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Flotilla 7-9 Member Training

  Flotilla Meeting
Training  On patrol 

Member Qualifications

USCG Auxiliary members must be qualified to perform many of the missions in support of the US Coast Guard. To obtain these qualifications, members undergo training similar to that provided to Coast Guard personnel. Members are generally required to complete training and one or more tests showing their knowledge and proficiency for the skills involved. Once qualified for a specific type of activity, members generally perform a minimum number of missions each year and in some cases attend workshops and perform training tasks to maintain their proficiency. Periodic Re-qualification is required for many activity types with varying time periods.

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Vessel Examiner (VE)

Primary Mission - Vessel Safety Check (VSC) on recreational boats generally under 65 feet

Qualification - Complete the open book exam within a three hours time limit and pass the VE exam with a passing score of 90%. In addition, perform five VSCs under the supervision of a certified VE. The certified VE determines whether or not the examination was satisfactory and provides specific, instructional feedback to the qualifying member to further assist in the qualification process. The certified VE trainer is credited with the five VSCs performed.

Notes - For the Coast Guard Auxiliary, VEs may also examine Uninspected Passenger Vessels and Commercial Fishing Vessels.

Program Visitation (PV)

Primary Mission - Promote safe boating for the recreational boating public through the aid of the marine dealer

Qualification - Complete the open book exam within a three hours time limit and pass the MDV exam with a passing score of 90%. In addition, make a marine dealer visit with a currently qualified visitor.

Instructor (IT)

Primary Mission - Promote boating safety via Auxiliary Public Education courses,

Qualification - Complete the open book exam within a three hours time limit and pass the IT exam with a passing score of 90%. In addition, complete the practical part A and B by demonstrating proficiency in preparing lessons plans and making presentations. Teach two classes under the supervision of a previously qualified instructor. or apply for a waiver of qualification as an IT.

Boat Crew - Crew

Primary Mission - Train and qualify members to operate Auxiliary vessel facilities under Coast Guard patrol orders.

Qualification - Basic level of boating knowledge, physical ability to perform task, completion of task in the crew qualification guide and QE sign off of oral exam and check ride Annual - Must log eight hours underway on orders, perform the following task each calendar year: pre-underway checkoff, man overboard evolution as a recovery/pickup man, pass a towline to another boat, take it into a stern tow and bring it to an alongside tow. Annual currency maintenance task requirements may be satisfied while on any operational or training mission.

Notes - Currency maintenance is carried out in a five-year cycle. Year one thru four may be signed off by a certified coxswain or crew member. Year five must be signed off by a QE.

Boat Crew - Coxswain

Primary Mission - Train and qualify members with the skills and knowledge for safe and effective performance as a PWC Operator to operate Auxiliary vessel facilities under Coast Guard patrol orders.

Qualification - Physical ability to perform a task, completion of the task in the PWC Operator qualification guide and QE sign off of oral exam and check ride. Qualified boat crew or coxswain only need to complete those qualification tasks specific to operating a PWC.

Notes - Currency maintenance is carried out in a five-year cycle. Year one thru four may be signed off by a certified coxswain. Coxswains may sign off the completion of their own tasks, as well as those of their crew. Year five must be signed off by a QE.

These currency requirements may be signed off by a QE at any time in the five-year cycle. Doing so will start a new five-year cycle.

A member may downgrade to crew member level by meeting currency requirements for a crew member.

Coxswain must be Navigation Rules exam qualified and maintain qualification. The coxswain must pass an open book (re-qualification) Auxiliary Navigation Rules exam with a minimum score of 90%.

Boat Crew – PWC Operator

Primary Mission - Train and qualify members with the skills and knowledge for safe and effective performance as a PWC Operator to operate Auxiliary vessel facilities under Coast Guard patrol orders.

Qualification - Physical ability to perform a task, completion of the task in the PWC Operator qualification guide and QE sign off of oral exam and check ride. Qualified boat crew or coxswain only need to complete those qualification tasks specific to operating a PWC.

Notes - Currency maintenance is carried out in a five-year cycle. Year one thru four may be signed off by a certified PWC operator. Year five must be signed off by a QE. The PWC Operator must pass an open book Auxiliary Navigation Rules exam with a minimum score of 90%, complete a PFD swim, and maneuver through a buoyed slalom course.

Mobile Radio Communications

Primary Mission - Provide immediate land-based communications support at the scene of a major incident involving the resources of the U. S. Coast Guard

Qualification - Pass the Auxcom and complete the TCO PQS. 

Must have the required equipment, such as 2-meter radio, Fixed Mount radio (25 Watts)(Marine Band), GPS receiver, compass, flashlight, Uniform, and personnel equipment (extra batteries, Auxiliary Life Jacket, Foul Weather Gear, Rubber Boots, and etc.).

Air Crew

Primary Mission - Provide the Auxiliary pilot with a capable assistant during all phases of aviation missions. Such as observer, radio communications, weather gathering and recording, navigation in both visual and instrument meteorological conditions, and visual and instrument approaches to airports.

Qualification -Aviation background, pass the medical screening process, and must first be certified as an Auxiliary air observer. Once certified as an observer, may proceed to Aircrew training which consists of satisfactory completion of the open book exam and a minimum of five hours of aircrew flight training.

Notes - Medical screening will be valid for 24 months for members 40 and older, and 36 months for members under 40. Members must have a valid medical screening on file to maintain their aircrew certification.