United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 081-03-06, Eastern Shores

04/11/2026

04/11/2026

Congratulations Recruit Class PAPA-208!
Welcome to the Fleet, Shipmates!

04/10/2026

Remember Everyone Deployed.
Today and Everyday.

04/10/2026

Hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, this annual event is a fun way to heighten life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles of life jackets just prior to the official launch of the busy boating season! ☀️

Anyone can join the fun! Wear your life jacket at work – from home, the office, in a suit, or on the water – and share a picture with us!

Be sure to tag on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using hashtags and

Each year, we're amazed by your creativity. We're excited to see where we find you in your life jacket this year!

04/09/2026

Today, on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of America’s prisoners of war. 🇺🇸

These brave men and women endured unimaginable hardship in captivity, yet their resilience, loyalty, and unbreakable spirit remained steadfast. Their example reminds us what it means to serve with honor, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Observed each year on April 9, this day marks the anniversary of the start of the Bataan Death March in 1942, when tens of thousands of American service members were forced to march more than 60 brutal miles as prisoners of the Japanese army. Many did not survive, but their courage and endurance remain a lasting symbol of American strength.

04/08/2026

04/07/2026

The Golden Rule: COLREGS Rule 5
Under maritime law, Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout at all times. This means:

Sight & Hearing: Constantly scanning the horizon and listening for engine noises or whistles.

Tech Tools: Utilizing radar and AIS if you have them.

Full Assessment: Always staying aware of your surroundings to judge collision risks before they happen.

Captain’s Tip: Put Your Passengers to Work!
Being the helmsman is a big job. Don't be afraid to deputize your crew! Here’s how to get them involved:

Explain the Role: Tell them they are your "second set of eyes." Their job is to spot floating debris, swimmers, or approaching boats that you might miss while focusing on navigation.

The "Clock" System: Teach them to report sightings using the clock method (e.g., "Boat at 2 o'clock!").

Stay Vigilant: Remind them that safety is a team effort. A proactive lookout helps the captain make better decisions and keeps everyone on board safe.

Let’s keep the water fun and accident-free this season. Stay alert, stay safe!
Take a Safe Boating Class - Start HERE: https://bit.ly/BoatSafeFMB

04/07/2026

⚓ KNOW YOUR NAVIGATION MARKS

Out at sea… there are no roads.
No lanes. No traffic lights.

Yet ships move safely every single day.

How?

👉 They follow marks — not maps.

🧭 CARDINAL MARKS
These don’t tell you where to go…

They tell you where it’s safe to go.

Each mark indicates:
👉 Safe water lies to the north, south, east, or west

🚦 LATERAL MARKS
These define the “road” at sea.

Red & Green buoys show:
• Entry & exit channels
• Safe sides to pass

👉 Follow them like lanes.

🌊 SAFE WATER MARKS
These signal:
👉 Deep, open water all around

No hazards. No restrictions.

⚠️ Here’s the reality:

At sea, you don’t rely on instinct.

You rely on:
✔ Marks
✔ Systems
✔ Rules

👉 Enter deeper water safely.

⚓ Follow Marine Tales for real maritime knowledge most people never see.