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D5SR AUXPAD Operator Training
AUXPAD is the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s program to promote paddlecraft safety ashore and afloat. Similar to the boat crew program, AUXPAD Operators are trained to handle their craft safely and undertake missions under orders. Their training prepares them as safety ambassadors to the paddling community, where they promote safety on the water, and also through Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education, and Program Visitation.
Training at Pohick Bay, VA 2021 Group photo Galesville, MD, 2019
AUXPAD Photo Album
Check out our photos from AUXPAD training and related activities
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AUXPAD Handbook, January 2023
he AUXPAD Handbook describes the program’s mission, scope, operational parameters and qualification requirements, and replaces the COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 16794.11A which previously governed the program.
The new Handbook includes a Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) for AUXPAD Operator (PDLO). Qualification as PDLO requires much of the same training as coxswain or boat crew, including TCT/Risk Management, Surface Operations, Communications, and Navigation. In addition, specialized training is required to demonstrate American Canoe Association L2 Coastal Kayaking or River Kayaking skills. Much of the training described in the PQS can be completed online or through training offered in your flotilla. Pre-requisites for on-water training are summarized in the PQS. Review the PQS carefully to assess what tasks you will need to complete Click this Link
Paddling.com
partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to produce these short safety videos for new paddlers.
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Assisted Rescue using the Heel Hook method:
This video demonstrates one way to help a capsized paddler back into a sea kayak. Note the discussion in the comments that suggest improvements in the demonstrated technique.
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Situational Awareness:
This 30 second clip shows me paddling home to avoid an approaching storm. I was clueless about the waterspout over my right shoulder…needed a better stern watch.
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The Navigation Rules Exam:
Kayak Navigation Workshop with Paula Hubbard:
This one hour webcast by Paula Hubbard discusses the practical skills needed to navigate a kayak on open water without the aid of electronic gear.
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Cross Current Sea Kayaking
Provides high quality sea kayaking instruction to paddlers at all ability levels. Courses are conducted throughout the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast. ACA instructor development programs are also offered. Check out the Coastbusters newsletter and other resources on this site.
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Tom Nickels of Riverwind Kayak
Is an ACA Instructor Trainer who has worked closely with us in recent years to improve our paddling and teaching skills. His website includes brief instructional videos and other great resources.
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Perfecting the Forward Stroke
Is a kayak racing video that demonstrates the extent of torso and lower body movement on a power stroke. These movements may be less pronounced in paddling a touring kayak, but the mechanics are very similar and the racing kayak allows us to view the paddlers’ upper and lower body.
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This collection of recorded seminars for Auxiliarists with an interest in paddling and safety.
The handbook prescribes policy and doctrine requirements for Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as Active duty, in the Auxiliary Paddlecraft program.
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Training AUXPAD leaders at NACON 2024
Here is a short video to share at the flotilla meeting if there is time:
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Kayaking Skills
Kayaking Skills
This collection of videos by Roland McDevitt highlights
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Introduction to AUXPAD
Paddling activities are increasingly popular, but most paddlers take to the water with little education concerning the risks and how to mitigate them. This presentation provides an overview of AUXPAD and the many ways we can promote paddlecraft safety.
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Navigation Rules for Paddlers
Excellent analysis of Nav Rules from a paddler's perspective.
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Recommended PFDs and PPE.
The January AUXPAD Handbook specifies requirements in Section G Personal Protective Equipment. The Paddlecraft Safety Division has developed PPE Recommendations for PDLOs and Districts seeking to provide PPE to qualified PDLOs.
How to Prepare for an AUXPAD Patrol, May 15, 2023.
This PDF from the May 22, 2023 Zoom seminar includes useful links to resources for patrol orders, reimbursement, facility management, uniforms, PPE. Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Communicate any questions to the contact person for your training session.
Resources to Prepare for AUXPAD Operator PQS
Surface Operations Workshop is required for 2023. This should be available locally from V-Train in late February, but you will need to complete this prior to June 30, 2023 in order to go on the water. Contact your FSO-Member Training for details.
Radio COMMUNICATIONS Workshop District 9E produced this excellent workshop on how to use a radio and communicate with the station in a professional manner (PQS tasks: BCM-05-01-AUX and BCM-05-02-AUX). It will help you prepare to demonstrate communication skills to your mentor or AE. The following documents will assist you in learning these skills -
Handouts for the Communications Workshop :
AUXPAD Radio Sample Comms
Phonetic Alphabet and Numerals
Pro words and Acronyms
Questions we ask people in distress!
Radio Comms Practice Sheet
Administrative Tasks, including how to request and report a patrol are addressed in the Patrol Order Users Guide PowerPoint at this link to the AUXDATA II Training Resources site.
Paula Hubbard’s Tutorials on kayak navigation, weather, tides & currents, and self-rescue are excellent. Her step-by-step explanation of the paddle float self-rescue is particularly helpful.
