Welcome to Surface Operations
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Surface Operations and the Boat Crew Training Program are at the heart of most flotilla activities. Boat Crew members and Coxswains are qualified in accordance with the current Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual, COMDTINST M16794.51A (as revised effective January 1, 2007). The Coxswain requests and receives orders for a patrol that is multi-mission in nature. Patrols are carried out in accordance with the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual. |
Division Chief
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Click on a manual below to access links to various topics related to Surface Operations |
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SAMA (Standard Auxiliary Maintenance Allowance)If you have questions about SAMA (the program intended to reduce the maintenance costs incurred by Auxiliarists), check out the following web site:
Links to Auxiliary Knowledge Base for Surface Operations Questions |
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Crew QualificationAfter completion of training (Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, Volume I: Crew Member, COMDTINST M16794.52A) and having knowledge and skills approved by a Qualifications Examiner, a member may be certified by the District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) as Crew in the Boat Crew Program. Boat Crew members perform their duties under supervision of a Coxswain. They stand helm, lookout, towing watches and anchor watch as well as other tasks that may be directed by the Coxswain.
Coxswain QualificationA Coxswain will have been trained as a Boat Crew member and, beyond that, will have mastered additional knowledge and a number of other skills (Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, Volume II: Coxswain, COMDTINST M16794.53A). After approval of knowledge and skills by a Qualifications Examiner, a particular Coxswain may be certified by the DIRAUX to receive orders for an operational facility (OPFAC). The operational facility used for a patrol must have been inspected and "offered for use" by completion of the appropriate form. That offer must have been "accepted" by the DIRAUX. Often, but not always, the vessel offered for use belongs to the Coxswain who receives the patrol "orders." The Coxswain is responsible and in charge of the boat and crew during the patrol for which Coast Guard orders have been issued. The Coast Guard places great trust in the Coxswain's ability to provide leadership, coordination and risk management skills in the execution of an ordered mission.
Personal Watercraft - Operator (PWC) QualificationAn Auxiliarist who meets knowledge and skills performance standards as approved by a PWC Qualifications Examiner may be certified as an Auxiliary Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operator. These standards are set forth in the (Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, Volume III: PWC Operator, COMDTINST M16794.54A). A PWC Operator is eligible to receive orders for patrols using a PWC that has been offered for use and accepted as a PWC facility.
Team Coordination TrainingTo enhance and maintain skills inherent to the teamwork needed for safe and well-executed patrols, Crew members and Coxswains are required to attend training seminars called "Team Coordination Training." Updates are required every five years. Team Coordination Training stresses seven personal skills: adaptability/flexibility assertiveness, communication, decision-making, leadership, and situational awareness in order minimize risk during the execution of tasks during a patrol.
Currency MaintenanceCurrency maintenance insures that members maintain their proficiency and ability to safely perform their duties. Coxswains and Crew are required to annually perform a set of tasks (observed by a Qualifications Examiner each fifth year). Currency maintenance tasks must be performed while under orders. Additionally the Operations Department has released the documents and presentation for Team Coordination refresher training for 2010. This TCT Refresher Training session is MANDATORY for all Crew, Coxswains, & PWC Operators in 2010. The Refresher Training session is approximately 1 hour in length. Flotillas and Divisions should plan to present this program. Note: This session is designed to be given at the local level and a 'qualified' TCT Facilitator is NOT required. See the TCT Facilitator Guide and the optional TCT Participant Reference guide for more details. This year there is also a Slide presentation to assist the facilitator in running the session. This session must be completed prior to December 31, 2010. *** Note: If an Auxiliarist has taken or will be taking the full 8 hour TCT course they are not required to also take this refresher session in the same year as the full 8 hour course.
Orders - Authorization for PatrolsOrders for facility movement, whether for vessel or aircraft movement, or radio facility activation and/or movement is one of two general kinds of orders that may be issued to Auxiliarists. Such orders are considered "assignment to duty." These orders may be either written or verbal, and may be reimbursable or non-reimbursable. Auxiliarists may not use any facility or special purpose facility for any Coast Guard or Coast Guard Axuiliary purpose or mission unless appropriate patrol orders have been issued and the facility has been properly offered and accepted for use. The Patrol Order Management System (POMS) is the mandatory method of issuing patrol orders to operational facilities. This system is an online web-based tool. An OIA must issue or authorize orders before an Auxiliarist conducts any patrol activity. |
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