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Remember, since you wear the Coast Guard uniform as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, you are required to follow certain protocols while in uniform, particularly when there are Gold Side present.
Auxiliarists do not normally render military courtesies (such as saluting) to another Auxiliarist, but an Auxiliarist in uniform is expected to initiate salutes to the U.S. national ensign and friendly foreign flags as well as military officers who are senior to the Auxiliarist's office. Auxiliarists are expected to return all salutes given.
How to Board a Coast Guard Vessel
- Prepare to board the vessel by locating the ensign (flag) and the officer of the deck (OOD). The ensign is generally flown at the fantail of the ship. The OOD could be standing at the gangway or on board the vessel
- Salute the ensign. Non-uniformed members of the U.S. armed forces pause before the ensign and stand momentarily. Civilians have no duty to salute, but may follow the protocol for non-uniformed members of the armed forces and pause before the ensign.
- Salute the officer of the deck (OOD). Members of any of the branches of the armed forces must salute the OOD only after halting, saluting the ensign and then turning toward the OOD.
- Request permission to board the vessel. After saluting the OOD, military personnel must say, "Sir [Ma'am][Rank], I request permission to come on board." If the vessel is not your vessel, add the purpose of the visit by stating, for example, "to visit a friend."
- Walk aboard only after being given permission by the officer of the deck (OOD). Come aboard after receiving permission from the OOD in the form of a "come aboard" or in other similar words.
