Division 15 What's New!
(b) Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual, COMDTINST M16798.3 (series)
1. After release of reference (a), feedback was received which requires clarification of crew fatigue time accounting and an updated definition of Search and Rescue (SAR) Standby (code 23A).
2. Crew Fatigue: Reference (a) created confusion regarding the accounting of surface operations accumulated crew fatigue time while in a standby status (codes 01D and 23A). Reference (b), chapter 4, section E.8 (Crew Fatigue) reads in part:
• Crew underway time begins when the crew member reports to the designated place to prepare for a specific mission. Computation of such time ends when the mission is complete. Crew underway time includes time spent accomplishing pre-mission and post-mission vessel checks.
• Time spent conducting trailering activities and at a sheltered anchorage counts as 50% underway time (e.g., one hour spent at a sheltered anchorage counts for ½ hour accumulated crew underway time).
The term "sheltered anchorage" is not defined in reference (b) and has been interpreted in different ways. The calculation and accounting of crew fatigue time is critical to mission planning and risk management. To simplify the accounting of accumulated crew fatigue time for surface operations, all trailering time and standby time (codes 01B, 01D, and 23A) will count as 50% toward accumulated crew fatigue time. Time spent underway or at anchor will count as 100% time for underway time and accumulated crew fatigue time. The policy excerpt above from reference (b), chapter 4, section E.8 will be amended in the next revision as follows:
• Crew fatigue time begins when the crew member reports to the designated place to prepare for a specific mission. Computation of such time ends when the mission is complete. Crew fatigue time includes time spent accomplishing pre-mission checks, stops or breaks during a patrol, and post-mission checks/activities.
• Time spent conducting trailering activities and all standby time counts as 50% of accumulated crew fatigue time (e.g., one hour spent in standby status counts for ½ hour accumulated crew fatigue time). Time spent underway or at anchor counts as underway time and therefore counts as 100% for accumulated crew fatigue time.
3. SAR Standby (code 23A): The description of SAR Standby (code 23A) in reference (a) failed to account for SAR Standby scenarios beyond a Bravo-0 readiness status. SAR Standby (code 23A) is amended as follows with the change highlighted in yellow:
23A - SAR Standby*: This code shall be entered ONLY when specifically assigned by the Order Issuing Authority (OIA) to assume dedicated SAR standby for an actual or potential SAR mission. For Bravo-0 readiness status, the facility must be ready to proceed without delay, with a qualified crew in the immediate vicinity of the facility and in the prescribed uniform. For Bravo readiness status greater than Bravo-0, the facility and crew must be ready to proceed within the the established readiness time (e.g., a Bravo-2 SAR Standby facility would be underway within 2 hours), and in the prescribed uniform. Situations which may merit assignment to SAR Standby are:
• Prolonged searches where active duty crews are likely to exceed fatigue standards
• SAR coverage in cases where active duty assets are not available due to unexpected or prolonged machinery/equipment casualties.
• On busy/holiday weekends to assist with a high likelihood of SAR events.
• For any situation deemed appropriate by the OIA.
Upon completion of an underway, airborne or operational (in the case of radios) patrol, appropriate
mission codes will be entered for recording all activities.
*Standby time (01D and/or 23A) must be entered in each itinerary to account for crew fatigue per
chapter 4.E.8 and Annex 1, section B of reference (a). Operators will enter standby time in their
itineraries. Itineraries with no standby time will be returned by the OIA to the operator for correction.
4. POC: BMCM Dennis O'Connell, Chief, Auxiliary Operations Management Branch (CG-BSX-12)
New Publications and PA Rule for Flotilla/Division Designations
The Public Affairs Directorate has changed the policy of how flotillas are to be designated in Auxiliary publications at all levels. As of 27 August 2018, a flotilla will be described by its name as it appears in AUX Directory, without any unit numbers.
Examples:
Flotilla 43 in District 7 would be described as “Lake County Flotilla, Florida, participated in…”.
Another example would be “Jim Smith, Flotilla Commander of the San Diego Flotilla, said….” The only time the state is required to be shown is when there could be confusion surrounding the flotilla’s location.
In the case of divisions, the division number will still be used unless the division has a name assigned to it in AUX Directory.
Examples:
“Division 5 in southeast Florida” or “The Oahu Division, Hawaii”
Publications already “at press” are grandfathered from this change. Future publications should reflect the new style.
This will also assist in helping market your flotillas. Currently the public does not understand our numbering system and by seeing the flotilla name, this will give the public a starting point, if they wish to contact the flotilla.
The applicable PA and PB manuals will be updated to reflect this change.
Nationwide Blue Green Algae Issues
What are Cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, naturally occur in all freshwater ecosystems. However, too many nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen in the waterway can result in conditions that lead to cyanobacterial blooms. These blooms can often be identified as floating mats of bad-smelling, decaying and gelatinous scum.
Health Risks
When cyanobacteria degrade, they may release algal toxins that can be harmful to aquatic and human life. Exposure to cyanobacteria or their toxins may produce allergic reactions such as skin rashes, eye irritations, respiratory symptoms, and in some cases gastroenteritis, liver and kidney failure or death. The most likely pathway to exposure for humans is through accidental ingestion or inhalation during recreational activities in the water body.
Auxiliary Issues
Missions that occur near affected waters may be hazardous. Use your GAR assessment and be aware of the exposure as an environmental hazard. Symptoms of illnesses that you or a health care provider associate with exposure to algae blooms while assigned to duty must be reported to your Order Issuing Authority as soon as possible. In the event that medical treatment is sought, advise the provider that the illness was a consequence of your employment by the United States as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Advise all health care providers treating you for the exposure that they should submit their bills for services to the United States Department of Labor as a federal worker's compensation case.
Kidde Fire Extinguishers Recall
Walter Kidde has issued a recall of 134 different models of Kidde brand fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver cylinder colors and are rated as either ABC or BC. The extinguishers were sold nationwide online and at brick and mortar outlets.
The hazards associated with the recalled fire extinguishers are that they can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency.In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.
All persons owning fire extinguishers are urged to read Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert 12-17.
All are also encouraged to check the fire extinguishers aboard your vessels, and in your vehicles and homes to determine whether they are subject to this recall. Additional information is available on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website, Kiddie Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported.
Life Jacket Label
Life jackets manufactured under the new North American standard will have a new hang tag and label.
The label will designate the device as U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved, include an image of recommended water activities, basic care instructions, and a website for additional boating safety information.
These may be seen in stores in 2018. It's important for a boater to READ THE LABEL to make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved and appropriate for their recreational water activity.