Leadership Position Descriptions
Below are a few descriptions of the appointed leaders in a Flotilla. These members serve under the elected Flotilla Commander and Vice Flotilla Commander.
COMMUNICATIONS
(FSO-CM)
This officer is primarily concerned with Auxiliary fixed land and land mobile radio facilities. The duties includes periodic inspection of these facilities and their proper operation. The FSO-CM works with the Member Training Staff Officer to have the Communication Specialty Course (AUXCOM) taught to those desiring to participate in Auxiliary communications.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES
(FSO-CS)
The Communication Services Staff Officer is essentially the flotilla's webmaster and the organization's web watcher who exercises staff responsibility and supervision over electronic communication services.
FINANCE
(FSO-FN)
The Flotilla Finance Staff Officer is the bookkeeper of the flotilla’s finances. The FSO-FN collects members’ dues and Public Education book sale funds, and maintains the flotilla’s checking account. The FSO-FN must promptly pay all bills for Auxiliary dues and other obligations. This staff officer is responsible for preparing an annual budget and for submitting monthly financial statements.
HUMAN RESOURCES
(FSO-HR)
The Human Resources Staff Officer has two goals: (1) to recruit, and (2) to retain members. The FSO-HR works primarily with the Public Education and Vessel Examiner Staff Officers to recruit new members for the flotilla. The Public Education and Vessel Safety Check Programs offer the most exposure of the flotilla to the boating public. The Instructors and Vessel Examiners are the prime recruiters for new members. The FSO-HR depends on these members for flotilla growth. The Member Training Staff Officer is a key player in the retention efforts of the flotilla. Members expect training and involvement. If training is not done, the flotilla will lose members.
INFORMATION SERVICES
(FSO-IS)
The FSO-IS provides data entry of all flotilla activity data.. The FSO-IS is a key player in the Auxiliary Data System (AUXDATA).
MATERIALS
(FSO-MA)
The Auxiliary operates the Auxiliary Center (AUXCEN),and the Coast Guard operates the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). The FSO-MA, if designated by the Flotilla Commander, orders items from ANSC, such as stationery and Coast Guard training publications which are paid for at the taxpayers expense. The FSO-MA also assists members in purchasing items from the AUXCEN through the District Materials Center, operated by the District Materials Staff Officer.
MEMBER TRAINING
(FSO-MT)
As the name implies, this officer is responsible for administering all training of flotilla members. This includes boat crew, instructor, and vessel examiner training. Conducting all required Operations, Instructor, and Vessel Examiner Workshops is another FSO-MT responsibility. For these, the FSO-MT must coordinate with the Operations, Public Education, and Vessel Examiner Staff Officers. This position is very important to a growing flotilla and requires a dedicated, imaginative, and industrious individual
NAVIGATION SERVICES
(FSO-NS)
The FSO-NS Officer oversees the flotilla’s Chart Updating (CU) and Aids to Navigation (ATON) efforts. The job includes checking Private Aids to Navigation (PATONs). For this last effort, the flotilla must have enough qualified Aids Verifiers (AV). Many flotillas also appoint the FSO-NS as the Aids Verifier Examiner (AVE). The AVE qualifies potential Aids Verifiers.
OPERATIONS
(FSO-OP)
The Operations Staff Officer is responsible for getting facilities and crews to meet the patrol activity requested by the Coast Guard. The FSO-OP must also work with the Member Training Staff Officer to be sure properly trained members are available to conduct the desired patrols.
PUBLICATION
(FSO-PB)
The FSO-PB acts as editor of the unit’s publication. All flotillas should have some type of publication, or newsletter, to keep members informed of all flotilla activities. A flotilla publication is important for members who miss a meeting. The publication need not be fancy--just a simple mailing of reminders about coming events to each member, made on a regular basis, will do the job.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
(FSO-PA)
This staff officer works in cooperation with other staff officers to get maximum local publicity on flotilla activities.
PROGRAM VISITOR
(FSO-PV)
The Program Visitor provides boating safety information to marine dealers. Auxiliarists visit specific dealers on a regular basis and supply them with information and Auxiliary public material regarding boating safety, Auxiliary public education courses, and Vessel Safety Checks.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
(FSO-PE)
This officer is responsible for administering and scheduling public education courses. Such work includes getting class space, instructors, and course materials. The FSO-PE must work with the Member Training Staff Officer to ensure properly trained instructors are available for the flotilla. This staff officer also coordinates with the Public Affairs Staff Officer (FSO-PA) for advanced publicity for the public education courses.
SECRETARY/RECORDS
(FSO-SR)
The Secretary/Records prepares and distributes the Minutes of all flotilla meetings. The Flotilla Commander may assign other flotilla records for the FSO-SR to maintain, such as rosters and standing rules.
VESSEL EXAMINER
(FSO-VE)
The FSO-VE is responsible for administering the flotilla’s Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Program. This effort includes scheduling VSC stations, particularly during VSC month. The FSO-VE works with the Member Training Staff Officer to be sure that properly trained Vessel Examiners are available for the flotilla. The FSO-VE coordinates with the Public Affairs Staff Officer (FSO-PA) for advance publicity about the VSC Program and the VSC station schedule. The FSO-VE aids the Operations Staff Officer to have all vessel facilities inspected before the district facility inspection deadline.