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MEMBER TRAINING
There are a wide variety of jobs
and activities available in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Some are in direct support of the Coast Guard. Yes, it could be you
on the radio answering that panicked boater calling the Coast Guard for help! Others are supporting rather than direct and are operational, such as Auxiliary Boat Crew or Air Observer, or non-operational and often less physically demanding, such as public education. Whatever you want to do there will probably be a place for it in the Auxiliary. And whatever you do (or want to learn), will usually involve a significant amount of training.
Once you become qualified the amount of time you contribute is mostly up to you
but remember 1) this is a service organization so your motivation should be along that line, and 2) as with any volunteer activity, you receive in proportion to what you give.
The Auxiliary is prevented by statute from direct
participation in the Coast Guard's military or law enforcement activities. Other than that, the Auxiliary has most of the positions of the active duty Coast Guard and trains for them using essentially the same materials and standards. There are some jobs that you can begin after a few weeks while there are others, such as Auxiliary Boat Crew, that will take most of a year (could be longer if you are new to boating) to gather the training and experience and to then pass the qualification exam. During that time you will be out on patrols getting those tan lines.
If you are new to the Auxiliary you should take a look at the
New Member Deck...link. In particular, there are two pages providing brief overviews of the
jobs available...link
and the training
opportunities...link in the Auxiliary. More information is
contained in the Directory
of Services...pdf. A reference for both new members and Auxiliary Training Officers is
A Guide to New Member Integration - The First Six
Months...pdf. Some of the Auxiliary jobs involve a number of steps to become qualified. One that does not, and therefore is a good way to get involved quickly if operations and public education are of interest, is the
Vessel Safety Check
program...link.
Many Auxiliary jobs will require becoming
Basically
Qualified...link. This can be accomplished by taking one of the Auxiliary public boating classes and then submitting your completion certificate to
DIRAUX...link. The
class descriptions and
schedules...link will help you find a convenient class. The Boating Skills and
Seamanship...link class is always recommended for Auxiliarists since it is the most complete and thorough introductory class.
When you are ready, the Auxiliary offers advanced classes leading to the highly respected status of
AUXOP. These 6 advanced courses (in no particular order) cover Communications, Seamanship, Patrols, Weather, Search Coordination Execution, and Procedures.
Remember
that some of the Auxiliary jobs involve a number of steps to become qualified? A good reference for involvement opportunities and their qualification paths is the Auxiliary's
Member Involvement
Plan...pdf. The District 11 Northern Region (D11NR) website
has further information on involvement
planning...link. Jobs that involve operations or direct support of the Coast Guard will usually require classes in Team Coordination Training
(TCT), Operations, and the FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800A courses. TCT and Operations help us analyze situations, evaluate risks, and do proper planning in a team environment. The FEMA classes allow Auxiliary members to understand and fit into a FEMA organization if we should have to participate in an emergency. All of these classes are given at the the flotilla, division, and district level. The FEMA classes are also available on-line at the
FEMA Independent Study
Program...link.
There are a number of e-learning courses available today and you access them at the
National Training Department's E-Learning
Page...link. The U.S. Coast Guard Virtual
Classroom...link is another e-learning resource.
Check frequently with the excellent
district (D11NR) Member Training
Website...link and Member Services
Website...link. These include information and links for manuals, on-line study and testing, C-schools, instructor qualification, and the AUXOP program. The
District Calendar...link
contains training announcements as well as many other D11RN activities.
Also visit the District
Member Training Calendar...link for more information on
division and flotilla training.
While the Auxiliary is not a military organization you will most likely be exposed to some situations requiring interaction with the military and proper
protocol. Another good reference for the new member is the Coast Guard
Indoctrination...link that will introduce you to military protocol, recognizing ranks and badges, proper grooming and uniforms, and some basic information about ships and aircraft.
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Download District
Forms...link
Download National
Forms...link
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Some photos from the 2008 Division 12 Operational Training
Exercise...link
(OPTREX)
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Join the Auxiliary...link
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Map of Coast Guard Island...pdf
(CGI) in Alameda where training is often held.
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 Remind
folks that Boating under the Influence (BUI) works the same
as Driving Under the Influence (DUI). At least she got
back to the dock safely. |
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AUXINFO
We've pre-built some AUXINFO reports for Division
12. Let us know what else you would like to see.
Unauthorized access is prohibited by Title 18 USC Section 1030.
Unauthorized access may also be a violation of other Federal Law or
government policy, and may result in criminal and/or administrative penalties. Users shall not access other users' or system files without
proper authority. Absence of access controls IS NOT authorization for access! USCG information systems and related equipment are intended for
communication, transmission, processing and storage of U.S. Government information. These systems and equipment are subject to monitoring to
ensure proper functioning, protect against improper or unauthorized use or access, and verify the presence or performance of applicable
security features or procedures, and other like purposes. Such security monitoring may result in the acquisition, recording, and analysis
of all data being communicated, transmitted, processed or stored in this system by a user. If security monitoring reveals evidence of possible
criminal activity, such evidence may be provided to law enforcement personnel. Use of this system constitutes consent to such security
monitoring.
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Response
Boat-Medium
The Response Boat-Medium (RB-M) is an all-aluminum, 45-foot boat with twin
diesel engines and with water jet propulsion launched at Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Wash. The RB-M, which recently completed successful
builder's trials on March 3, is expected to be the primary non-heavy weather, multi-mission capable boat for the U.S. Coast Guard.
The RB-M will have increased maneuverability and be capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots (46 miles per hour). A full cabin will provide
crew protection from the elements and will be equipped with a robust navigation system, heating and air conditioning, shock mitigating seats,
and a communication system capable of communicating with other federal, state and local Homeland Security organizations. The RB-M's missions
will include Search and Rescue (SAR), Enforcement of Laws and Treaties (ELT), Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS), Defense
Operations (DO), Marine Environmental Protection (MEP), and Recreational Boating Safety (RBS).
These boats will replace the
41-foot Utility Boats (UTB) which have been the workhorse of the coastal stations for the past 25+ years.
(Text and photo U.S.C.G.)
Response
Boat Medium Overview Video...link
RB-M
Self-Righting Test Video...link
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HEAT INJURIES
It's the time of the year again
to be concerned about heat injuries to our crews and the
public. Below is an abstract from the Commandant's
message about categories of heat injuries and their
prevention and treatment.
A. HEAT STROKE.
1. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency
which is caused by the shutdown of the body's regulatory system. This results in a significant rise in the
body's core temperature and begins to adversely affect the
body's major organ systems. If untreated, heat stroke may result in death. Signs include the following: altered mental status,
hot dry skin, deep and rapid breathing, rapid pulse, and high body temperature.
2. Prevention. Implement an appropriate work/rest schedule to prevent heat related injuries. Drink adequate
amounts of water throughout the work period. Per the institute of medicine, adequate fluid intake is
approximately 10 cups (80 ounces) for women to 13 cups (100 ounces) for men of water or other non-caffeinated beverages a day. The need for fluids varies depending on activity level, climate and temperature. Drink adequate amounts
of fluids the day before a planned work period where physical activity is expected under heat stress conditions. Alcohol consumption
should be avoided during these periods. Eat well- balanced meals before and during the work cycle and get a minimum of eight hours of sleep
the night before. Acclimatization to the environment is important for those with prior history of heat related injuries.
3. Treatment. Seek immediate emergency medical assistance and move the victim to a cool environment.
Remove any constricted clothing to cool the skin. Apply cool (not cold) water on the victim by immersion in a tub, placing them in a
shower, spraying water on the victim through a hose, or sponging the victim with cool water and fan them until emergency medical
personnel arrive.
B. HEAT EXHAUSTION.
1. Heat exhaustion is attributed to dehydration and excessive physical activity under the certain heat
stress conditions. Heat exhaustion is characterized by an inability of the body to give off enough heat due to heat overload, but the
body's cooling mechanisms are functioning. Signs of heat exhaustion include the following: profuse sweating, headache, tingling sensations
in the extremities, shortness of breath, pale, moist skin, weak but rapid pulse, nausea, and dizziness.
2. Prevention. Same methods for preventing heat stroke.
3. Treatment. Seek immediate medical attention. Rest casualties in a cool and/or shaded environment until
seen by an emergency medical team. Individuals should follow the rehydration instructions given in (a-2) above. After recovery,
effected individuals should not return to full physical work activity until evaluated by medical.
C. HEAT CRAMPS ("MUSCLE CRAMPS").
1. Heat cramps are muscular spasms caused by an electrolyte imbalance resulting from significant water loss
and inadequate water replacement (e.g., not drinking enough water). Insufficient diet or irregular meals during the day also contribute to
inefficient electrolyte replacement. Symptoms often include moist cool skin and painful cramping or strain in the muscles.
2. Prevention methods. Eat three well balanced meals a day and drink water as the primary fluid replacement.
Commercial sports- type drinks can be consumed as a supplemental fluid replacement, but never as a replacement for water.
3. Treatment. Cease physical work and sit in a cool and/or shaded area. Individuals should follow the
rehydration instructions given in (a-2) above. Sport-type drinks are permitted, but only after drinking the minimum water quantity
recommended. If meals were skipped, take a meal break.
D. HEAT RASH ("PRICKLY HEAT").
1. Heat rash is characterized by red bumps, usually in areas where clothing is restrictive, and gives rise
to a prickling pain or irritation. As sweat increases, the irritation increases. Heat rash is caused by the blockage and inflammation of
sweat ducts. Heat rash interferes with sleep, resulting in decreased efficiency and cumulative fatigue. In addition, heat rash impairs
sweating, due to sweat duct blockage and inflammation, resulting in a decreased evaporative cooling process.
2. Prevention methods. Wear less restrictive clothing and keep the skin dry and clean, as much as possible.
Keep berthing areas cool with fans. Take frequent showers for cleaning.
3. Treatment. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment and keep the
affected area dry.
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