1. 2014 SECTOR Baltimore Operations Workshop Phil Wentz ADSO-OP SB

2. Department of Operations (Response)
Sector Baltimore AOR
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

3. Department of Operations (Response)
Welcome
This seminar is designed to be 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, and is not a replacement for the TCT Refresher course which is required yearly for all surface operations Auxiliarists
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

4. Department of Operations (Response)
Remember
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!
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

5. Department of Operations (Response)
Currency Maintenance
You must log 12 hours underway
Both Crew & Coxswains
Coxswains can log four hours as crew towards the coxswain required twelve hours (5th S)
PWOs must log their time on a PWC -If both Coxswain & PWOs then as PWO
Attend a mandatory 1 hour TCT refresher
If you complete 4/8 hr TCT then you do not need the 1 hr that year but must be completed by 31 December of that year.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

6. Department of Operations (Response)
Annual Signoff
ALL check rides are now on a 3 year cycle
No annual signoffs required
Only 1/4/8 hr TCT and under way hours are required
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

7. Department of Operations (Response)
More Updates
NavRules re-certification is 5 years from last date test was successfully taken (e.g. passed 15 May 2009 now due by 15 May 2014 NOT 31 December 2014 )
In 5th S, PLB battery and NOAA registration must be current. (we have stock of PLB batteries).
If not current you will go into Admin REYR
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

8. Department of Operations (Response)
Liability
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 Guard
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

9. Department of Operations (Response)
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

10. Abandoned Vessel Program
Program began in late 2009
The Auxiliary reported 82 vessels abandoned last year
Before you leave on patrol check the Abandoned Vessel program for listed A/V in your patrol AOR
When you are on Patrol keep a lookout and input the data when you return
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

11. Abandoned Vessel Program
NORMAL PROCEDURES
Go online and check the AOR your patrol is in for the Abandoned Vessels that have been previously been reported
Website:
User Name: uscga5
Password: baltAVP5
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

12. User Name uscga5 Select User name uscga5 PASSWORD baltAVP5
Click submit

13. Abandoned Vessel Program
Print the list of reported vessels in AOR
Print several abandoned vessel forms
During your patrol check for vessels on the list. Note any change in vessel, take digital pictures and use rating matrix to help describe the vessel.
If you can’t locate a vessel that’s on the list write not found on the form and report it.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

14. Maritime Domain Awareness
You know what is ‘normal’ for the area you patrol and what is not. Look for the out of the ordinary.
Observe and report, do not put your crew or vessel at risk to intervene. Use Cell not VHF
Multi-Mission – Regatta Patrol, SAR, MOM (Maritime Observation Mission) ATON/Chart Update, Bridge Inspections, etc.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

15. Do not use Marine VHF Radio.
Report :
Suspicious persons conducting unusual activities.
Individuals establishing roadside stands near marinas or other waterfront facilities.
Unknown persons photographing or creating diagrams.
Unknown or suspicious persons loitering for extended periods of time.
Unknown or suspicious persons renting watercraft.
Suspicious venders attempting to sell/deliver goods or drop off packages.
If you notice any suspicious activity, contact local law enforcement immediately!
or 911
Do not use Marine VHF Radio.

16. Maritime SAR Assistance Policy
Problems have often arisen when individuals or groups have interpreted the MSAP to fit their own particular situation or personal agenda.
The key is to follow the policy as it was intended, to seek clarification where necessary . And to collectively ensure that the disabled mariner gets fair, reasonable, and constant service throughout the United States.
NSS pg 4-3 par

17. Maritime SAR Assistance Policy
Auxiliarists on orders and operating an Auxiliary operational facility must follow the Coast Guard Maritime SAR Assistance Policy as set forth in the U.S.C.G. Addendum to the U.S. National SAR Supplement COMDTINST M E Chapter 4.
Unit Commanders must provide Auxiliarists on orders the guidance to understand the policy.
NSS Ch 4-

18. Maritime SAR Assistance Policy
Three principles that guide assistance to vessels not in distress are:
The first responder on scene normally will provide assistance. (Come upon non-MARB)
If C.G. or Auxiliary facility takes vessel in tow it will normally be to nearest safe haven
Once undertaken there is no requirement to
break the tow. ( described par )
NSS pg. 4-5 par

19. Maritime SAR Assistance Policy “Non-Distress Case”
Maritime Assistance Request Broadcast “MARB”
When specifically requested help, such as a commercial firm, marina, or friend, is not available, a request for assistance or MARB will be broadcast.
If a commercial provider is available and can be on scene in a reasonable time (usually one hour or less)….no further action by the C.G., beyond monitoring the incident will be taken.
NSS pg.4-5 par pg.4-8 par

20. Urgent Marine Information Broadcast UMIB
An UMIB should be issued whenever the SMC determines that important maritime information needs to reach the widest possible audience.
An UMIB can be issued because of an uncorrelated MAYDAY on channel 16, DSC distress calls, flare sighting, 911 calls, and overdue vessels.
Be on lookout for the vessel in your patrol AOR
NSS 2.6

21. Non-Distress Use of Coast Guard
C.G. resources will not unnecessarily interfere with private enterprise.
C.G. resources normally do not provide immediate assistance in non-distress cases if alternative assistance is available.
C.G. resources may assist in a non-distress situation when no higher priority mission exists and no other capable resource is reasonably available and able to respond before situation deteriorates.
NSS-Ch 4-5-par

22. SAFE HAVEN
Auxiliarists should not tow the vessel beyond the nearest safe haven when there are commercial resources that could perform this mission. (Assistance and/or phone)
The SMC/Sta. OD should be sensitive to the reluctance of some private firms and yacht clubs to accept a disabled or damaged vessel and the attendant potential liability.
NSS 4-10 par

23. Use of C.G. Auxiliary Facilities
Acceptable Auxiliary Employment
When on routine safety patrols under orders Auxiliary operational facilities may be deployed to minimize response time to any request for assistance.
Auxiliary facilities may also be available for callout when not on routine patrol, provided that they have qualified crew on board.
NSS-Ch 4-5 – Par

24. Come Upon Policy “Simultaneous Arrival”
To minimize conflict (non-MARB)
In cases when a OPFAC under orders arrives on scene nearly simultaneously with a commercial provider, the Auxiliary coxswain should report to the SMC/OD, remain on scene until it is confirmed the provider is capable of providing the required assistance and safely completing the case and the disabled vessel owner/operator accepts the assistance; the Auxiliarist will then clear the area and take no further part in the incident.
NSS-pg. 4-9, par (g)
A AUXFAC

25. Commercial Assistance Declined
C.G. Auxiliary units should not assist in these cases as long so long as the situation remains below the DISTRESS phase.
Should the commercial provider abandon the case, the SMC/OD may dispatch a C.G. or Auxiliary unit or issue an additional MARB on a case by case basis
NSS 4-9 par (i)

26. AUXILIARY SAR INCIDENT AND MISLE CASE DATA ENTRY REPORT
“ MARINE INFORMATION FOR SAFETY AND LE”
When you call the controlling Station have as much information as possible filled in on the C.G (REV 06 JUN 10) form.
The SMC/OD needs this information to start the case in MISLE, which will give them your case number.
IF YOU WERE USED FOR OVER 30 MINUTES THAT SHOULD MAKE IT A CASE.

27. Distress Respond immediately If able..
Immediate response may be by either C.G. or C.G. Auxiliary resources. The SMC /OD might be aware that other resources, such as private local/state-operated vessels, or commercial providers might be responding. That fact, however normally should not delay or preclude a Coast Guard response.
NSS Ch 4-7 Par

28. Distress First on Scene Assist
The first assisting resource on scene capable of stabilizing and handling the situation, whether C.G. or other resource, should render appropriate assistance and complete the case if the coxswain desires.
If a C.G. resource arrives on scene first in a distress situation and renders the situation non-distress, it may elect to complete the case
NSS-Ch 4-7 par notes

29. Provide SAR Response
Do only what you & your facility are capable of - Safety of Crew comes First
Operate at safe speed for the sea conditions and local environment
Observe all NO WAKE zones
Even if on an MAYDAY response
2010 Towing Workshop
Department of Response

30. 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.
An OPFAC remains so designated even when not under orders as long as the person remains a member of the Auxiliary. Pg 4-5,
From the National SAR Manual M E Paragraph (
2010 TOWING Workshop
Department of Response

31. “Come-Upon Policy”
When a mariner requesting assistance rejects the first arriving commercial assistance, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary units should not assist in these cases as long as the situation remains classified below the DISTRESS phase. Check with Station use cell not VHF COMDTINST M E par E.9.d

32. Liability 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 Guard
2010 TOWING Workshop
Department of Response

33. Review of Auxiliary Come Upon Policy
From the National SAR Manual M E Paragraph (
If you discover a vessel during routine patrol that requests assistance and that vessel has not been in contact with the CG or commercial
You may render assistance including tow if capable
Notify the Station OD/SMC give identity and location of vessel and where you will be towing them
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
Department of Response

34. Review of Auxiliary Come Upon Policy
From the National SAR Manual M E Paragraph (
Notes:
You make the call on whether you can safely assist the vessel
You inform the controlling CG station OD, or Sector SMC 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
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

35. Department of Operations (Response)
Come Upon Call To The C.G.
We’ve Come Upon a disabled vessel (Description, POB, nature of distress ect.) If no prior comms to the C.G. or commercial assistance has been established. We ARE going to take the vessel in tow to the nearest safe harbor/port for repairs. If possible make this call to C.G. on your cell phone.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

36. Department of Operations (Response)
Come Upon Call to the C.G.
Stress the word “ARE,” since you DO NOT need CG Permission to take the COME UPON in tow! Your contact with the CG is to…
Inform them of your actions; and
Determine if the CG has a higher priority case for your vessel & at the same time reassign you to a more important task.
COMD M E, 4-22 E-9a-d & M ,
2014 Operations Workshop
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37. Responsibility of Coxswain
To cut down the radio traffic on Ch 23A----
When you have a come upon or any long transmission, report the information to the CG Station on your cell phone.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

38. Responsibility of Coxswain
Auxiliary patrol signs and patrol ensign must be taken down when the patrol is completed unless the OPFAC will be on patrol for consecutive days .
A facility must not display the patrol signs or patrol ensign when not assigned to duty.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

39. Responsibilities of Coxswains
Minimum number of qualified crew
Proper & same 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 & OPFAC capable of performing the mission
Safety of the crew is priority one, then the mission
Risk management is vital – remember your GAR Number must be called into Controlling Station.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

40. QE Underway Session
A pre-underway check of the facility and personal safety equipment must be done with the QE present before starting the check ride.
If the facility does not have the required equipment on board at the time of the check ride, the QE will cancel the check ride.
Use minimum crew
Ch6-13-E.5

41. Assistance By CG to Auxiliary Facilities
From the National SAR Manual M E Paragraph (
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 for Use” whether under orders or not
It is NOT just any boat owned by an Auxiliary member
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

42. Department of Response
Safety is Priority 1
Remember safety of the crew, the public, and the vessel are more important than the mission
PLB – Key piece of safety equipment
Have it on board and on your PFD when underway
Check the battery expiration date
Keep it registered with NOAA, Diraux, FSO/ SO/OP
HAZMAT
Remember to steer well clear of ANY HAZMAT situation unless you have a certified HAZMAT responder on your crew
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

43. 2014 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)
Pollution Come Upon
If you come upon drums, tanks or barrels floating on the water, do not try to recover these yourself
Call your station OOD or Sector SMC at and describe them including position, color and any identifying marks ask them to alert the Incident Management Division duty Pollution Investigator
Call the NRC at and report
2014 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

44. Operational 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 extremis
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

45. Reporting OPFAC Damage
Report all information immediately via radio or cell to your OIA (Order Issuing Authority)
Call or your AUXLO/OTO no later than the 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 and each crew write a report
Damage must be linked to identifiable patrol cause
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

46. RESCUE & SURVIVAL SYSTEMS MANUAL
COMDTINST M F
2014 Operations Workshop
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47. Department of Operations (Response)
Notes on PPE
All PFD’s worn when on patrol must be ONLY International Orange or high visibility Yellow. (all matching color)
Do NOT wear the SAR Vest with any inflatable PFD.
With the inflatable PFD, carry all required survival equipment in a waist belt pouch. (whistle, reflective tape. PML, a signal mirror) At Least one PLB on Vessel
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

48. Department of Operations (Response)
Notes on PPE
Any PPE including PFD’s, float coats, anti-exposure coveralls or dry suits with C.G. Auxiliary markings can only be worn when on official orders.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

49. Department of Operations (Response)
Coast Guard PPE Policy
The Coast Guard requires its personal including Auxiliary & passengers to wear proper PPE at all times when underway on its small boats including Aux OPFAC’s.
When the water temp is below 60 deg F. you must have on the anti-exposure suit & SAR vest.
A float coat is a type III PFD and not an anti-exposure suit, needs SAR vest u/w
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

50. Department of Operations (Response)
Coast Guard PPE Policy
When the water temp is 50 deg F or below All boat crew must wear MSD 900 or USIA drysuit with layer 1 and/or 2 (bunny suits) under garments, Type III PFD & SAR vest shall be worn.
Remember unless you receive a waiver from your controlling CG Station you must wear the proper PPE as called for by the OIA or cancel the patrol.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

51. Department of Operations (Response)
Cold Water Training
Sector Baltimore requires all auxiliarists to complete an Cold Water Workshop when participating in underway operations if the water temperature is 50 deg. F or less.
This requirement is the same as that for all Coast Guard Regular, Reserve and Auxiliary Operational Personnel.
The workshop consist of both classroom and in the water training.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

52. Department of Operations (Response)
Cold Water PPE
All issued drysuits, MSD 900 and USIA will be inventoried at CG Sector Baltimore.
Dry suits will be issued as needed and Auxiliarists are not authorized to keep the drysuits indefinitely.
All issued dry suits including those issued directly from DIRAUX, will be returned to Sector Baltimore when the water temperature returns to above 60 deg F.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

53. Department of Operations (Response)
Cold Water PPE
When the Drysuits are returned to Sector Baltimore ALL required maintenance will performed as directed in the
Rescue and Survival Manual M F
This maintenance is required annually & if not completed yearly can make the suit fail. Last year four returned suits were found to have defects that made them unsafe.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

54. Department of Operations (Response)
Cold Water PPE
All Sector Baltimore cold water PPE will be Issued by the ADSO-OP SB or C.G. AUXLO from Sector Baltimore Bldg 70. cold water PPE will be issued to Auxiliarist who can show they will be conducting cold-weather operations. PPE will be returned to Sector when the mission is over unless the member is involved in ongoing winter Ops. ( on call w/Station )
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

55. Department of Operations (Response)
Personal Issue PPE
Rescue and Survival Systems Manual COMDTINST M F pg 3-23 B.3. All PPE items required by the policies listed in this manual remain the property of the Coast Guard The PPE identified in this manual are subject to inspection & maintenance to ensure their safety and prolong life.
2014 Operations Workshop
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56. Department of Operations (Response)
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

57. NOAA Weather Reporting
The NWS is primarily interested in comparing the forecast with local conditions. You can call and report….
If the issued forecast correct.
If you see any signs of dangerous weather approaching you area.
You can also ask about any changes
call the NWS at
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

58. SECTOR AUXILIARY RFO & OPERATION EXCELLENCE
2009 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

59. Operational Excellence and RFO Program
This program establishes policies and procedures allowing Auxiliary members currently certified in the boat crew program to earn an “Award of Operational Excellence”
The award will go to a team of coxswain and crew after that team has completed several operational and SAR tasks.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

60. Public Safety Vessel ID Light
The public safety vessel ID light is optional on OPFACs when on patrol
It is for ID only while doing public safety activities and conveys no special privileges.
You must abide by the Nav Rules and the
Aux Operational Policy COMD M E Pg 4-25 E.12
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

61. Public Safety Vessel ID Light
OPFACs MAY USE THE ID LIGHT WHEN
Patrolling regattas & marine events
Security zones
When needed for brief periods for ID
as helping a vessel in distress locate the OPFAC, during a SAR case, or warning boats away from a hazardous situation such as during SAR, regattas or events
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

62. Operational Risk Management (ORM)
Remember your risk assessment happens BEFORE and updated DURING the mission
See GAR model from the “USCG Addendum to the US National Search and Rescue Supplement” (NSS), [COMDTINST M D]
Call in your GAR model number to the CG station before and during patrol.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

63. Department of Operations (Response)
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

64. Responsibility of Coxswain
All OPFAC MUST report their GAR number to the controlling station before starting the patrol.
Have each member of the crew come up with their own GAR number( Crew First)
If your GAR number changes during the patrol let the station know of the change.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

65. Responsibilities for Facility owners
Conduct a thorough facility mechanical inspection at least annually, better monthly
Maintain the facility in good working order
Notify 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
Keep log of All maintenance, not loose leaf
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

66. Responsibilities of crew
Be in the same proper uniform
Have the right PPE for the weather
Be in good physical condition
Use good judgment & common sense when performing duties (Repeat all commands from Coxswain, remember your TCT training)
May have to perform in challenging situations
Safety, TCT, Risk Management, ….
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

67. PROPER LOOKOUT

68. Department of Operations (Response)
Proper Lookout
Make sure the Coxswain
Assign’s lookouts
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

69. Department of Operations (Response)
Orders
Assignment to duty
SO/OP can only issue orders for that Division’s AORs
DO NOT move any OPFAC unless appropriate orders have been issued
Order numbers shall suffice as evidence of properly executed mission assignment
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

70. Operational Parameters - Communications
External: COMMS
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 OIA (Order Issuing Authority) or Station
If communications are lost, orders may be voided
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

71. Operational parameters - Communications cont’d
Internal: COMMS
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
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)

72. Department of Response
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”? - see article in the September 2009 issue of UpTop In Operations at: (
2014 Operations Workshop
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73. 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
Water - etc., etc., etc.
for full list of suggested items.
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Response

74. Bravo Zulu! THANK YOU for a Great Job in 2013
Thank you for your participation in the 2014 Operations Workshop.
But If you did not sign in you are not here
2014 Operations Workshop
Department of Operations (Response)