Your contact for joining U.S.C.G. Auxiliary is:

Transcription

1 Your contact for joining U.S.C.G. Auxiliary is: Jack Gordon, FSO-HR USCG Auxiliary Flotilla Dutchman Creek Rd. Southport, NC Tel: (910) All forms pertaining to your enrollment should be returned to Jack Gordon Waiting for the start of the KMT Keeping traffic in step Getting Underway - Station O/I Patrolling the ICW The Coxswain, Crew, and Crew Trainees on these USCG Auxiliary facility vessels are all members of Flotilla during the King Mackerel Tournament [Photos courtesy of Jim Janovetz, past FSO-OP taken from a USCG vessel] United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM

2 BE PART OF TEAM COAST GUARD The Coast Guard Auxiliary is called upon to provide essential services to the Coast Guard as they focus more heavily on their military missions. Owning a boat or being an experienced boater is not required since our missions are wide-ranging. STEP ONE: DECIDING TO JOIN THE AUXILIARY After reviewing the contents of this New Member Package, you will need to decide on whether you would like to join the USCG Auxiliary. We encourage you to visit our Flotilla (Local unit within the USCG Auxiliary) meeting (3 rd Tuesday of every 7:00 PM at the USCG Station Oak Island Caswell Beach, NC) and meet our members before you make your decision. This decision is a personal one and dependent upon your time, talent, and commitment. If you would like to attend or have any questions during this process, please contact Jack Gordon FSO-HR (Flotilla Staff Officer-Human Resources) at (910) or buckeyejackg@gmail.com MEMBERSHIP: The USCG Auxiliary is an organization of civilian volunteers. Membership is open to any citizen of the United States, its territories and possessions, who is 17 years of age or older, subject to a favorable Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) as a condition of enrollment. BENEFITS: A list of member benefits is attached for your reference (See APPENDIX-B). FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: There are no specific physical standards for participating in Coast Guard Auxiliary surface or radio operations. To become certified in an operational position, Auxiliarists must demonstrate their ability, mobility, and endurance to complete performance based training and qualifying tasks using the procedures in the appropriate qualification guides. This policy is intended to ensure the safety of the Auxiliarist, the crew, the facility, and the public. Should you decide to join, the following is the process toward becoming a member of the Southport/Oak Island Flotilla We certainly hope that you join and become as active as possible as the opportunities to serve your country and this community is immeasurable. Process Task 1. Enrollment Application (ANSC #7001) - Complete and SIGN form 2. New Member Auxiliary Course Study Guide - Read and prepare for exam 3. New Member Test/Answer Sheet (CG #4886) - Take exam 4. Application Fee (Payable to USCG Flotilla 10-05) - Check for $25.00 *** *** The fiscal year for Flotilla is July 1 to June 30. If you join after January 1, the $25.00 application fee is prorated to membership fees for the next fiscal year. Return completed items 1, 3, and 4, to: Jack Gordon, FSO-HR USCG Auxiliary Flotilla United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 2

3 How the USCG Auxiliary is like the US Coast Guard We represent the United States of America. How the USCG Auxiliary differs We do not receive a salary. We wear uniforms; observe military courtesy, customs, and "good" manners. We do not take sides in political activities or raise funds for political candidates. Our activities are limited to approved programs. We qualify through training. We do not enforce laws. We elect our leaders. We furnish and maintain our own equipment. We can choose to participate or not and we work where we live instead of living where we work. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 3

4 STEP TWO: USCG MEMBER ID CARD After the FSO-HR receives your Membership Application and supporting documentation, you will be contacted regarding having your photograph and fingerprints taken (You will need proof of citizenship in the form of an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and/or a U.S. Passport. Only one is required, but both preferred. The passport may be expired.). You will be able to attend Flotilla meetings and take any specialty courses; however you must wait until you receive your id #, passed a safe boating course, acquired your uniform, PFD and other required safety equipment before being able to participate in any operational activities (patrols).. When your Auxiliary ID card is received by the Flotilla Commander, you will be inducted into the Auxiliary. At that time you will be provided with an Auxiliary ID card. Noted in a recent Auxiliary publication: If you breathe, you need to fill out a form. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 4

5 STEP THREE: TRAINING AND MENTOR Auxiliary training is a statutory requirement. The Commandant of the USCG prescribes the type training, qualifications, and examinations required before a member of the Auxiliary shall be deemed qualified to perform certain duties. Auxiliary members assist new members through the training process. New Auxiliary members have an opportunity to gain additional knowledge, skills and qualifications by participating in various training programs offered by the Auxiliary. Participation in training enhances the Auxiliarist s competence and enables increased professionalism in the performance of most Auxiliary service. Coast Guard activities may also require special training by the responsible Coast Guard organization overseeing the service opportunity. The opportunity to increase knowledge and skills through training are primary reasons many people join the Auxiliary and training programs range from simple in-flotilla lessons through advanced specialty courses (AUXOP). Although not all inclusive, the following programs are currently available through Flotilla10-05: DIRECT OPERATIONS/SURFACE (On-The-Water) 1) Boat Crew Trainee Program (Pre-requisite for Boat Crew) 2) Boat Crew Program (Pre-requisite for Coxswain program) 3) Boat Coxswain Program 4) Aid To Navigation Verifier (ATON) 5) Fixed/Mobile Radio Operator 6) Watchstander OTHER DIRECT OPERATIONS OPERATIONAL SUPPORT 7) Instructor - Public Education Courses; BS&S, ABC, GPS, Coastal Navigation 8) Instructor - Member Training (Depending on your area of expertise) 9) Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (RBSMV) 10) Vessel Examiner (VE) 11) Vessel Examiner/ Commercial Fishing (FVE) Once you become a member and decide on a program of interest, the Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training (FSO-MT) will provide you with the appropriate training materials for the program in which you desire to enroll. In addition to the training manual, there are task sign-off sheets. Some tasks can be done dockside; however some are required to be performed while underway. A mentor (an Auxiliary member who partners with a trainee to teach and coach the development of the trainee s knowledge and skills) will be assigned to assist you whenever you need help or ready to be signed-off on a particular task. The mentor will answer any questions that you may have, guide you on what procedures to follow and walk you through the process. Some programs may have a pre-requisite course before you can get into a program or may require that you obtain it before you can complete a particular program. Some courses have an Open Book exam and others are Closed Book with a proctor. Although you will have been assigned a mentor, it is not necessary to wait to go out on patrol with the mentor that has been assigned to you. There are several mentors in the Flotilla and there usually will be one on the patrol you have chosen. A member may enroll in any USCG Auxiliary course and most are at no cost to the member United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 5

6 STEP FOUR: COMMUNICATION How we communicate within Flotilla will guide you toward accomplishing our mutual objectives. Most communication is done electronically, through; 1. Auxiliary Publications You will receive various electronic and other Auxiliary publications such as; Navigator magazine. You will also have access to other electronic information, such as; Safety Lines for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. 2. Flotilla Newsletter The flotilla newsletter Loudhailer is published monthly depicting various articles of interest and photos of our flotilla activities and sent to you via Routine Most of our communication is through electronic mail; therefore it is incumbent to make certain you check your as frequently as possible. Also, make certain your system does not block flotilla members who may want to contact you. Do not forget to complete and send Form #7028 to the FSO-IS if you change any personal information, especially your address. 4. Flotilla Patrol Schedule The Patrol Schedule is published and sent to you via . The Patrol Schedule is password protected and the password will be provided once you become a member. 5. Flotilla Member Roster A Member Roster is published and updated on an as needed basis. 6. Flotilla Website Visit the flotilla website: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 6

7 STEP FOUR: COMMUNICATION (Continued) The most frequently asked question is; How does a new member get to go out on the water? a) Your membership application process must be completed and you have been issued an ID number. b) You must inform the Flotilla Staff Officer Human Resources (FSO-HR) of your intent to participate in the Boat Crew program as a Trainee. The FSO-HR will advise the Flotilla Staff Officers, and in particular the FSO-OP and FSO-MT of your intent to participate in the program. The Flotilla Staff Officer-Operations (FSO-OP) will place your name on the list to receive the Patrol Schedule. The Flotilla Staff Officer Member Training (FSO-MT) will provide you with the needed training materials. c) You must have the proper uniform and personal safety equipment for the program. d) It is your responsibility to review the Patrol Schedule and advise the FSO-OP to place your name on the patrol you would like to be on. The Patrol Schedule only has room for one or two trainees depending on the size of the facility (A facility is a boat that is owned by an Auxiliary member or unit and offered for use to the USCG). The FSO-OP will update the schedule with your name for that patrol. It should be noted a patrol may be cancelled for a variety of reasons, such as; weather, sea state, repairs, etc. e) A coxswain (qualified person in charge of the vessel, responsible for the safety and conduct of the crew, passengers and the completion of the assigned mission) is assigned to the patrol and determines the uniform to be worn, port, time the patrol will get underway and approximate time it will return to port. A patrol usually lasts approximately four (4) hours and operates in the area of responsibility (AOR) for Station Oak Island. A patrol could be extended depending on any special circumstances that might arise while on patrol. It is the member's responsibility to call the coxswain the night before the patrol to determine; port, time, uniform, and if the patrol will be operational. f) There are several mentors in the Flotilla and there will probably be one on your patrol. A mentor has an asterisk beside their name on the patrol schedule. As a courtesy, (couple of days before the patrol) call or the mentor for the patrol you have chosen to advise which tasks you want to accomplish during that patrol. If you are ready to be signed off for a particular task, make certain to bring your Boat Crew task sign-off sheet/book with you. Your name should be written inside the book in case it gets misplaced. We usually carry the sign-off book in a small athletic bag or flexible briefcase so it won t get wet or blown away. Don t leave the book on the boat. g) Since you do not know what you will encounter while on patrol or where it will take you, it is recommended that you bring a sandwich and/or snacks, and plenty of water. During hot weather make certain you have cold packs so the food will not spoil. h) Member Activity Log - Form # 7029 is used to keep a record of the member s activity during the month. The Coxswain will complete and submit the patrol time for the patrol and you record your preparation and travel time on the activity log. The Activity Log # 7029 is submitted monthly to the FSO-IS. i) TIP: (1) When standing on any vessel while underway, it is recommended that you flex your knees and hold on to maintain your balance in case you encounter rough seas, a large wake, and/or a sudden change of course. (2) Make certain your cap is affixed on your head so it (the cap) will not blow away. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 7

8 STEP FIVE: UNIFORMS Joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Although a uniform is not required to be a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, a uniform is required before you can participate in any Coast Guard operational and/or support missions. There are different uniforms for various functions; therefore we recommend that you consult with the Flotilla Staff Officer Human Resources before purchasing a uniform. We recommend a minimum uniform purchase until you feel comfortable with your decision to be part of the Auxiliary. Once you are actively participating in Flotilla activities, you can then decide to purchase other types of uniforms as you deem appropriate. Since the Auxiliary is a voluntary organization, expenses relating to your participation are at your own expense and not reimbursable; however they may be tax deductible (An accountant should guide you regarding acceptable deductions). Uniform items can be purchased at the U.S. Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center (UDC) or U.S. Coast Guard Exchange Stores (CGES). Other uniform items and safety equipment can be purchased locally or through a specialty shop. You must have a member number to purchase uniforms through the UDC or CGES. U.S. Coast Guard - Uniform Distribution Center (UDC) 414 Madison Avenue Woodbine, NJ Web Site: U.S. Coast Guard Exchange Stores (CGES) Group Fort Macon Atlantic Beach, NC See APPENDIX - A for uniform pricing: The uniform prices in APPENDIX - A is only a guide to the costs that you may encounter. There are uniform items you will need to get started as a trainee in the Boat Crew program and others you may not need during your entire Auxiliary experience. Your interest and level of involvement will dictate your uniform purchase. Some Auxiliary members use holidays and birthdays (family gift item) as a way to add uniform items. You may already have certain items that would reduce the ultimate cost of a uniform, such as; white or black socks, white athletic shoes, brown deck shoes, or black dress shoes, etc. The current Auxiliary duty uniform is the Operational Duty Uniform (ODU) which is the same uniform as the regular Coast Guard. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 8

9 IMPORTANT Prices listed in APPENDIX-A are only approximate as pricing is dependent upon; Size, Style, Brand, Point of Purchase and subject to change without notice. APPENDIX A (Uniforms) If the season is getting close to the Flotilla wearing the Hot Weather uniform (May 1 September 30), it is recommended that your initial uniform purchase be the Hot Weather uniform and then work up to other uniforms as the seasons change. You may already have certain items that would reduce the ultimate cost of a uniform, such as; white or black socks, white athletic shoes, brown deck shoes, black dress shoes, etc. If you have athletic or deck shoes and socks, a T-shirt, shorts, and belt & buckle with appropriate Safety equipment can get you on the water as a Crew Trainee for approximately $ The costs listed below are approximate and the need for a particular type uniform depends on your level of involvement. Do not buy uniform items until you discuss it with the current FSO-HR. Hot Weather Uniform: (May Oct) Approximate Cost $ $75.00 Shorts/Blue $15.00 T-Shirt/Blue $ 8.00 USCG Auxiliary ¾ White Letters (See Auxiliary FSO-MA) Baseball Cap/Blue $12.00 Auxiliary (See FSO-MA) Belt/Black Web $ 3.50 Army/Navy Store (Black Web with Silver Tip) Buckle/Silver $ 0.45 Army/Navy Store (Silver plain or with Auxiliary Emblem) Deck Shoes/Brown $65.00 Local Shoe/Boat/Sporting Goods Store Athletic Shoes/White $35.00 Local Shoe/Sporting Goods Store Socks/White $ 5.00 Local Shoe/Sporting Goods Store Safety Equipment (Required for Boat Crew Program): Approximate Cost $ $ This equipment is required before you are allowed to participate in any On-The-Water activity. PFD/Mesh or Full $50.00 (Mustang Survival) USCG Auxiliary (back) USCG Aux Emblem (front) Signal Mirror $10.00 Boating Store Whistle $ 5.00 Boating Store Personal Marker Light $10.00 Boating Store Personal Flares (Pkg 3) $25.00 Boating Store (Hand Held Note expiration date) Knife/3+ Blade $10.00 Boating/Hardware Store (Some members use Leatherman or Gerber) Knife/Survival $25.00 (Optional - Some members use a survival knife) Safety Equipment (Winter Weather Boat Crew Program): Approximate Cost $ Do not become concerned with these items at your current level of participation. The following equipment will be discussed with you as your level of involvement increases in the boat crew program. The requirement for use of these items depends on the combined air and water temperature. Float Coat $ F Mustang Survival or Stearns Float Suit (Immersion) $ n/a 50-60F Mustang Survival or Stearns- Provided by USCG Aux Dry Suit (MSD900) $ n/a 50F or Below Mustang Survival - Provided by USCG Aux United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 9

10 APPENDIX A (Uniforms Continued) Operational Duty Uniform (ODU): (Year Round) Approximate Cost $ $ Trousers/Blue $32.65 Coat/Blue $28.10 (Shirt used in conjunction with the trousers) Belt/Black Web $ 1.95 Buckle/Black $ 0.45 Blousing Bands $ 0.40 Boots/Black $68.95 Bass Pro (Bates Enforcer $58.95-$68.95), Wal-Mart (Herman Survivor $44.95) Name Tapes/Pair $ 4.00 Blue (Last Name-Over Right Pocket) (USCG Auxiliary-Over Left Pocket) Collar Insignia/Pair $ 5.00 (Sew-On Member Insignia) Collar Insignia/Pair $ 5.00 (Silver Member Insignia) Baseball Cap/Blue $12.00 Auxiliary Athletic Shoes/White $35.00 Local Shoe/Sporting Goods Store Deck Shoes/Brown $85.00 Local Shoe/Boating Store Shoes/Black Oxford $85.00 Local Shoe/Boating Store (Must be plain toe) Socks/Black $ 5.00 Local Shoe/Department Store Tropical Blue Long: (Dress Uniform - Year Round) Approximate Cost $ Most Auxiliary members do not purchase these items unless they become involved as a Flotilla Staff Officer (FSO), Public Education Instructor, or attend meetings at the Division or District level(s). Shirt/Light Blue $ TBD (With Epaulets) Trousers/Blue $ TBD (No Cuff) Belt/Black Web $ TBD (With Silver Metal Tip) Buckle/Silver $ TBD (Plain No Emblem) Buckle/Silver $ TBD (With Auxiliary Emblem) Collar Insignia $ TBD (Silver Member Insignia) Shoulder Boards $ TBD (Member or Staff Insignia) Shoes/Black Oxford $ TBD (Plain - No Design) Socks/Black $ TBD Name Plate $ TBD Garrison Cap $ TBD Garrison Cap Insignia $ TBD Combination Hat $ TBD Combination Insignia $ TBD Miscellaneous Uniform Items: (Depends on weather) There are numerous uniform items that are authorized; however these items are optional and can be purchased whenever you feel would appropriate for your use. Jackets (Blue) Sweater (Blue) $ TBD $ TBD (Woolly Pulley) IMPORTANT Prices listed in APPENDIX-A are only approximate as pricing is dependent upon; Size, Style, Brand, Point of Purchase and subject to change without notice. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 10

11 APPENDIX-B (Member Benefits) As a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, your service to the nation is rewarded with a myriad of rewarding experiences, opportunities and money-saving benefits from well-known companies! Take advantage of the discounts available exclusively to members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Coast Guard Federal Credit Union The Coast Guard Credit Union provides all the services of a bank, but returns profits to the members instead of the stockholders. From savings and checking accounts to home equity lines of credit, the Credit Unit has a lot to offer. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Mutual Assistance provides an emergency fund that can provide fast financial relief when a member faces an unexpected or "impossible" financial burden that would cause personal hardship if no assistance were provided. Auxiliarists may apply for such a loan and are considered as "Sponsor Members" under the program. If approved, the emergency loan is interest free. Coast Guard Work-Life Programs Auxiliarists can take advantage of certain Coast Guard Work-life Programs such as: 9 Family 9 Wellness 9 Dependent Resources 9 Employee Assistance 9 Relocation Assistance Insurance A variety of insurance programs benefit the Auxiliarist operating under Coast Guard orders. This includes medical, hospitalization, disability and death benefits should an accident occur in the performance of your duty. If your boat, aircraft or other authorized Auxiliary facility is damaged or destroyed while legitimately engaged in Auxiliary operations, coverage for repairs or replacement would be provided. Government liability coverage protects the Auxiliarist from third party claims made as a result of actions that occur when the Auxiliarist is performing authorized missions and has been properly assigned to duty. In order to maintain this coverage, all incidents and accidents must be reported to your issuing authority for the mission. As a caution, there must be strict adherence with the terms of all Coast Guard regulations and orders, as well as the Auxiliary Manual or the claim will be denied. Boat U.S. Marine Insurance Boat U.S. Marine Insurance is now available online at Boat U.S. Marine Insurance has just made boat insurance buying easier. Auxiliarists can obtain a free quote for boat insurance online and, in most cases, get immediate insurance coverage on four different policies: total protection, bass boat, personal watercraft, or basic protection. Boat U.S. Marine Insurance can also be reached by phone at Boat U.S., with 520,000 members, is the world's largest organization of recreational boaters. Boat U.S. is also a Partner in Strategic Alliance for Recreational Boating Safety with the CGAuxA. More news will be forthcoming from the Department of Boating concerning Boat U.S. and its annual Grassroots Grants and Clean Water Grants. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 11

12 APPENDIX B (Member Benefits Continued) Exchange Privileges Auxiliarists in uniform, with proper identification, can purchase anything sold in the Coast Guard Exchange Stores except liquor and cigarettes. Dependents may accompany Auxiliarists to the Exchange, but may not make individual purchases. Members of the Auxiliary are also welcome at Department of Defense Exchanges, but only uniform items or accessories may be purchased. Publications Members receive the Auxiliary National publication, The Navigator, The Beacon, their own District publication, and other bulletins to keep abreast of Coast Guard, Auxiliary, CG Auxiliary Association, Inc. and general boating information. Uniforms, Training and Awards The pride of wearing the Auxiliary uniform is amplified by awards and advancement, with ample opportunities to receive recognition by completing Auxiliary training courses and participating in programs authorized by your Flotilla leadership. Tax Deductions Uniforms, their cleaning and maintenance, and reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in the performance of your duties are "considered" contributions for tax purposes. The foregoing is not intended to be advice on deductibility. You should consult your professional tax advisor. Fellowship One of the Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality. Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend one of our flotilla meetings. In addition, you will find a special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that is hard to beat. Along with our missions we find time to relax and have fun at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, Vessel Safety Checks, classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting, meaningful friendships. Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Credit Card Experience all the benefits of the MBNA Platinum Plus Master Card credit card. The Platinum Plus Credit Card offers more premium benefits, all in a credit card that comes with no annual fee. You will also appreciate the availability of higher credit line up to $100,000. ShopAuxiliary.com At this link there are many vendors which offer special pricing or discounts to Auxiliary members. Last Revised 07 April 2011 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - America s Volunteer Lifesavers SM 12

13

14