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Competency Training Programs
The follow programs or competencies are those skills obtain by Auxiliary members to assist the CG Auxiliary in meeting their goal(s) and mission(s) of educating the public about boating safety and assisting the USCG in their missions).
The following are competencies currently supported with Flotilla 68:
- Boat Crew - Contact FSO-MT Charles Gray Grosvenor
- Coxswain - Contact FSO-MT Charles Gray Grosvenor
- Marine Safety - Contact FSO-MS Glenn William Rogers
- PATON/ATON Verifier - Contact FSO-MT Charles Gray Grosvenor
- Public Affairs - Contact FSO-PA
- Partner Visitation(Formerly Program/Dealer Visitor) - Contact FSO-PV Guy M. Heaton
- PWC Operator - TBD
- Radio Comms(CM) - Contact FSO-CM Marc A. Morin
- Vessel Examiner - Contact FSO-VE Steven Anthony Fiorillo
AuxCA - Auxiliary Culinary Assistance Program 
Lead Contact: Angelo Skiparnias, DSO-CA, SO-CA, AUC
Prerequisite Requirements
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Recurrent Training Requirements
Boat Crew Training 
Lead Contact: FSO-MT, Charles Gray Grosvenor
Description
The mission of the Auxiliary surface operations program is to provide operational, logistic, and training support to appropriate Coast Guard programs on navigable waters for the Coast Guard has responsibility.
These programs include, but are not limited to, safety, aids to navigation, training of Coast Guard and Auxiliary members, assisting harbor patrol sheriffs, regatta, and search and rescue patrols. These patrols are performed aboard Auxiliary members' vessels which have been equipped to meet Coast Gourd standards and designated as Operational Facilities ("OPFACs"). The crews aboard these OPFACs are designated as Boat Crew and are under the supervision and responsibility of the Coxswain.
Boat Crew, as is the case with all members of the Auxiliary, cannot be given general police powers or direct law enforcement authority; therefor all interactions with the public are requests not orders and no firearms are authorized for use or allowed aboard any OPFAC. Boat Crew and Coxswains may interact with law enforcement, when required, and in the case of Boat Crew when authorized by the Coxswain.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
- 100293 Blood Pathogen Awareness 2.0 via Aux Classroom
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
- Incident Command (FEMA ICS):
- 501375 (IS-100.b): Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100
- 500997 (IS-700a): DHS Preparedness: National Incident Management System
- 100202: Introduction to Risk Management
- Complete the Boat Crew Training Course
- The current set of manuals, handbooks, and qualification guide can be found on the R-Directorate Surface Program Manuals and Document Info Page under Training and Qualification Guides and Manuals
Recurrent Training Requirements
- Complete at least 12 hours of "On the Water Duty" annually
- Complete Annual Workshops
- Complete Risk Management Training(TCT) every 15 months
- Renew Boat Crew Qualifications every 3 years
Job Aids
- USCG Drill Cards
Coxswain Training 
Lead Contact: FSO-MT, Charles Gray Grosvenor
Description
Prerequisite Requirements
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Recurrent Training Requirements
Dock Walker Training
Lead Contact: CA Division of Boating & Waterways
Description
Dockwalkers are trained to engage members of the public and the boating community to adopt clean boating practices. Dockwalkers share clean boating information with boaters and distribute educational 2020 California Boater Kits, while visiting marinas, launch ramps, marine supply stores, boat shows and special events (i.e. regattas, opening days, among others). "Dockwalker" is only a general term because you are not limited to "walking the docks" in order to talk to boaters about safety and clean boating practices. Remember safety and the environment go hand in hand.
Dockwalking is a fantastic way to interact with boaters to help keep California's marinas, waterways, and ocean clean and healthy. The training provides an overview of potential sources of boat pollution, federal and state laws, environmentally-sound boating practices, information on how to conduct Dockwalking, and an overview of the educational materials Dockwalkers will distribute.
Since 2000, more than a 1,000 Dockwalkers have taught 10,000 boaters about oil, fuel, sewage, trash and marine debris prevention. Participation in the program, including the training sessions, qualifies as community service.
If you are already a trained Dockwalker and were trained more than three years ago, please join us this year for a refresher class.
Anyone from 15 to 100 years young with an interest in water quality and sharing clean boating information (regardless of your background) can become a Dockwalker!
This program provides tons of benefits to:
- Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Marinas, Harbors and Yacht Club Operators and Staff
- United States Power Squadrons
Marine Safety Training
Lead Contact: FSO-MS, Glenn William Rogers
Description
Welcome to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection web page. Our purpose is to provide our members with the information they need to familiarize themselves with, and participate in, the program.
MISSION STATEMENT:
We are the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s core team of specialists in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. Our principal Mission is to support the marine safety and environmental protection programs and activities of the United States Coast Guard and to train and support members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who join us.
MARINE SAFETY ASSISTS THE COAST GUARD MISSION: MARINE SAFETY, MARITIME SECURITY, and MARITIME MOBILITY
Message from the DSO-MS: When we each took an oath and were sworn into the Auxiliary, we accepted the responsibility and obligation to assist the Gold side in their missions. The Coast Guard takes protecting our natural resources very seriously. We assist with public educational outreach at environmentally-themed events, festivals, and boat shows. We assist with beach, stream, and road clean-ups, conducting commercial fishing vessel exams, and keeping our shipmates apprised of what is happening in the fields of marine safety, environmental protection, and America’s Waterway Watch.
We have approximately 317 million people across our nation, with approximately 17 million registered boats. This amounts to about 5.5% of the population we may come in contact with only during the boating season. Marine Safety education is an opportunity to educate 100% of the population, 100% of the time. Also a great recruiting opportunity.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Every Auxiliarist should take the two core Marine Safety classes to be knowledgeable about their working environment, and to pass on their knowledge through our other core duty of education and boater safety...
- The Good Mate: Course / Test
- Intro to Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (IMSEP): Course / Test
Recurrent Training Requirements
- None
- Introduction to Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (IMSEP) course. If completed prior to 01 Oct 2010 must also complete IIMS. (IIMS was an active duty course which has since been discontinued. If IIMS has not been completed and IMSEP was earned prior to 01 Oct 2010, the new version of IMSEP must be completed.)
- Good Mate course
- Incident Command System (ICS) courses 100 / 200 / 700 / 800.
- ICS course 210 (Coast Guard taught) or ISC 300 (FEMA or Coast Guard taught)
- At least one Auxiliary marine safety program PQS. See MS PQS page for acceptable PQSs.
- Obtain Marine Safety Training Ribbon
- At least three additional Auxiliary marine safety program PQS. See MS PQS page for acceptable PQSs.
- Perform at least 96 hours of program activity per year for at least five years (these years do not have to be consecutive).
Marine Safety Training Ribbon 
The Marine Safety Training ribbon was created in recognition of the considerable and long-term, sustained effort that Auxiliarists must put forward in order to earn the Auxiliary Marine Safety (Trident) insignia. The ribbon recognizes achievement in the marine safety, security, and environmental protection mission area as a precursor to achievement of the Auxiliary Marine Safety (Trident) insignia. Auxiliarists who successfully complete the following tasks are entitled to wear this ribbon (there is no time limit in which these tasks must be completed):
The Auxiliary Marine Safety insignia was created pursuant to establishment of the Coast Guard Marine Safety insignia. It recognizes the culmination of Auxiliary training and qualification in a Coast Guard needs-based program. This means that the types of program disciplines that Auxiliarists may pursue will hinge upon the needs of the cognizant Sector command (e.g., an Auxiliarist should not expect to pursue completion of the Assistant Facility Inspector Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) if the Sector command does not have a need for Auxiliarists to be so qualified). Auxiliarists are not authorized to qualify in marine safety program disciplines that would earn the Coast Guard Marine Safety insignia. Auxiliarists who may have already earned the Coast Guard Marine Safety insignia may continue to wear such insignia, but they are not authorized to exercise, in a lead capacity, the authorities that are commensurate with it. Read more.....
The requirements are as follows:
For more information on the Marine Safety Program, visit the Marine Safety Section of the P-Directorate Prevention Site
Lead: FSO-MT, Charles Gray Grosvenor
Description
Prerequisite Requirement
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Recurrent Training Requirements
Partner Visitation Training
Lead: FSO-PV, Guy M. Heaton
Description
The Program Visitor department is responsible for establishing and maintaining the interface between the Auxiliary, and local marine dealers and other "partners" who have an interest in conspicuously supporting our missions of recreational boating safety and marine domain awareness.
As Auxiliary "ambassadors", program visitors establish one-on-one relationships with the management at such partners, keep the dealer/partner supplied with the latest state and federal boating safety, marine domain awareness, and environmental protection literature, work with the partners in planning special events, and keep them apprised of Auxiliary community activities -- especially public boating courses.
Prerequisite Requirement
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
- Download the RBSVP Manual - M16796.3C using this link.
- Study the RBSVP Manual and review the recent PV workshop (this link).
- Take the RBS Program Visitor exam via the NTC. The exam can be found under the Test Catalog, with the test ID of MDV. Passing is 90%.
- Once you've passed the exam, get together with a qualified Program Visitor to perform two visits under his or her supervision.
- Once that is done, the qualified program visitor must notify your Flotilla Commander who in turn must notify your DIRAUX Office that you've completed your visits. Your DIRAUX will then qualify you as a Program Visitor
Recurrent Training Requirements
- Annual Workshop https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=workshops
- Following certification as a Program Visitor, four (4) annual visits must be made.
REYR
- With a qualified Program Visitor to perform two visits under his or her supervision to become recertified.
- Complete 4 additional visits to meet that years requirements.
- After five (5) years a member must requalify as a new Program Visitor.
Job Aids
- PV Manualhttp://vdept.cgaux.org/JobAidFiles/RBSVP_ManualWeb.pdf
- PV talking points https://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/V-DEPT/PV_Talking_Points_TF_FINAL_COMO_App.pdf
PWC Operator Training
Lead: TBD
Description
Prerequisite Requirements
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Recurrent Training Requirements
Radio Comms(CM) Training
Lead: FSO-CM, Marc A. Morin
Description
The primary duty of the Communications Officer (FSO-CM) is to assume responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to Flotilla Radio communications and keep flotilla members informed of all developments in this area. They also ensure that every activation of an Auxiliary Radio Facility is under Coast Guard orders.
The FSO-CM verifies that Flotilla Radio Communications Facilities are properly installed, inspected, and kept fully operational. They maintain an up-to-date list of communications specialists and are responsible for scheduling qualified Auxiliarists to perform specific Communications activities within the Flotilla’s area of responsibility. These include standing Radio Watches for Auxiliary Vessel patrols or special events like regattas or other maritime events that Flotilla facilities are assigned to. The FSO-CM also supervises the activation of the Flotilla Radio Facilities during situations such as natural disasters or emergency support for the Coast Guard radio network.
In cooperation with the Flotilla Member Training Officer (FSO-MT), the FSO-CM encourages increased member participation in communications training and qualification as Communications Specialists. They also maintain liaison with the Division Communications Staff Officer (SO-CM) in planning, organizing, and implementing the flotilla's communication activities that involve other flotillas.
Additional duties involve working with the Auxiliary Liaison and local Coast Guard leadership toward the provision of qualified Auxiliarists for the standing of Coast Guard communications watches, telephone watches, etc.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Member in good standing and certified in AUXCT & BQII (See Getting Started)
- 100293 Blood Pathogen Awareness 2.0 via Aux Classroom
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
- Incident Command (FEMA ICS):
- 501375 (IS-100.b): Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100
- 500997 (IS-700a): DHS Preparedness: National Incident Management System
- 100202: Introduction to Risk Management
- Complete the TCO (Telecommunications Officer) training course.
Recurrent Training Requirements
- Complete Annual Workshops
- Complete Risk Management Training (TCT) every 15 months
Vessel Examiner Training 
Lead: FSO-VE Steven Anthony Fiorillo
Description
Becoming a Vessel Examiner(VE) is one of the less difficult certifications to achieve, but one of most rewarding. As a certified VE, you will have the unique opportunity to work with and educate the recreational boating public. This one-on-one interaction will provide a vital opportunity to enhance a boater’s knowledge, and help ensure they have a safe, fun filled day on the water for themselves and their passengers.
Prerequisite Requirements
- AUXCT, BQ or BQII, Introduction to Risk Management(ITRM) (See Getting Started)
- Boating Safety Course completed and recorded in AUXDATA II
- Meet current COVID-19 requirements. See Required Certifications under COVID-19 Info Center
Formal Training Requirements/Classes
Step 1: Study the VSC Manual M16796.8A & Pass VE Exam with 90%
- Download VSC Manual M16796.8A and CH-1.
- Review/study the manual
- Take VE Practice Tests. You can take these test as many times as you'd like, the results are not recorded
Step 2: Complete Current Year's VE Workshop
- Once you feel ready, take the the VE Exam from the National Testing Center(NTC). You will use the same credentials as AUXDATA II to login. Once logged in, scroll to the bottom of the test list and select the VE exam. Once again you need a 90% passing grade. Once obtained, print out the final test results and save for your records.
Step 3: Complete 5 Supervised VSCs
- Go to our Workshop Page, and take the current year's VE Workshop course. Once completed, complete the Self Attestation Form and send it to your FSO-IT officer to have it entered into AuxData.
- Once you've completed your exam, contact Steve Fiorillo, FSO-VE to be assigned to a VE trainer(s) for your supervised VSCs
- The FSO-VE will start your VE Qualification Form(Q/R V4-23) and send it to you. You must keep this form and provide it to your VE Trainer(s) for sign-off on each of your supervised VSCs. Once completed you will return this form to the FSO-VE for final approval by the FC and recording into AUXDATA2.
- PPE:
- For training, the FSO-VE will also ensure that you have the proper PPE(Aux issued PFD, whistle, mirror) to conduct your supervised VSCs.
- Once certified, you will work with the FSO-MA to obtain your personally issued VE PPE
Recurrent Training Requirements
- Complete Required Workshops (See Required Workshops under VE Toolkit)
- Complete 5 VSCs annually.
- Keep current with any COVID-19 requirements (See Required Certifications under COVID-19 Info Center)
REYR (Requirements Yearly, Not Met)
- If you do not meet your yearly requirements, you will become REYR and will need to re-qualify by completing 2 supervised VSCs. Once re-qualified, you must still complete 5 VSCs to remain qualified for the following year.
- If remain REYR for 5 consecutive years, then to re-qualify you must meet the initial qualification criteria by starting from scratch.
Job Aids