National Response Department 2010 Operations Workshop

National Response Department

2010 Operations WorkshopNational Response Department

2010 Operations Workshop

WelcomeWelcome

This seminar is a refresher of basic Surface Operations processes and procedures to promote safety and efficiency for all patrols.

This is an optional seminar although it may be required at a local level.

It is not a replacement for the TCT Refresher course which is required for all Auxiliarists in Surface Operations.

2010 Operations WorkshopDepartment of Response

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Ground RulesGround Rules

• This Workshop should be Interactive, NOT a Lecture– Ask Questions– Answer questions– Share experiences– Share Insights

• Participate• Participate• Participate


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RememberRemember

• Safety of all personnel: Auxiliary & the public is first and foremost

• Risk Management principles are to be applied in mission planning and execution

• Know your facility’s operational limits

• Remember to “adapt, not adopt”. Local conditions will impact the execution of any mission!


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Remember Changes forCurrency Maintenance

Remember Changes forCurrency Maintenance

• You must log 12 hours underway– Crew & Coxswains– Coxswains can log their 12 hours as crew or

coxswain

• Attend a mandatory 1 hour TCT refresher – Must be completed by 31 December– If 5 year 8 hour TCT is required, the 1 hour

TCT need not also be completed


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2009 Changes forCurrency Maintenance - PWO

2009 Changes forCurrency Maintenance - PWO

• If you are coxswain qualified AND complete your 12 hours, you only need an additional 6 hours for PWO, which must be done on a PWC under orders

• Which means:• Qualification Annual Currency Requirement

– PWO only 12 hrs on PWC– Boat Crew + PWO 12 hrs on boats + 12 hrs on PWC– Cox’n + PWO 12 hrs on boats + 6 hrs

on PWC


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Reminder Changes from 2008Reminder Changes from 2008

• ICS-210 Initial Incident Commander course is REQUIRED for all Coxswains, PWOs and all Pilots by 31 March 2010

• Without this certification in AUXDATA you will go into REYR status

• NavRules re-certification is 5 years from last date test was successfully taken (e.g. passed 15 May 2005 due next by 15 May 2010, NOT 31 Dec 2010)


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More Changes from 2008More Changes from 2008

• New 50 MPH dynamic strength tested PFDs are required by 1 June 09 if (and only if) your facility can exceed 35 MPH

• Inflatable vests listed in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10F will continue to be authorized after 01 JUN 2009 for facilities that can exceed 35 MPH (excluding PWCs)

• Non-Operational Facility category was eliminated in 2008


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Note on PFDsNote on PFDs

• Your PFD must be the appropriate color – International OrangeOrange or High Visibility YellowYellow ONLY

• Inflatable PFD wearers – DO NOT wear your SAR vest over the Inflatable. Carry all required survival equipment in a waist belt

• Any PPE including PFDs with “Coast Guard Auxiliary” markings can only be used under orders


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More Changes from 2008More Changes from 2008

• PWC Carriage requirements changes– No more throwable device requirements– Spare spark plugs ONLY required for 2 cycle

engine PWCs

• All Facilities need their Picture, availability and location data entered into POMS (Patrol Order Management System)


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Changes from 2009Changes from 2009

• Uniform sew-on devices will now display a black “A” for Auxiliary. The Red and Blue “A” designation has been discontinued.– Current devices may be worn until December

31, 2010

• There are no forms changes at this time but you should always check the web site for the latest versions of all forms


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Check Ride Phase In is OverCheck Ride Phase In is Over

• ALL Check Rides are now on a 3 year cycle

• There are NO annual signoffs required


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Patrol RemindersPatrol Reminders

• Remember that local CG Unit ball caps are NOT authorized while on patrols

• Maritime Domain Awareness on all patrols - (we are the eyes and ears of the Coast Guard)

• Correct signage on ALL OPFACs must be displayed – US Ensign, Auxiliary Patrol Ensign (with the red stripe, NOT the “Blue Ensign”), Patrol banners and operational decal


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Review of “Happen Upon Policy”


From the National SAR Manual M16130.2E Paragraph 4.1.6.4 (http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16130_2E.pdf)

• If you discover a vessel during routine patrol that requests assistance and that vessel has not been in contact with the Coast Guard:– You may render assistance including tow if capable– Notify the Operational Commander, identity and

location of vessel and where you will be towing them– If vessel in danger and you are unable to safely tow,

you may endeavor to remove persons from the vessel until additional help can arrive on scene


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• Notes:– You make the call on whether you can safely assist– You inform CG SMC (SAR Mission Coordinator) of

your intentions, not “ask for permission to tow”– The CG SMC will override your decision only if there

is a specific reason to do so, e.g. they need you on another higher priority mission


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Assistance to Auxiliary Facilities

Assistance to Auxiliary Facilities


• Coast Guard resources or Auxiliary facilities may be used to help Auxiliary facilities in need of assistance at any time

• An Auxiliary Facility is defined as an Operational Facility having a current accepted offer of use whether under orders or not

• It is NOT just any boat owned by an Auxiliary member


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Safety is Priority 1Safety is Priority 1

• Remember safety of the crew, the public, and the vessel are more important than the mission

• PEPIRB – Key piece of safety equipment– Have in on board and on your PFD when underway– Check the battery expiration date – Keep it registered with NOAA

• HAZMAT– Remember to steer well clear of ANY HAZMAT

situation unless you have a certified HAZMAT responder on your crew


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Promote SafetyPromote Safety

• Set a good example for the rest of the crew and especially the general public

• Don’t ride on the gunwale

• Keep speed to a minimum in close quarter situations

• Be professional at all times

• Be properly equipped both personally and for the facility


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Provide SAR ResponseProvide SAR Response

• Do only what you & your facility are capable of - Safety of Crew Safety of Crew comes Firstcomes First

• Operate at safe speed for the sea conditions and local environment

• Observe all NO WAKE zones


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In Rendering AssistanceIn Rendering Assistance

• Do only what you are trained to do• Keep your crew informed as to what you

plan to do • Communicate your intentions to the

disabled vessel’s Master • Maintain a tow watch for any problems • Leave medical cases for qualified EMT’s

or seek help from the local ambulance squad


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Responsibilities of Facility Owners

Responsibilities of Facility Owners

• Conduct a thorough facility mechanical inspection at least annually

• Maintain the facility in good working order

• Notify the DIRAUX of any significant changes

• Abort the mission when any situation pertaining to the mission may adversely affect the safety of the facility or crew


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Responsibilities of CoxswainsResponsibilities of Coxswains

• Minimum number of qualified crew• Proper uniform (You and your crew)

• Proper PPE (personal protection equipment) as defined in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual (You and your crew)

• Facility properly equipped/maintained• Crew & Facility capable of performing the mission• Safety of the crew priority 1, then the mission• Risk management is vital – Remember your GAR

model & TCT


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Responsibilities of CrewResponsibilities of Crew

• Be in good physical condition, inform Coxswains of any limitations – physical or mental (fatigue, etc)

• Use good judgment & common sense when performing duties (Repeat all commands from Coxswain, remember your TCT training)

• May have to perform in challenging situations, know your limitations and abilities

• Safety, TCT, safety, TCT, safety, TCT, ….2010 Operations WorkshopDepartment of Response

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Operational Risk Management (ORM)

Operational Risk Management (ORM)


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• Accept No Unnecessary Risk

• Accept Necessary Risk When Benefits Outweigh Costs

• Make Risk Decisions at the Appropriate Level

• ORM is Just as Critical in Executing as in Planning All Activities

Operational Risk Management GAR Model



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GGreenreen – – AAmbermber – – RReded• Any single item 5 or above should be a

red flag even if the total score is in the Green

• There should be NO zero (no risk) scores and even 1 should be rare for most crews

• GAR is done before AND updated during all missions




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GGreenreen – – AAmbermber – – RReded• If your local OIA (order Issuing Authority) does not

have a GAR form requirement use the one on the National Response Department Web site at http://www.cgaux.org/response/SurfaceOps/SurfaceOpsNews.htm - See September 2009 news item

Operating in Reduced VisibilityOperating in Reduced Visibility

Remember procedures for reduced Visibility– Maintain that lookout as far forward on the

vessel as possible (remember safety first)– Reduce speed– Proper Horn Signals– Running lights on– Radar on and monitored if you have it on your

vessel– Know any district or OIA special requirements


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LiabilityLiability

• Orders do not guarantee liability coverage• Legal process bases coverage on a review

of the circumstances and facts involved• Your actions -

– Must be within your qualifications and training– May not exceed the facility capabilities– Must not go beyond the scope of the Auxiliary

duties – Or else coverage may be denied by the Coast

Guard2010 Operations WorkshopDepartment of Response

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Operational GuidelinesOperational Guidelines

• Remember, we are prohibited from:– Boardings for law enforcement

purposes– Investigating complaints of negligent

operation– Violating any navigational rules– Creating any situation that would place

any vessel in navigational extremes


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Operational Parameters - Communications

Operational Parameters - Communications

• External:– VHF Radio is ALWAYS primary,

cell phone secondary– Must have 2 way communications

at all times– Maintain a 1 hour radio guard at a

minimum or as required by your OIA

– If communications are lost, orders may be voided


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Operational Parameters -Communications cont’d

Operational Parameters -Communications cont’d

• Internal:– Be aware of challenges in

communicating with engine noise and wind

– Communications may be distorted– Verbalize the response to the coxswains

orders– Coming up, coming down, hard turn, etc.– Crew - repeat/acknowledge these

commands or informational messages


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TowingTowing• Requires a high degree of awareness

• Many potential hazards

• Know limitations of facility and towing components

• How the vessels are loaded will affect maneuverability

• Brief your crew and the disabled vessels owner

• Plan an escape route in case things go wrong2010 Operations WorkshopDepartment of Response

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Mishap ReportingMishap Reporting

• Report all information immediately via radio or cell to your OIA (Order Issuing Authority)

• Call your DIRAUX/OTO no later than next business day

• Download the Claim form from the Coast Guard website

• CG will investigate• Do not repair the facility unless authorized to do so• Maintain LOG BOOK• Damage must be linked to identifiable patrol cause


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Local HazardsLocal Hazards

Are there particularly tricky or dangerous hazards in your local AOR?(Area of Responsibility)

What are they, have you communicated them to your crew?

Highlight them on your charts for new crew to easily see.


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Additional RemindersAdditional Reminders

• Any other special requirements from your local DIRAUX?

• Is your ‘Ready Bag’/’SAR Bag’ packed, checked, and updated from last year?

• What’s a “Ready Bag”? - see article in the September 2009 issue of UpTop In Operations at:

(http://www.cgaux.org/response/_documents/uptopinoperations/2009/UpTop%20September%202009.pdf)


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READY BAG – SAMPLE ITEMS

READY BAG – SAMPLE ITEMS

• Prescription medications you are taking• Common OTC meds- aspirin/antacids, etc. • Personal hygiene needs kit (soap, shampoo, towel, toothpaste &

tooth brush, etc.) • Bug spray • Sun screen • Antiseptic hand wash/moist towels • 2 complete uniforms (pants, shirts, belt, hat, socks, and boots) • Power bars/granola bars/trail mix • Source of quick sugar/candy • Nuts/protein bars • First aid kit• Etc., etc., etc.

http://www.a0141013.uscgaux.info/Documents/Suggested%20Emergency%20Bag%20Contents.pdf for full list of suggested items.


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Bravo Zulu!Bravo Zulu!

Great Job!Thank you for your participation in

the 2010 Operations Workshop. Please share your thoughts about

this training, the format, and/or content with us.

Send your comments to: Chief, Operations Projects and

Educational Outreach Division [email protected]

Jim McCarty, BC-OEIBruce Pugh, DVC-OE Gary Taylor, DIR-OdBob Shafer, DIR-O


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