DISTRICT ELEVEN NORTHERN REGION 2014 Operations Workshop

WelcomeWelcome This workshop has been developed as a review of basic Surface Operations processes and procedures to better promote safety and efficiency for patrols. It is not a replacement for the required annual TCT Refresher for all Auxiliarists in Surface Operations Operations Workshop D11N 2

Ground Rules This Workshop should be Interactive, NOT a Lecture –Ask Questions –Answer questions Participate 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 3

Team Coordination Training TCT Currency Maintenance –Effective 01 Sept 2013, there is a new TCT program for initial qualification into the Operations program as well as for the required 5-year currency maintenance –This 4-hour class is an alternative to the 8-hour class 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 4

Team Coordination Training TCT –To be a 4-hr TCT Facilitator, one must be: Recommended by FC or Division Commander Approved through the Chain of Leadership to the District Captain Recommendation accepted by DIRAUX Certified Instructor Current Coxswain or Non-Current Coxswain with 250 hours as Coxswain in AUXDATA 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 5

Reminder on PFDs 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 6

Training and Safety The Means to Improved Surface Safety Although we strive to complete our surface operational mission successfully, SAFETY is our primary concern Training, Procedures, TCT, and Crew Qualifications are all ways we try to ensure the safety of our crews and facilities Remember we need to train all Auxiliarists to “proficiency” not just enough to “qualify” or requalify 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 7

Mishap Reporting To Improve Surface Safety: Consolidated mishap statistics are critical to ensure that our Training, Procedures and Qualifications are relevant and effective. Mishaps, when under orders, must be documented and reported. Statistics used to identify problems and trends will in no way be used for punitive action Operations Workshop D11N 8

Mishap Reporting The Means to Improved Surface Safety No personal identifying information is collected or retained at National The Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual requires that “any individual or unit with 1st hand knowledge of a mishap” report incidents with or without injuries requiring medical attention Operations Workshop D11N 9

Mishap Reporting Reporting Mishaps Procedure Reports must be submitted to the OPCON and Auxiliary Chain of Leadership within 48 hours. Injuries must also be reported within 48 hours to the OPCON and passed through to the Auxiliary Chain of Leadership 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 10

Mishap Reporting Report all information immediately via radio or cell to your OIA via OPCON. Call your DIRAUX / OTO no later than next business day Download the Claim form from the Coast Guard website 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 11

Mishap Reporting CG will investigate. OIA will appoint an ADMIN Investigating Officer Do not repair the facility unless authorized to do so by the OIA. Do not attempt own repairs even if you are capable. Plan on getting at least two repair quotes. Maintain LOG BOOK of all facility activities Damage must be linked to identifiable patrol cause. Legal Services Command (Norfolk,VA) will make determination Operations Workshop D11N 12

Uniform Reminders not assigned to dutyWearing of PPE (personal protective equipment) inscribed with “USCG Auxiliary” or any version of this shall NOT be worn when not assigned to duty 2014Operations Workshop D11N 13

Important Reminders Forms – Use the most current forms –SAR Incident Report – Current form dated 01 APR 10 –Offer of Use Forms 7003 (Vessel Offer For Use) – Current form dated 06/ (PWC Offer for Use) - Current form dated 06/ Operations Workshop D11N 14

Important Reminders Cell Phone The use of cell phones/texting devices and phone applications aboard operational vessels is NOT authorized without permission of the coxswain. At no time will the operator (helmsman) of the vessel use a cell phone or texting device Operations Workshop D11N 15

Patrol Reminders Maritime Domain Awareness on all patrols - (we are the eyes and ears of the Coast Guard) A.W.W. Remember A.W.W.! (America’s Waterways Watch) 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 16

Safety is Always Priority 1 Remember safety of the crew, the public, and the vessel are more important than the mission Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Key piece of safety equipment –Have it on board and on your person when underway –Check the battery expiration date –Perform Monthly Test/Maintenance –No current PLB, NO patrol 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 17

Safety is Always Priority 1 Remember safety of the crew, the public, and the vessel are more important than the mission HAZMAT –Steer well clear of ANY HAZMAT situation. Observe from a safe direction/distance and report to OPCON Operations Workshop D11N 18

Promote 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 Come prepared for a potentially long day on the water 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 19

Provide SAR Response Do only what you & your facility / crew are capable of – Safety of Crew Comes First Operate at safe speed for the sea conditions and local environment Observe all NO WAKE zones 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 20

In Rendering Assistance Do only what you are trained and/or certified to do Keep your crew informed as to what you plan to do Communicate your intentions to the disabled vessel’s Master Leave medical cases for qualified medical personnel 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 21

Responsibilities of Facility Owners Maintain the vessel in good working order, brief your crew about facility’s status. Abort the mission when anything changes which may adversely affect the safety of the facility or crew 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 22

Responsibilities of Coxswains Minimum number of qualified crew Proper and authorized uniform worn Proper PPE Facility properly equipped 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 23

Responsibilities of Coxswains Crew & Facility capable of performing the mission Safety of the crew Priority 1, then the mission Operational Risk Management (ORM) is vital through out the mission – Remember to do your GAR & TCT 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 24

Responsibilities of Crew Be physically capable of performing crew duties. Inform Coxswain of limitations (fatigue, sea sickness, hard of hearing, etc.) Use good judgment & common sense when performing duties (parrot all commands) 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 25

Responsibilities of Crew May have to perform in challenging situations, know your limitations and abilities Safety, TCT, safety, TCT, safety, TCT, … Operations Workshop D11N 26

Operational Risk Management (ORM) 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 27 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 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 28 Green – Amber – Red ORM / TCT are covered in the 1-hr TCT Mandatory Workshop

Operating in Reduced Visibility Remember procedures for reduced Visibility –Maintain a lookout as far forward on the vessel as possible (remember safety first) –Reduce speed, Rule 6 –Proper Horn Signals –Nav lights on –Radar on and monitored if equipped –Know any District or OIA special requirements 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 29

NIGHT OPS Radar required by OIA for night ops? Crew properly trained on radar use? Increased lookout responsibilities Reduce speed Ops / Position reporting requirements may be different from daylight ops per your OIA 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 30

LiabilityLiability Orders do not guarantee liability coverage Legal process bases coverage on a review of the circumstances and facts involved 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 31

LiabilityLiability 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 –Coverage may be denied by the Coast Guard 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 32

Operational Guidelines Remember, we are prohibited from: –Boardings or investigating complaints for law enforcement purposes –Violating any navigational rules 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 33

Operational Guidelines Remember, we are prohibited from: –Creating any situation that would place any vessel in navigational extremis –Exceeding 8 hours on a patrol unless waived by OPCON (Trailering counts 50%) 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 34

Operational Parameters - Communications External: –VHF Radio is ALWAYS primary, cell phone secondary –Must have 2 way communications at all times, if not return to base –Maintain radio guard as required by your OIA –If communications are lost, mission aborted … RTB! 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 35

Operational Parameters - Communications cont’d Internal: –Be aware of challenges in communicating with engine noise and wind –Communications may be distorted –Verbalize responses to coxswain’s orders Coming up, coming down, hard turn, etc. –Crew – repeat / acknowledge commands or informational messages 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 36

Radio Communications In all radio communications, we are to act as professionals Operations Workshop D11N 37

Radio Communications It is often not what is said but how it is said, that demonstrates professionalism. Proper radio procedures support mission success and safety. Remember that during a patrol, the boating public “hears” you as the voice of the US Coast Guard. Practice and use good radio protocol 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 38

Radio Communications Getting Underway 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 39 Establish “Ops Normal” protocol with your radio guard prior to getting underway Frequency of reports Who initiates reports Comms channel Position (Lat / Lon vs. geographical) Course? Speed?

TowingTowing Requires a high degree of awareness Many potential hazards, reassess GAR 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 wrong 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 40

Review of “Happen Upon Policy” If you discover a vessel during routine patrol that requests assistance and that vessel has not been in contact with the Coast Guard or Commercial Salvor: –You may render assistance including tow if capable –Notify OPCON or controlling agency, identity and location of vessel and intentions –If vessel is 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 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 41

Review of “Happen Upon Policy” Notes: –You the Coxswain make the call on whether you can safely assist –You inform OPCON or controlling agency of your intentions, not “ask for permission to tow” –OPCON or controlling agency will override your decision only if there is a specific reason to do so, e.g. they need you on another higher priority mission 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 42

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 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 43

Local Hazards Are there particularly tricky or dangerous hazards in your local Area of Responsibility? (AOR) What are they, have they been communicated between coxswain & crew 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 44

AOMAOM The AUXDATA Order Management (AOM) The new AUXDATA Order Management System is now fully operational 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 45

AOM Reminder The AUXDATA Order Management (AOM) AOM is a standardized system following all CG and Auxiliary policy and procedure requirements AOM is fully integrated with AUXDATA and the FINCEN 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 46

AOM Reminder The AUXDATA Order Management (AOM) AOM allows for electronic signatures and electronic submittal of receipts resulting in electronic submittal (no more stamps and envelopes required) If you have AUXDATA access, your password will be the same for AOMS. Contact DSO-OPs for initial AOMS access Operations Workshop D11N 47

AOM Reminder The AUXDATA Order Management (AOM) Any issues or problems with AOM should first be addressed to the DSO-OPs Any issues or problems with AOM unable to be resolved by the DSO-OPs should then be routed to the Help Desk. Select the help button on the main page far right on the ribbon bar. If that does not answer your question there is a link to the National Help desk at the bottom of the Help page Once logged into AOM, the Help Desk link is in the upper right hand corner in the “Logged In As” box 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 48

Additional 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”? 2014 Operations Workshop D11N 49

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, & boots) Power bars / granola bars / trail mix Source of quick sugar/candy Water (min 32oz) First aid kit Etc., etc., etc Operations Workshop D11N 50

Bravo Zulu! Great Job! Thank you for your participation in the 2014 Operations Workshop. Please share your thoughts about this training, the format, and/or content with us Operations Workshop D11N 51