NACO(e) Richard Washburn announces appointments for 2016-2018 Commodore Washburn would like to thank all Auxiliarists who recently applied for 2016 – 2018 ANACO or Director positions. There were a record number of resumes submitted from highly qualified Auxiliarists, making the selection process extremely difficult. All candidates were interviewed and considered for the positions they sought.…
Disposal of Unwanted/Outdated Pyrotechnic Devices Auxiliarists are sometimes asked to accept out-of-date or otherwise unwanted pyrotechnic devices for disposal. Accepting such materials for disposal is not an authorized mission for the Auxiliary and may result in individual Auxiliarists taking possession of unstable and hazardous materials and becoming personally responsible for their disposal. Although some municipal…
Auxiliary National Commodores Elected On Friday, August 26, elections were held at the Auxiliary National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The National Leadership team for the 2017-2018 term was elected by the Auxiliary National Bridge. Our leaders for this coming term are: National Commodore (NACO) – COMO Richard A. Washburn Vice National Commodore (VNACO) – COMO…
NACO Message to All Hands Clearing Backlogged Auxiliary Personnel Security Investigations (PSI) and Establishing New Provisional Membership Procedures The National Commodore sent a message on May 9, 2016 to notify all Auxiliary members of efforts underway to clear the backlogged Auxiliary PSIs (a/k/a, “background checks”) submitted by new members over the past two years,…
Navigation Systems Information NOAA terminates the Chart Updating website As of April 19, 2016 the USCG Auxiliary Chart Updating Reporting Webpage (CUWeb) has been shut down permanently. NOAA’s letter to the Auxiliary explains that because of increasing levels of federal IT security both the Auxiliary and US Power Squadron websites have been identified as security…
“With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.” The Secretary of Homeland Security has released a new mission statement that is intended for all DHS components and the approximately 226,000 personnel across the entire Department. The above message is a result of thoughts contributed by many members from…
Auxiliary Vessel Examiners should be aware of the capabilities and approvals of the SIRIUS SOS C-1001 electronic distress light. This light is acceptable as a nighttime visual distress signal. SIRIUS has included a daytime distress flag in the SOS C-1001 packaging so that it can market the package as a solution for a combined day/night…
New Standards for Operations Approved and Published The Office of the Chief Director of Auxiliary has released a new set of Auxiliary Communications Program Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This set of SOPs provide descriptions and requirements of the Auxiliary Communications Program (ACP) along with a collection of guidelines for the conduct of specific Auxiliary communications…
Auxiliarists should be aware of several actions taken this week at the federal level which may have an impact on our programs and conduct, or on which they may wish to comment: Vacancy on the National Safe Boating Advisory Council. The Coast Guard is seeking applicants for membership on the National Boating Safety Advisory Council.…
Changes in Cuba Travel. The Coast Guard announced in March, 2016 that it is removing the conditions of entry on vessels arriving from the country of the Republic of Cuba. This change is detailed in the Federal Register at: http://www.regulations.gov/ , using the link: USCG–2016–0201.
Coast Guard Auxiliary and Boat/US Release On-Line Navigation Course. Imagine a typical new boater. They excitedly buy a boat and dream of taking it to fun, maybe even exotic, places. But they soon realize that they don’t know how to get there, they don’t know how to navigate. They want to learn navigation skills, they…
2016 Response Workshops Posted On-Line The Response Directorate has created three workshops for 2016, for members involved in operations. Surface Operations: The optional 2016 Surface Operations Workshop has been published and includes important information and reminders regarding: Surface Safety, Mishap Reporting, AOM, new PPE requirements, Coxswain and Crew responsibilities and Cell Phone use. Telecommunications: A new…
National Commodore Mark Simoni has released a message to all Auxiliarists about the availability of financial assistance to members injured while assigned to duty. “All Auxiliary members should be aware that financial assistance may be available to members who are seriously injured while assigned to duty and suffer a financial hardship because of those injuries. Members…
AUXMT Weekly Reports Now On Line All members are required to complete ten training topics by the end of 2016, or within one year of enrollment, depending on base enrollment date. These are the “mandated training” sessions discussed in ALAUX 010/15 from the Chief Director this past June (http://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/095-45/CHDIRAUX___03_June_2015.pdf) . Further details are available at:…
So You Have Joined The Coast Guard Auxiliary – Now What? You are a member in AP Status. What can you do? First understand everything we do is governed by Federal law and the Commandant’s Instructions for the Auxiliary. Auxiliarists in Approval Pending (AP) status still have huge opportunities to train and qualify in virtually…