Member Orientation

The first uniform you will need is called the Tropical blue uniform. This uniform will be worn at most meetings, as well as public affairs events when interacting with the public. You should plan on purchasing a tropical blue uniform within a couple months of joining.

You will need the following for the tropical blue uniform:

• * Belt - plain buckle
• * Cap - Garrison cap
• * Cap accessory - Garrison cap device
• * Collar device - Member collar insignia (also goes on the cap)
• * Name tag - Last name only
• * Shoulder board - Member, Regular Shoulder Boards
• ** Tropical blue short-sleeved shirt
• ** Long navy blue pants
• ** Shoes - black oxford low quarters
• V-neck white t-shirt (must be v-neck)
• Socks - black

Single-starred "*" items can be purchased from the Coast Guard Exchange.
Double-starred "**" items can be purchased from the following

Other uniforms are used for operations (e.g. boat crew) and other special responsibilities. See your Flotilla Human Resources Staff Officer (FSO-HR) for information about these uniforms.

As a certified Vessel Examiner you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water. You may start this qualification if your membership is AP or IQ, but you must have BQ status to complete this qualification.

• How to become a Vessel Examiner
• Take the VE exam
• VSC Manual

If your are looking to become more active with operations, then Boat Crew is the best place to start. You may start this qualification if your membership is AP or IQ, but you must have BQ status to complete this qualification.

• Getting Qualified for Surface, Air and/or TeleCommunications
• Becoming qualified in the Auxiliary Surface Operations Program
• Take ICS 100 & 700 courses
• Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual
• Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide; Volume 1: Crew Member
• Operations Policy Manual

The Auxiliary Trident Training program is designed to train Auxiliarists to support Coast Guard Sectors. Training for most qualifications is done by active duty or reserve Coast Guard personnel, not by Auxiliarists. Training opportunities and policies vary from Sector to Sector so members should check with their MS Staff chain of leadership to determine the opportunities and policies in their Sector. You may start this qualification if your membership is AP or IQ, but you must have BQ status to complete this qualification.

• Coast Guard Auxiliary Marine Safety program
• Marine Safety Performance Qualification Standards (PQS)
• Marine Safety courses
• Take ICS 100 & 700 courses
• Take the Introduction to Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (IMSEP) and GoodMate exams
• Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Resources on the web
• Auxiliary Trident Training Program

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary have a key, community outreach program called the "Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program". If you believe in supporting recreational boating safety to make our waterways safer for everyone, then become an RBS Program Visitor. You may start this qualification if your membership is AP or IQ, but you must have BQ status to complete this qualification.

• Recreational Boating Safety Partner Visitation Program
• Take the Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitor Exam
• RBS-VP Manual