The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Inc.
Therapy - The Us And Them Syndrome
Why do we need a Squadron Board and a National Board? This syndrome is a frank admission of ignorance and therefore is an indictment of the standard of training of provisional members and Officers in the Flotilla where this question was asked. What do these Boards provide? The Constitution, By-Laws, National Board Instructions, Members' Guide, the result of countless hours of thought and discussion by the most experienced members of this Association over a number of years. These items cover the needs of formations over a huge area of Australia serving under widely different conditions. National Training Orders compiled by a highly competent and professional National Training Commodore assisted by experienced training officers throughout the Association. Without doubt the best publication for the purposes throughout Australia, possibly in much of the world. National Radio Communications office training publications provide the highest standardized procedures and ratings possible. The National Supply Office obtains the lowest possible price for approved uniforms and other items to a National standard.
National Office have assisted Squadron and Flotilla Officers in court actions with considerable financial support where possible and necessary. The National Board is called upon by Flotillas to advise and assist in matters of discipline at constitutional level and Squadron Board is likewise involved in the initiation of such procedures. Seminars are organized throughout Australia by the National Training and National Radio Communication Officers often coinciding with National Board conferences.
Liaising local points with Federal and State Governments and their appropriate departments, the necessary bureaucracy for administration and the benefits arising from unification, buying power, Insurance and personal public liability, charitable institution status and tax benefits, membership of National and State bodies giving the Association status official recognition and public profile. E.g. In New South Wales the MRAA, AYF, VRA and State Emergency and Rescue Services.
The capacity to communicate with politicians, police, company executives, public servants on a broad level as well as at a local one. These groups are administered at Federal and/or State level and it is vital to be able to liaise at that level as well as locally. Different States have different legislation, regulations and funding mechanisms and this has to be rationalized within a National Organisation. National and State long term policies and goals beyond the scope of a local formation. Contact with International Marine Rescue Organisations for example through the International Lifeboat conference with many national groups such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institute of Great Britain and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Through the efforts primarily of the National Commodore who has to date attended three national conferences, Coast Guard is well known throughout the maritime rescue world. Sponsorship by International, national and state based accompanies may be facilitated by a national state exposure package rather than a local one. Negotiation capacity is available to those Flotillas without the contracts or expertise or lacking in the necessary level on the public profile to entice sponsors.
Access to human resources of expertise, specialist knowledge, skills for a variety of situations, for example, accountancy, legal, insurance, engineering, first aid, navigation, electronics, computers, education etc. It insures that all members of the AVCGA regardless of size or geographical location are fully and equally represented at National and State level, not disadvantaged by larger and wealthier high profile Flotillas. Provision of a large pool of experience, ideas and problem solving such as fund raising, membership drives, vessel selection and equipment, training exercises. Regular members are empowered to raise issues and new ideas at Flotilla level which can, if appropriate be channeled ultimately to the National Board for consideration and possible adoption throughout the Association. Provision of a support mechanism for short term difficulties in which the Flotilla may find themselves without the expertise or financial power essential for self protection
The result in existence across the nation, comprehensive fraternity of individuals with a common interest and sense of pride and service to the community The alternative to such a nationally organized orientated association is a reversion to the former multitude of parochial units lacking in worthwhile co-operation, co-ordination, adequate national standard of efficiency and national public image together with a total lack of lobbying power accepted at local level with its frequently, strictly limited capacity to provide significant financial support.
As is essential for any organisation operating in more than one State, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association is structured with its overall controlling body, the National Board being composed of elected and appointed National Officers and all Squadron Commodores This Board is responsible for a wide range of duties from direct communication with the Commonwealth Government, the initiation, production, distribution and progressive development of all training standards and syllahii, the enforcement and development of the Constitution, to representation at an international level with organisations concerned with marine safety.
Written by National Commodore Dr. R. Hardie and
NSW Squadron Vice Commodore C. Gillett