US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 17, 11th Dist NR Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

My name is Gerald Norton.  I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary June 2007.  In the beginning I was a little overwhelmed; however I took my time, started accomplishing the basics at first, asked lots of questions of fellow Flotilla 17 members, and took a lot of classes.  I have made a lot of progress.  I initially became qualified to do ferry audits and went on approximately ten ferry rides, then sent my audit reports to the proper Coast Guard personnel.  During one ferry audit a friendly deck hand suggested that I get a job working on the ferries.  I took his advice, and now I am a deck hand in the Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary pointed me in the right direction for a new career.  Since there may have been a perceived conflict of interest auditing ferries I've chosen a new auxiliary mission, but what better position to ensure safety of a ferryboat than on her crew?

Presently I am the Flotilla Staff Officer for Recreational Boating Safety Public Visitation for Flotilla 17. I visit public libraries, yacht clubs, marine dealerships, and other appropriate establishments to get permission to leave literature, pamphlets and information stands pertaining to general boating and safety information.  I participate at Flotilla 17 public information stands throughout the year.

If you'd like more information about the RBS Public Visitation program or to arrange a visit and boating safety literature at your marine facility or business, please feel free to contact me.