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Division 22 Boat Crew Training pages will be up and running in time for the 2024 Boat Crew Season. This section will be how Division 22 organizes and communicates to the Boat Crew Trainees to become operational in Coast Guard Auxiliary Surface Operations.

Welcome aboard! and, thank you for making a commitment to support the United States Coast Guard as a trainee in the Auxiliary’s Boat Crew Qualification Program.  Once qualified, you will serve as a crew member on Auxiliary operational facilities as they perform their multi-mission patrols in support of Station Eatons Neck.  

Your training will include shoreside training in such skills as first aid, radio communication, navigation, and marlinespike seamanship.  In early June,  the training activities will shift to our boats for the on-water part of your training.  

There, you will develop skills needed for search and rescue, bringing a disabled boat into tow, rescuing a person from the water, and boat handling.

Your mentors and trainers will guide and challenge you, as you study, learn, practice, and demonstrate your proficiency in the tasks included in the sign-off manual.

In addition, as an operational part of the United States Coast Guard you will be expected to complete the FEMA Incident Command System on/line tests for IS-100 and IS-700.  These self study courses help us to fit into a coordinated network along with other emergency responders.

The USCG’s 4 hour Team Coordination Training (TCT), and documentation that you have completed a boating safety course will also be needed. 

Finally, when you have completed all aspects of training, your mentors will recommend you to a Qualification Examiner.  The QE will check that your skills meet the minimum requirements set by the Coast Guard.

Unlike most programs, there is a large investment made on your behalf in terms of time and effort.  It takes 2 vessels manned by 2 qualified Coxswain/Crew Teams (6 operations members) each on water training day.  Wherever possible, your training will be integrated into our weekend patrols.

We can not guarantee that there will be sufficient boats available to meet the training needs of all our boat crew trainees; priority will be given to those members that have a track record demonstrating their commitment to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

There are certain expectations you should be aware of up front before you start.

You must follow all safety requirements of the USCG Aux.  It should be noted that the USCG AUX. does not allow the wearing of jewelry on patrol.  This restriction includes wedding rings.

You will be expected to make the classes, and be prepared for each class, which usually means you will need to devote some home study time.

You will also, be expected to support the USCG through Auxiliary's Operations Missions upon successful completion, by serving on as a crew member on patrols.  Patrols are usually scheduled for weekends and holidays.

The process takes several months but the successful candidates feel good about the accomplishment they achieved. You can wear your operational medal with pride, the Operations

Team certainly knows you have earned it.

Semper Paratus!

Peter Canning
USCG Auxiliary Coxswain