National Response Department 2010 Operations Workshop

Welcome This seminar is 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. It is not a replacement for the TCT Refresher course which is required for all Auxiliarists in Surface Operations Operations Workshop Department of Response 2

Ground Rules This Workshop should be Interactive, NOT a Lecture –Ask Questions –Answer questions –Share experiences –Share Insights Participate 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 3

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! 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 4

Remember Changes for Currency Maintenance You must log 12 hours underway –Crew & Coxswains –Coxswains can log their 12 hours as crew or coxswain Attend a mandatory 1 hour TCT refresher –Must be completed by 31 December –If 5 year 8 hour TCT is required, the 1 hour TCT need not also be completed 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 5

2009 Changes for Currency Maintenance - PWO If you are coxswain qualified AND complete your 12 hours, you only need an additional 6 hours for PWO, which must be done on a PWC under orders Which means: Qualification Annual Currency Requirement –PWO only 12 hrs on PWC –Boat Crew + PWO 12 hrs on boats + 12 hrs on PWC –Cox’n + PWO 12 hrs on boats + 6 hrs on PWC 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 6

Reminder Changes from 2008 ICS-210 Initial Incident Commander course is REQUIRED for all Coxswains, PWOs and all Pilots by 31 March 2010 Without this certification in AUXDATA you will go into REYR status NavRules re-certification is 5 years from last date test was successfully taken (e.g. passed 15 May 2005 due next by 15 May 2010, NOT 31 Dec 2010) 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 7

More Changes from 2008 New 50 MPH dynamic strength tested PFDs are required by 1 June 09 if (and only if) your facility can exceed 35 MPH Inflatable vests listed in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M F will continue to be authorized after 01 JUN 2009 for facilities that can exceed 35 MPH (excluding PWCs) Non-Operational Facility category was eliminated in Operations Workshop Department of Response 8

Note on PFDs Orange YellowYour PFD must be the appropriate color – International Orange or High Visibility Yellow ONLY Inflatable PFD wearers – DO NOT wear your SAR vest over the Inflatable. Carry all required survival equipment in a waist belt Any PPE including PFDs with “Coast Guard Auxiliary” markings can only be used under orders 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 9

More Changes from 2008 PWC Carriage requirements changes –No more throwable device requirements –Spare spark plugs ONLY required for 2 cycle engine PWCs All Facilities need their Picture, availability and location data entered into POMS (Patrol Order Management System) 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 10

Changes from 2009 Uniform sew-on devices will now display a black “A” for Auxiliary. The Red and Blue “A” designation has been discontinued. – Current devices may be worn until December 31, 2010 There are no forms changes at this time but you should always check the web site for the latest versions of all forms 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 11

Check Ride Phase In is Over ALL Check Rides are now on a 3 year cycle There are NO annual signoffs required 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 12

Patrol Reminders Remember that local CG Unit ball caps are NOT authorized while on patrols Maritime Domain Awareness on all patrols - (we are the eyes and ears of the Coast Guard) Correct signage on ALL OPFACs must be displayed – US Ensign, Auxiliary Patrol Ensign (with the red stripe, NOT the “Blue Ensign”), Patrol banners and operational decal 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 13

Review of “Happen 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 Coast Guard: –You may render assistance including tow if capable –Notify the Operational Commander, identity and location of vessel and where you will be towing them –If vessel 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 14

Review of “Happen Upon Policy” From the National SAR Manual M E Paragraph ( Notes: –You make the call on whether you can safely assist –You inform CG SMC (SAR Mission Coordinator) 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 15

Assistance 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 of use whether under orders or not It is NOT just any boat owned by an Auxiliary member 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 16

Safety is Priority 1 Remember safety of the crew, the public, and the vessel are more important than the mission PEPIRB – Key piece of safety equipment –Have in on board and on your PFD when underway –Check the battery expiration date –Keep it registered with NOAA HAZMAT –Remember to steer well clear of ANY HAZMAT situation unless you have a certified HAZMAT responder on your crew 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 17

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 Be properly equipped both personally and for the facility 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 18

Provide SAR Response Safety of Crew comes FirstDo 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 19

In Rendering Assistance Do only what you are trained to do Keep your crew informed as to what you plan to do Communicate your intentions to the disabled vessel’s Master Maintain a tow watch for any problems Leave medical cases for qualified EMT’s or seek help from the local ambulance squad 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 20

Responsibilities of Facility Owners Conduct a thorough facility mechanical inspection at least annually Maintain the facility in good working order Notify the 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 21

Responsibilities of Coxswains Minimum number of qualified crew Proper uniform (You and your crew) Proper PPE (personal protection equipment) as defined in the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual (You and your crew) Rescue and Survival Systems Manual Facility properly equipped/maintained Crew & Facility capable of performing the mission Safety of the crew priority 1, then the mission Risk management is vital – Remember your GAR model & TCT 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 22

Responsibilities of Crew Be in good physical condition, inform Coxswains of any limitations – physical or mental (fatigue, etc) Use good judgment & common sense when performing duties (Repeat all commands from Coxswain, remember your TCT training) May have to perform in challenging situations, know your limitations and abilities Safety, TCT, safety, TCT, safety, TCT, … Operations Workshop Department of Response 23

Operational Risk Management (ORM) 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 24 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 25 Green – Amber – Red Any single item 5 or above should be a red flag even if the total score is in the Green There should be NO zero (no risk) scores and even 1 should be rare for most crews GAR is done before AND updated during all missions

Operational Risk Management GAR Model 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 26 Green – Amber – Red If your local OIA (order Issuing Authority) does not have a GAR form requirement use the one on the National Response Department Web site at /SurfaceOpsNews.htm - See September 2009 news item /SurfaceOpsNews.htm

Operating in Reduced Visibility Remember procedures for reduced Visibility –Maintain that lookout as far forward on the vessel as possible (remember safety first) –Reduce speed –Proper Horn Signals –Running lights on –Radar on and monitored if you have it on your vessel –Know any district or OIA special requirements 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 27

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 Operations Workshop Department of Response 28

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 extremes 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 29

Operational Parameters - Communications External: –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 your OIA –If communications are lost, orders may be voided 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 30

Operational Parameters - Communications cont’d Internal: –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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 31

Towing Requires a high degree of awareness Many potential hazards 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 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 32

Mishap Reporting Report all information immediately via radio or cell to your OIA (Order Issuing Authority) Call your DIRAUX/OTO no later than 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 Damage must be linked to identifiable patrol cause 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 33

Local Hazards Are there particularly tricky or dangerous hazards in your local AOR? (Area of Responsibility) What are they, have you communicated them to your crew? Highlight them on your charts for new crew to easily see Operations Workshop Department of Response 34

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: ( 0September% pdf ) 0September% pdf 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 35

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 Etc., etc., etc. rgency%20Bag%20Contents.pdfhttp:// rgency%20Bag%20Contents.pdf for full list of suggested items Operations Workshop Department of Response 36

Bravo Zulu! Great Job! Thank you for your participation in the 2010 Operations Workshop. Please share your thoughts about this training, the format, and/or content with us. Send your comments to: Chief, Operations Projects and Educational Outreach Division Jim McCarty, BC-OEI Bruce Pugh, DVC-OE Gary Taylor, DIR-Od Bob Shafer, DIR-O 2010 Operations Workshop Department of Response 37