Surfman Program

Harking back to the days of the United States Life-Saving Service, a Surfman is a consummate Coast Guard boat coxswain. Through years of specialized training and experience, he or she is intimately familiar with search and rescue planning, operations and equipment. Surfmen are trusted to operate the most seaworthy craft in the Coast Guard inventory in extreme weather conditions. Their motto, coined at the turn of the twentieth century underscores their commitment: "The book says that you've got to go out, but it doesn't say a word about coming back". Today, you will find Surfmen standing duty at one of nineteen designated "surf stations" ranging from Quillayute River, Washington to Morro Bay, California; from Merrimack River, Massachusetts to Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina; and at the world famous National Motor Lifeboat School at the mouth of the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment, Washington. 161 Surfmen stand ready at these stations to respond to calls for assistance with 47 foot motor lifeboats and, at select stations in Oregon and Washington – the venerable 52 foot motor lifeboats – INTREPID, VICTORY, TRIUMPH, and INVINCIBLE.

Much like their counterparts at other stations nationwide, Surfmen typically stand duty or recall 84 hours a week. These 161 Surfmen make up the smallest operational specialty in the Coast Guard today. Dubbed "storm warriors" and "surf soldiers" at the turn of the 20th century, these men and women are the core of what the Coast Guard calls "‘the soul of the service"- Coast Guard Boat Forces.

Surfman Creed

I will to the best of my ability, pursue each mission with the commitment, compassion, and courage inherent in the title "SURFMAN". I will endeavor to reinforce the worldwide reputation of our forefathers in the Lifeboat Community. I will maintain a guardian's eye on my crew at all times, and keep a cool, yet deliberate, hand on the throttle. I will give of myself and my knowledge as those who gave to me; so as the line of Coast Guard Surfman will live forever I will ensure that my supervisors rest easy with the knowledge that I am at the helm, no matter what the conditions. I will never unnecessarily jeopardize myself,my boat, or my crew; but will do so freely to rescue those in peril. I will strive with dedication and determination to bring credit upon Coast Guard Surfmen past and future.