1. Paddle Craft Operator (PCO)
Don Goff
D5S PCO Coordinator
March 2014

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Overview
What is a PCO?
Missions
Paddle Craft OPFACs
Qualification Process
Training
Testing
Fitness
Currency Maintenance
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What is a PCO?
The PCO's mission is to promote Recreational Boating Safety through education, both by example and through the distribution of boating literature to all members of the boating public.
While on patrol, all Auxiliary PCOs will conduct themselves and operate their PCs in a professional and courteous manner. They will comply with all state/local regulations. They shall be sensitive to operating in environmentally sensitive areas and act accordingly.
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Missions
Examples of where PCOs can accomplish the RBS mission include the following interaction with the paddling public at paddling events and venues, such as:
• Community paddling events
• Canoe races
•Canoe / Kayak liveries
•Kayak races
•Stand up paddleboard events
•Sculling events
•Triathlons
•“Meet-Up” Groups
•Local Schools and Colleges
•Local paddling clubs/organizations
•Boat, Outdoor & Sportsman Shows
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Operational Limits
Paddle Craft will operate in tandem with:
another PC
a PWC
Motorized OPFAC
Maximum Six Hour Patrol, One Hour Break
No Night Ops
Patrol Orders Through AOM
Limits of hand held radios (5 watts power on high) may mean deploying a TCO-certified member with a mobile VHF radio facility.
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6. Paddle Craft OPFAC Gear
Printed pre-underway checklist
Pen or pencil
Notebook/logbook
Sponge and manual pump for dewatering
Other gear needed for safe operation and self-rescue of the particular type of paddle craft: paddle float, paddle leash, spray skirt
Drinking water
Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
Label or Nameplate affixed to interior of vessel, identifying Owner and "if found" phone numbers
CGAUX patrol ensign and National Ensign (if practical)
CGAUX patrol sign* (if practical)
RBS literature in waterproof container (if practical)
One waterproof VHF marine radio or portable VHF radio in clear plastic waterproof bag.
Watch , (waterproof)
Cell Phone in waterproof container as backup
Flashlight or Headlamp
Flotation foam or bags sufficient to permit self-rescue
GPS
Compass, hand-held or mounted
Rescue throw bag (smaller size for paddle craft, 30' max recommended)
Spare paddle/oar
First Aid Kit
Emergency survival blankets (2) "space blankets"
Chart of Local Area
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Required Gear
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PPE
PFD
Strobe light
Whistle
Signal Mirror
Knife (3" blade minimum)
Appropriate protective clothing for the environmental conditions must be worn.
Dry bag with dry uniform clothes is required to be carried, unless a dry suit is worn
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
AUX ball cap or approved "Sun" hat (Tilley hat, or ODU “Boonie” hat).
Sunglasses with lanyard
Drinking water
In the rare instance when a PC Facility Patrol is authorized when water temperatures are below 60 degrees F, PCOs are required to wear dry suit and appropriate undergarments
Footwear appropriate to conditions as approved by the OIA
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10. QUALIFICATION TASKS In-Port
Crew fatigue, physical fitness and TCT
First aid and survival
Marlinespike seamanship, boat characteristics and stability
Communications
Navigation
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11. Qualification Tasks-Underway
State the Operational Limitations and Characteristics
Conduct a Pre-Underway Check Off
Locate and Operate Boat's Dewatering Equipment
Enter and Exit Vessel from a Dock or Poolside
Enter and Exit the Vessel from the Shoreline
Maneuver the Vessel
Demonstrate a Self-Rescue Evolution
Demonstrate a Rescue Evolution of Another Paddle Craft
Demonstrate the Use of the Rescue Throw Bag
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Assisted Rescue
Paddle Float Self Rescue
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Training and Signoffs
Current Coxswain and Crew are “grandfathered” for in-port tasks.
For Break-ins, if signed off for Crew or Coxswain, overlaps count. (less than 2 years old)
Any authorized mentor can sign In-port tasks
PCO mentor required for Underway tasks
QE is a special PC-QE, not necessarily the same as for power boats
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Testing
QE:
Dockside
Underway
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15. Personal Fitness Plan Requirements
Due to the physically demanding nature of this program, all PCOs are encouraged to be physically fit and to strive to meet the goals established by the Coast Guard for sex/age group outlined in the Coast Guard Personal Fitness Plan Data Sheet, CG-6049.
There are no specific requirements for age, weight, strength, or endurance other than demonstrating proficiency in the standard qualification tasks. In place of detailed physical requirements, trainees must meet the following standards in completing each qualification task:
The trainee must successfully perform each task personally, without assistance.
Each task must be performed with little hesitation.
Each task must be performed with confidence.
Each task must be performed safely.
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Currency Maintenance
Annual:
Regular TCT requirements, (1 hr, 4 hr)
Eight Hours Under Way
Swim Test
Pre-Underway Check
Third Year, (QE):
Demonstrate a Self-Rescue
Rescue Evolution of another Paddle Craft
Demonstrate the rescue throw bag
Operate a handheld VHF-FM Radio
Obtain Distress Info and Pass to Controlling Authority
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17. WHAT’S NEXT? Build the Team—Train and Evaluate Promote Set Goals
Operate Safely and Successfully
Promote The Program Throughout the Sector
Recruit New Paddler Members for the Auxiliary
Set Goals
Promote
Recruit
Patrol
Evaluate
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PQS
Available at:
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Questions?
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