be found on the office of boat forces website under "Hot and New".