US Coast Guard Auxiliary?

[CV-23]

I was invited to a meeting tonight by our lead Captain. He said it was a good idea to be a member when holding a Captains license. Is any one here a member? I guess you need a background check and thumb print on file to join. Homeland Security is a big part of the Coast Guard now more than ever....no different than a TWIC card I guess. I certainly don't mind doing boat inspections and classroom teaching but will need to see what commitment this is. I have had my boats inspected in the past by them and have a few friends who are active in the group. Any insight?

 

[fwebster]

I have a good friend who is in the Auxiliary and I know the Aux. Flotilla Commander here. I was invited to join and looked into it. I decided to decline for a couple of reasons........required days of service. I have dual residences in Tennessee and Florida and I am frequently in Tennessee when the Auxiliary has scheduled events and that means Aux. patrolling is the only remaining way to serve the required days. I draw 4ft so a lot of the boating area here is inaccessible to me in my boat, meaning I would have to coordinate with another member in smaller boat to satisfy my requirements which complicates things. The other reason is liability. I am very risk averse and our society is entirely too litigation happy for me to accept any liability I can't totally control. Being a crew member on an Auxiliary boat doesn't give me the control over the liability that I am comfortable with. The Auxiliary will tell you that you are exempt from being sued when serving, but unless I have a hold harmless signed by the head of Home Land security, I'll continue to help others as a good samaritan.

As far as a Captain's license goes, I see no valid connection between being an Auxiliary member and being a Captain for hire. The only possible link may be that in the case of an accident on the water, if you hold a USCG License, you can be held to a higher standard of adherence to the COLREGS. With a membership in the USCG Auxiliary AND a Captain's License, you certainly will be.

The other issue here is that they would like for you to make your boat available for regular patrolling, but that isn't a requirement. So if you add your operating expenses and wear and tear on your boat, this becomes more of a financial commitment that just donating your time.

It just isn't a fit for me........

 

[CV-23]

Good info Frank! I'll hear them out and see a few friends I have not seen in a while.

 

[k9medic]

Like any volunteer organization there will be the good and the bad. Where I am located, the local floatilla has more bad than good when it comes to public perception.

It's one thing to help other boaters by conducting safety inspections at the boat ramp or even teaching a boating course, but our local group takes it to the extreme and actually tries to enforce laws. This has caused them a few issues with the real law enforcement officers in the area.

 

[Bucit]

Our YC has the CG Aux come by and do inspections every year. I can tell you first hand that many of the Aux reps don't know a thing about boating. I usually explain and show them what's needed for the safety inspections. Not all but I've had a few.

 

[rondds]

Will there be donuts? Go if the are donuts.

 

[jason78]

Like any volunteer organization there will be the good and the bad. Where I am located, the local floatilla has more bad than good when it comes to public perception.

No kidding! I hope CV-23's CGA "flotilla" is more competent than the one near me. 2 years ago my wife had to jump in the water to support an injured Jet Skier that had flipped himself and his girlfriend off their Jet Ski (purchased the day prior) in an attempt to jump the combined wake of my boat and the 340 I was following. They "floated" by on their "patrol pontoon" within about 200 feet of the incident ignoring all the waving and shouting (in clear sight); once 2 other boats blocked them, they finally put 2 and 2 together an realized what was going on.

The next 20 minutes was spent with all of them sitting on their as*es doing nothing but telling my wife (as she was in the water holding the guy up waiting on rescue) that she really should have grabbed more additional flotation than she had as he sat next to a stack of extra cushions on their boat. At the same time the "Captain" was arguing with me on Channel 16 when I was trying to tell the fire boat where were were. He kept butting in telling the fire boat we were in the next channel down the lake that we actually were.

After the fire boat left they started floating toward my boat. I told them not to get near my boat. He said they need to record a statement from me. I refused and left. Luckily the guy ended up being OK and was released form the hospital the same day.

 

[Ike]

It is unfortunate that some of you have had bad experiences with the CG Auxiliary. As far as the question goes, whether to join or not, Frank put it most succinctly. However I would correct one thing, Liability. You are protected from liability IF you are under USCG orders. That is written orders for a patrol or a specific operation. In that case you are acting the same as regular Coast Guard and covered. If you are not under orders then the liability is yours unless it is something that falls under the Good Samaritan law (making a good faith effort help someone who is in imminent danger)

I was a Director of the USCG Auxiliary (regular Coast Guard LT) back in the early 80's but the rules haven't changed that much. Auxiliarists have no law enforcement authority whatsoever. I have had to discipline some for doing this. But unfortunately one bad apple...................... However, they can act as a means of transport for someone who does, whether it be regular Coast Guard, Local LE, Border Patrol, State LE or whoever. If it is a regular Coast Guard they are supposed to be flying the Coast Guard Ensign (Flag) but I have seen lots of case where they haven't. However the USCG person must be a qualified boarding officer.

Most of the expense is yours. In addition to your boat expenses there is such things as uniforms, travel, etc. It is a volunteer organization and there is a requirement to put in so much time. However there are a lot mor things that CGAux members can do than just Patrols, education and courtesy exams. When I was in USCG HQ we routinely had Aux members helping with paperwork, phones, writng manuals (for the Auxiliary) and other grunt work as well as speaking engagements, boating safety demos and more. When I was at USCG Base San Francisco. Auxiliarists stood watches in the operations center, monitored radio traffic, assisted in Search and Rescue operations and the list goes on. Anywhere people are need in a function that isn't LE. and they have the requisite skills, they can do it.

However, be aware. The Auxiliary is also a social club. Flotilla Commanders and on up to Auxiliary Commodore are elected by the membership. I gets very political. If you don't mind that, fine. But if that kind of thing bothers you then you might want to consider not joining. Of course you don't have to do any of that higher level stuff. I know people who have been in the Auxiliary for decades and all the want to do is teach classes, or do patrols, or courtesy exams. So they stay right at that level and that is fine. No one cares. But like any organization there are always the people who want to advance and run the show, and they are needed just as much as the worker bees who do most of the routine work.

Overall my experiences with the Auxiliary are good. I had to boot one guy out because of bigotry but he was the exception. Most members jsut want to do good and give back and have a good time doing it. they do have some great parties.

 

[rondds]

My only experience with Auxiliarymen has been vessel safety checks. I've had one every year for the past dozen years and I have always found these men to be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to lend a hand. Some have asked to see the flame arrestors, some have taken my word that they're there. Some have asked if I have my y-valve buckled up, some have crawled in and under to see it buckled. Some have asked to see the documentation plate engraved in a bulkhead, some have taken my word for it.

 

[Bucit]

My only experience with Auxiliarymen has been vessel safety checks. I've had one every year for the past dozen years and I have always found these men to be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to lend a hand. Some have asked to see the flame arrestors, some have taken my word that they're there. Some have asked if I have my y-valve buckled up, some have crawled in and under to see it buckled. Some have asked to see the documentation plate engraved in a bulkhead, some have taken my word for it.

This is where the few I spoke about early didn't know much. Flame arrestor? What's that and where is it one gal asked. Documentation plates and discharge placard, what's that they asked. Others knew exactly but a few had no idea.

 

[Billfletcher]

I applaud anyone who volunteers their time for public service. Generally speaking, the Aux in my area are a nice group of mostly retired folks, but not very technical. I think they add value for newer boaters and light seasonal users in regards to basic life safety Gear and obvious safety issues which is all good.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I've been asked to join the Aux several times over the years and I've always declined. I've had a couple of bad experiences with the Aux over the years and that has kept me from being interested.

The first was on a boat inspection. I did fine until they looked at my state registration numbers on the hull. They were 5" tall but had about a 10 degree italicized slant to them. The inspector, who is somewhat a little Hitler type, refused to give me my certificate of inspection because he said they weren't block letters. I asked him to show me where in the regs it says they can't have any slant to them and he got indignant and just said he was refusing to give me the cert.

Another issue came up over whether or not I had a copy of the Nav Rules on board. This was with my 33' boat and they weren't required. When I told him that his reply was "Well, you should have them so if you're about to collide with another vessel you can refer to the Nav Rules and see who is the privileged vessel".

I told him if I were in danger of colliding with another vessel I wouldn't take the time to refer to the Nav Rules, I would give way to the other vessel. He got pi$$ed and told me I should have a copy on board anyways.

Most of the members of the Aux are pretty decent. But he's not the only jerk in the local unit. It's the jerks that keep me from joining.

 

[HUMPH]

My father was in the Auxiliary back in the 70's and I was his crew. We rescued many vessels in distress, saved some lives, did many hours of patrol (not a bad way to spend time with Dad), acted as safety boats for swimming events and boat races, etc. we served a purpose on San Francisco Bay and there are at least a handful of people that are very happy we were there. I bet we towed well over a dozen boats back to safe harbor while I was with him.

Once, it was blowing very hard and there was a distress call but we were at the yacht club. It was too rough for our 31' Chris Craft so another member with a 40' Grand Banks took us to rescue a family on a sailboat that had turned turtle. Scary stuff when you are just a volunteer and are not getting paid to risk everything to rescue.

 

[Ike]

It was too rough for our 31' Chris Craft so another member with a 40' Grand Banks took us to rescue a family on a sailboat that had turned turtle.

Oddly enough I think I remember that event. I was at Base San Francisco (YBI) in that time period. Normally we would not ask an Auxiliary to respond under those conditions but it was the closest unit available and it would have taken hours for the nearest regular unit to arrive on scene. I remember a lot of talk at SAR training sessions about whether or not the OPCEN was correct or not to send a Auxiliary unit. (or I may be just imagining it, but it sounds awfully familiar. Was the Grand Banks damaged? I seem to remember a damage claim>)

 

[Ike]

GofirstClass. Something to keep in mind here is that the Auxiliary sets it's own requirements for awarding a decal. They cannot be less than what the Federal or state requirements are, but they can exceed them. For instance the nav rules. If the Auxiliary (not the individual auxiliarist but the organization) decides you need a copy then the guy or gal on the scene will say you gotta have it even if the Nav Rules don't require you. Most of the time their requirements are not unreasonable but there were times when I argued with them about it. You require what? Why? and so on. But as I said they determine that them selves at the USCG HQ level (yes they have an office and a Commodore, and a staff).

Of course The Power Squadron does the same thing, and so do the State boating law enforcement and even some local jurisdictions. There's a local community here that has a lake that falls under it's jurisdiction and they require you have a length of line on your throwable flotation device (cushion or ring) or they won't let you on the lake. It's a good idea, but as far as I know no one else requires it. It's just some arbitrary decision by somebody at the local level.

So you get a copy of the NAV rules, chuck in the drawer and get your decal. I have a whole bunch of stuff on my 18 foot Sea Ray that is definitely not required but what the hey. I may need it some day. My wife says, what do you need that for? I say, just in case. I'm Coast Guard, Always Ready. LOL

 

[HUMPH]

Oddly enough I think I remember that event. I was at Base San Francisco (YBI) in that time period. Normally we would not ask an Auxiliary to respond under those conditions but it was the closest unit available and it would have taken hours for the nearest regular unit to arrive on scene. I remember a lot of talk at SAR training sessions about whether or not the OPCEN was correct or not to send a Auxiliary unit. (or I may be just imagining it, but it sounds awfully familiar. Was the Grand Banks damaged? I seem to remember a damage claim>)

I don't remember any damage to the rescue vessel on this one but it is possible since was a tough rescue. This would have been around '76 to '78.

 

[Gofirstclass]

GofirstClass. Something to keep in mind here is that the Auxiliary sets it's own requirements for awarding a decal. They cannot be less than what the Federal or state requirements are, but they can exceed them. For instance the nav rules. If the Auxiliary (not the individual auxiliarist but the organization) decides you need a copy then the guy or gal on the scene will say you gotta have it even if the Nav Rules don't require you. Most of the time their requirements are not unreasonable but there were times when I argued with them about it. You require what? Why? and so on. But as I said they determine that them selves at the USCG HQ level (yes they have an office and a Commodore, and a staff).

I'm Coast Guard, Always Ready. LOL

I am too (always ready). It makes no sense to me that the local Aux idiots can come up with their own rules that are more stringent that what the USCG determines is adequate.

Many of the Auxies around here remind of cop wannabees. Give 'em a uniform and they start to think they're all powerful.

Don't get me wrong. Not all of 'em are like that. There are several here who are good guys, do a good job and have earned a lot of respect. It's the same old story that a few bad apples spoil the barrel.

 

[Ike]

Humph. Bingo. I was DirAux at Salt Lake at that time and had to go to SF for a lot of Aux meetings and other related stuff. In 81 I transferred to Base San Fran. So I remember a lot of discussions about that, I think I even talked to the Skipper of the Grand Banks.

GoFirstClass: You misunderstood what I said. I did not say that local Aux could make these decisions. They are made by the higher ups at the National Staff level in Wash DC. The locals just look for what's on the form. They are not supposed to require anything that isn't on the form. And they are not supposed to be doing courtesy exams unless they have taken the course, the exams, and been trained by a qualified examiner. Someone who doesn't know what a flame arrester is or where to find it should not be doing courtesy exams.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Ike, yes, I did misunderstand your comment about where the decisions are made. It still baffles me as to why someone would require something that exceeds USCG requirements. I have great respect for the USCG and welcome them aboard my boat anytime. I've had them do an inspection and they're very professional.

What really amazed me was the comment the Auxie made that if I were about to collide with another boat I should break out the Nav Rules to see who was the stand on vessel. The notion of taking one's attention away from an emergency situation to check a book is simply ludicrous.

As to untrained people doing inspections....I had a local sheriff dept water cop do an inspection on my boat a few years ago. It turned out to be a training session for him because all he'd inspected up to that point were runabouts. He knew nothing about documented vessels, lighting requirements for larger boats, etc. What might have been a 20 minute inspection turned out to be an hour long learning session. I got my sticker and he got a good intro to inspecting bigger boats. It worked out well for both of us.

I'm not one of those guys who sits back and says things like "No water cops are welcome on my boat." Having worked in law enforcement and being a retired cop have taught me to welcome them on board.

 

[Ike]

The Auxiliarist's comment was just plain foolish. I think at that point he was frustrated and didn't know what to say so he just blurted out whatever came to mind. Anyway, when in extremis (imminent collision) you don't start breaking out books and manuals. You take whatever action is necessary to avoid the collision, and that is in the rules. Simply put, at that point all rules are off and just do what is necessary. It used to be called the General Prudential Rule but in the COLREGS it is Rule 2 (b) and not stated as clearly as it used to be. By the way the rules are on-line at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#rule18

We have all been through the experience of having a trainee, learning the business, taking far longer than usual, but that is good thing. It's best they take their time and learn to do it right. They'll get better at it in the future. We have all been the trainee at one time anyway.

By the way. Nice looking boat.