USCGAUX - Department of Operations (Response)

ALAUX
Frm:    CHDIRAUX
Subj:   CLARIFICATION OF AUXILIARY ROLES IN HOMELAND SECURITY -002/06
1.      For your information:
R 192016Z JAN 06 ZUI ASN-A00019000035 ZYB
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-OCX//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N03120//
ALCOAST 033/06
COMDTNOTE 3120
SUBJ: CLARIFICATION OF AUXILIARY ROLES IN HOMELAND SECURITY

1. AUXILIARY INVOLVEMENT IN PORTS WATERWAYS AND COASTAL SECURITY MISSIONS (PWCS) AT THE OPERATIONAL COMMANDER LEVEL HAS BEEN VARIED AND WARRANTS CLARIFICATION. REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN REFERENCE A AND FOR OPERATION NEPTUNE SHIELD (ONS) STIPULATE THAT PATROLS AND MOST OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THIS MISSION AREA ARE CONSIDERED FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, DUE TO THE OBVIOUS INHERENT DANGER ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PATROLS AND THE LACK OF AUTHORITY FOR THE AUXILIARY TO ENGAGE IN DIRECT LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES, NO AUXILIARY FACILITIES WILL BE USED FOR THE PWCS MISSION. HOWEVER, AUXILIARY PARTICIPATION IN CERTAIN SIMILAR NON-LE MISSION AREAS WILL CONTINUE AS DISCUSSED BELOW.
2. AUXILIARY FACILITIES MAY BE USED TO CONDUCT THE NEWLY RENAMED MARITIME OBSERVATION MISSION (MOM), FORMERLY DESCRIBED AS PWCS IN SECTION 4.A.8.B OF REF B. THIS IS A NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT MISSION
WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE INCREASED MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS BY OBSERVING AREAS OF INTEREST AND REPORTING FINDINGS TO THE OPERATIONAL COMMANDER WHILE MAINTAINING THE SAFETY OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL. SHOULD AUXILIARISTS OBSERVE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL MULTI-MISSION PATROLS, THEY SHOULD RECORD AND REPORT THE SAME IMMEDIATELY VIA MEANS OTHER THAN VHF IF FEASIBLE BUT TAKE NO ADDITIONAL ACTION.
3. ALTHOUGH MOM WILL INCREASE THE COAST GUARD OVERALL PWCS POSTURE, MOM HOURS CANNOT BE CREDITED ON THE ONS SCORECARD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AVIATION HOURS. AUXILIARY SURFACE FACILITIES ARE UNARMED PLATFORMS THAT CANNOT BE UTILIZED TO CONDUCT ONS MISSIONS THAT SPECIFICALLY REQUIRE ARMED COAST GUARD PATROLS. BECAUSE AIRCRAFT CAN MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE FROM POTENTIAL MARITIME THREATS IN THE VICINITY OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND UNARMED COAST GUARD AVIATION CAPABILITIES NORMALLY CONDUCT ONS MISSIONS, AUX AIR MAY BE UTILIZED FOR AN OPERATIONAL COMMANDER’S ONS SCORECARD WHILE CONDUCTING AERIAL OBSERVATION UNDER MOM.
4. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AUXILIARY FACILITIES BE USED AS PICKET BOATS FOR SECURITY PURPOSES FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, VESSEL ESCORTS, OR NATIONAL SPECIAL SECURITY EVENTS. SURFACE FACILITIES ARE STILL AUTHORIZED AND ENCOURAGED FOR USE DURING REGATTAS, PARADES, AND PUBLIC EVENTS WHEN THE RISK OF AN AUXILIARIST ENCOUNTERING A MARITIME THREAT IS NO GREATER THAN THAT TO THE BOATING PUBLIC.
5. AUXILIARISTS MAY SUPPORT MARINE SAFETY COMPLIANCE VISITS AND/OR SPOT CHECKS TO SHORESIDE MARINE FACILITIES OR SUPPORT OTHER MISSIONS FOR WHICH THEY ARE QUALIFIED. HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE VISITS MUST NOT BE CONFUSED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ASHORE AT FACILITIES WHICH IS ONLY TO BE CONDUCTED BY ARMED ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS.
6. THE AUXILIARY MARITIME OBSERVATION MISSION IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL COAST GUARD MANUALS AND DIRECTIVES AND WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE NEXT CHANGE TO REFERENCE B. OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS ARE OBLIGATED TO ENSURE THEIR ASSIGNED AUXILIARY RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY TRAINED, EQUIPPED AND MAINTAINED FOR ANY AUTHORIZED MISSION. A CAREFUL ASSESSMENT MUST BE MADE OF AUXILIARY CREW AND EQUIPMENT CAPABILITIES AGAINST THE OPERATIONAL SCENARIO WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER AND HOW TO EXECUTE A GIVEN MISSION. OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS AND AUXILIARISTS SHALL UNIFORMLY AND CONSISTENTLY APPLY PROPER RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES PRIOR TO AND DURING ALL OPERATIONS.
7. THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY CONTINUES TO BE A FORCE MULTIPLIER FOR COAST GUARD OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS IN MANY MISSION AREAS. COMMANDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE AUXILIARY ASSETS AND PERSONNEL TO FULFILL NON LAW ENFORCEMENT DUTIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AORS.
8. POC IS LCDR KATHRYN DUNBAR (G-OCX-2) AT 202-267-1002.
9. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
10. RDML C.E.BONE, DIRECTOR OF INSPECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE SENDS.
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Up Top in Operations Newsletter - November 2006 Published The November issue includes: New Division Chief Appointed, Secret Resources, Off-Season Fitness, Crew Members Should be "critical". [Posted: 23 DEC 2006. Source: Nevin Lantry, BC-OEW]

Up Top in Operations Newsletter - October 2006 Published The October Issue includes: Not "Business as Usual" for CG Auxiliary Telecommunications, Jammer Sentenced, and Making The Switch to Ethanol Based (E10) fuel. [Posted October 31, 2006]

Up Top In Operations Newsletter- September 2006 Published. The September 2006 issue includes: OPFAC Readiness, Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices, Lightning Protection and Operations Team at NACON. [Posted October 3, 2006, source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

POMS Concerns. Your primary POMS contact for access, education and problem
determination is your local POMS Administration Team. Your POMS Administration Team can be identified through your Operations Chain of Administration. The source of this information is Gary Taylor <gtaylor@alaska.net> [Posted 14 September 2006 by Nevin L Lantry BC-OEW]

Amateur Radio Special Event Commemorating the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Anniversary and the ISAR Competition 2006. Special Event Amateur Radio Stations all across the U.S. will operate on Saturday October 28, 2006 to commemorate the Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and ISAR 2006. All amateurs are invited to operate Special Event Radio stations on High Frequency (HF) all across the nation. Amateur Radio stations will be operating “On the Air” all day contacting the International Search and Rescue Radio station and other U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary stations from coast to coast. All official Special Event Radio Stations will be given Commemorative QSL’s. Last year over 25 USCG Aux. Special Event Stations contacted thousands of other amateurs and USCG Auxiliary members to commemorate the USCG Auxiliary anniversary and support ISAR. If you are interested in becoming an Official Special Event Radio Station, contact Dan Amoroso BA-OTU at nnn0abp@navymars.org. [Posted 16 June 2006. Source Nevin Lantry BC-OEW]

The Auxiliary Air Observer Initial Qualification Syllabus (AV-06-1) for initial examination of Auxiliary Air Observer candidates has been released for use. Click here to view or download it. This syllabus is a requirement for qualification as an Air Observer or to enter the Aviation Program. [Posted 18 May 2006. Source David A Elliot, DC-Od]

IS (ICS) 100 and 700 Courses Available in Paper Consolidated coursework for IS 100 and IS 700 are available in paper via the MA officer at ANSC for single member distribution. The packet contains the course summary and test for each course. Members using this material will still need to go online or work through a local procedure to submit answers at the FEMA web site and receive course credit. [Posted 18 May 2006. Source G-PCX LCDR Dunbar]

IS (ICS) Courses Available on CD-ROM Would you like a CD with all of the coursework (and then some!) for ICS? The CD’s are available for you…all you need to do is ask! A CD can be obtained via the ANSC. This CD contains student courses and tests for IS 100, 200, 700 and 800 as well as instructor courses for 100 and 700. Additionally, there is a history of the ICS system and the graph with deadlines for completing the courses. E-mail links for taking the courses online are also provided. The ANSC information for ordering is ANSC# 2009 - CD-ROM, INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) - Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary NIMS/NRP/ICS Training. (MAX 1) (REV. 03/2006). These can be obtained via your flotilla Materials Officer shortly.

Unfortunately, FEMA no longer provides CD’s of the Incident Command and National Response Plan coursework. However, they are available from the FEMA website for download. The URL is: http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp [Posted 5 April 2006. Source G-PCX LCDR Dunbar

Up Top In Operations Newsletter- August 2006 Published. The August 2006 issue includes Best Practices, OPSEC and COMSEC, PWOIT What's That, and Sinking. [Posted September 9, 2006, source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

Up Top In Operations Newsletter - January 2006 issue published The January 2006 issue includes articles on the announcement of the new Auxiliary aviation training manual, one stop shopping for weather information, and terms all pilots should know. [Posted 16 January 2006. Source Linda A Nelson, DC-O]

Contingency Planning Presentation The Auxiliary Contingency Planning Pyramid, a presentation delivered at N-Train 2006, is available for download and use by Auxiliary units. The PowerPoint Show and Notes (in Adobe Acrobat) are available here at Planning The Contingency Pyramid 2.06 and Contingency Planning 2006 Final. (Right click here to download this file in .PPT slide presentation).

Frequently Asked Questions on ICS An information FAQ on ICS, with frequently asked questions about the requirements for training in the Incident Command System (ICS) is available for download at FAQ on ICS. Please note that the completion dates reflected in this document are based on discussions held with G-RPP-1, ICS/NIMS project team leaders and G-PCX. These dates should be reflected in a future ALCOAST from CG Headquarters.

2006 Operations Workshop now available (click here) or at the side of this page to download the slides in PowerPoint, the slides in PDF format and the Facilitator Guide in PDF format. The workshop is not mandatory unless an Auxiliary District makes it so but hopefully will be given in all Districts because of the TCT and MDA values as well as pure operations refresher. [Posted 4 January 2006. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

Up Top In Operations Newsletter - December issue published The December issue includes articles on the appointment of Eric Glasscott as the new DVC-OT for telecommunications, From the Boss, Bridges Part III, Links, and Electric Boat Lifters. [Posted 30 December 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

New edition of the Auxiliary Aviation Training Manual now available from the Chief Director’s web site. It is a very long download but click on http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg3/cg3pcx/publications/comdtinst/M16798.5B.pdf This new Manual represents a major revision of the previous Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Operations Training Text which dates back to 1993. Due to the extensive changes, units and individuals are encouraged to conduct a thorough review of the new Manual. [Posted 14 December 2005. Source Robert T. Shafer, DVC-OA]

WE ALL HAVE A HAND IN SAFETY - A recent mishap on a cutter highlights an important lesson for all of us who participate in surface operations. In this case, while the member was crossing between two cutters, he grabbed a life ring support. Unfortunately, his wedding ring caught on the support bracket as he swung down, causing his finger to be severed.

CG policy is that no jewelry (including wedding rings, watches, earringsor qualification devices...like a coxswain device) be worn while underway. This unfortunate incident points out why the policy is in place. This policy must be strictly enforced during underway operations.

We are all a part of the solution. We all have a hand in ensuring safe operations. Let's remain vigilant to the little things that may spell disability or worse for a shipmate. Little things like a wedding ring...[Posted 30 November 2005. Source Linda A Nelson, DC-O]

UNCLAS FOUO //N05100//
SUBJ: MISHAP, VESSEL, CLASS C, WPB82/87, INJURY, AMPUTATION
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
WHAT FOLLOWS MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED SAFETY INFORMATION.
USE FOR MISHAP PREVENTION PURPOSES ONLY.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
1. UNIT: CGC , REPORT NUMBER:
2. TYPE OF BOAT: N/A
3. MISHAP DESCRIPTION: SEVERED LEFT RING FINGER
4. MISSION AT TIME OF MISHAP: PORT SAFETY AND SECURITY
5. MISHAP RELATED TO UNITS OPERATIONAL MISSION: YES
6. DATE:
7. REQUIRED PPE WORN PROPERLY: N/A
8. COXSWAIN DATA: N/A
9. NARRATIVE: CGC WAS TIED OUTBOARD CGC . MEMBER WAS CROSSING BETWEEN CUTTERS. HE GRABBED HOLD OF A LIFE RAFT SUPPORT BRACKET AND SWUNG DOWN TO THE DECK OF THE CGC . BM1 'S WEDDING RING CAUGHT ON THE SUPORT BRACKET AS HE JUMPED TO THE DECK AND ABRUPTLY SEVERED HIS FINGER AT THE SECOND KNUCKLE.
10. CAUSE: JUDGMENT
11. ADDITIONAL CAUSE: N/A
12. ACTION: REMINDED ALL HANDS OF THE HAZARDS OF WEARING JEWELRY
ONBOARD THE CUTTER. ENSURED ALL HANDS REMOVED ANY JEWELRY. CONDUCTED A SAFETY STAND-DOWN ON 16 NOV 05.
13. PERSONAL INJURY DATA: NUMBER OF INJURIES: 1
      A. FIRST INJURY
          1. GRADE: E-6
          2. RATE: BM
          3. STATUS: ON DUTY RESERVE
          4. PRIMARY INJURY: FINGER, NATURE OF INJURY: AMPUTATION
          5. SECONDARY INJURY: NA, NATURE OF INJURY: N/A
          6. SEVERITY: LOST WORK
          7. PPE USED: N/A
          8. PPE REQUIRED: N/A
          9. DAYS HOSPITALIZED: 2
          10. DAYS LOST WORK (NFFD/SIQ): 3
          11. DAYS RESTRICTED (FFLD): 0

14. PROPERTY DAMAGE: N/A.
15. INVESTIGATOR NAME:
16. FIRST LEVEL REVIEW/COMMENTS: MEMBER WAS RECENTLY MARRIED AND UNFAMILIAR WITH WEARING OF RINGS AND RELATED HAZARDS ONBOARD CUTTER. WAS MOORED OUTBOARD ANOTHER CUTTER. MEMBER WAS TRANSITING FROM ONE CUTTER TO THE OTHER, WHICH IS NOT A NORMAL PRACTICE. THE DECKS OF THE TWO CUTTERS WERE AT DIFFERENT HEIGHTS. THIS CAUSED THE CREW MEMBER TO JUMP DOWN ON THE OTHER VESSEL WHEN DEPARTING .
17. FIRST LEVEL REVIEWER:
18. COMMAND REVIEW/COMMENTS: HAS A STRICT REQUIREMENT ABOUT CREW MEMBERS REMOVING ANY JEWELRY PRIOR TO THE CUTTER LEAVING THE DOCK. BM1 WAS RECENTLY WED AND, ALTHOUGH FAMILIAR WITH THE UNIT'S POLICY, HAD FORGOTTEN TO KEEP HIS RING OFF WHEN WAS MOORED AT. . SEVERAL CREW MEMBERS DEPARTED THE CUTTER IN A SIMILAR MANNER PRIOR TO THIS MISHAP. A SAFETY STAND-DOWN WAS HELD ON BOARD ON 16 NOVEMBER AND TRAINING WAS CONDUCTED ON USING RISK ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES IN THEIR DAILY LIVES. THIS RECENT INCIDENT WAS EXTENSIVELY REVIEWED AND PREVENTATIVE INPUT SOUGHT FROM ALL HANDS. APPRECIATES ALL THE SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM GROUP MEDICAL AND DUTY SECTION.
19. COMMAND REVIEWER:
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New Surface Operations Information At CHDIRAUX - The Chief Director's Office has developed a Surface Operations web site linked from the Chief Director's site that has an array of information regarding surface operations (Policy Changes/Updates, SAMA FAQs, POMS, PQS, Training Topics, etc.), with more to come. This web site can be reached at: http://cgauxsurfaceops.us/ [Posted 30 November 2005. Source DVC-OS]

Up Top in Operations Newsletter - November issue published The November issue features articles on Precise Navigation and Flexibility, Managing a Bridge Program, Part II, the MDA checklist and comments from the Chief of the Operations Department. [Posted 30 November 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]..

Operations Newsletter - October issue published The October issue features articles on Radio Day Celebrating ISAR and the Auxiliary's 66th Anniversary, Managing a Bridge Program, Part I, and Fire Extinguisher Use. [Posted 21 October 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O].

MDA Operations Checklist for use in all operations has been posted on this web site. [Posted 19 October 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

Up Top In Operations Newsletter - September issue published The September issue features articles from the outgoing and incoming Surface Department Chiefs, Awards to David A. Elliot and Robert T. Shafer, Tips for Planning for the Next Emergency, NIIMS/ICS course information, and CG Applauds AUXAIR. [Posted 1 October 2005. Source Linda A Nelson, DC-O]

Calling All Radio Operators: Announcing a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Amateur Radio Special Event – Special Event Amateur Radio Stations across the U.S. will be on the air on Saturday, October 1, 2005 to commemorate the 66^th Anniversary of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Joint U.S. Canadian Search and Rescue Competition (ISAR 2005). Click here for more information. [Posted 14 September 2005. Source David A. Elliot, DC-Od]

NACO Gene M. Seibert has written an appeal to all C. G. Auxiliary members requesting that we "strongly consider providing assistance for our members and other Coast Guard family members at this time of need [Hurricane Katrina]" .......through Operation Life Ring. Click on this link to learn how to offer assistance. [Posted 7 September 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O][Life Ring lnk updated 12/2006]

The following websites have been established to provide information on hurricane Katrina relief efforts:

     A. For hurricane KATRINA search and rescue - In order to assist the
     United States Coast Guard in hurricane KATRINA search and rescue efforts,
     submit a missing/stranded person request at: http://homeport.uscg.mil/

     C. The hurricane KATRINA official government website for public
     information on finding loved ones, what to do if you are a victim, how to
     help victims, or disaster cleanup and agency resources, visit:
http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.s html [Posted 6 September 2005. Source Linda A Nelson, DC-O]

Up Top In Operations Newsletter- July issue published The July issue features an announcement for POMS training at NACON 2005 and a review of considerations for multi-mission air patrols as well as weight and balance necessities for safe flight. It is available on the O-Department (this) website. [Posted 8 August 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

CG AUXILIARY OPERATIONS POLICY MANUAL: By this time, all qualified members of the operations and marine safety community should have received a CD with the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual (OPSPOLMAN). If you did not receive a CD or if you have members training for qualification, a copy of the CD can be obtained through your Materials Officer from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). Members who require a printed copy of the Auxiliary OPSPOLMAN can request one via the Materials Officer as well. The printed copy of the OPSPOLMAN is a single issue document and a valid EMPLID is required for distribution. [Posted 1 August 2005. Source Linda A. Nelson, DC-O]

Heat and Hydration -- For information on your place in the sun and protection from heat and dehydration, read Heat and Hydration [Note the link to Heat and Hydration from the July 2005 Whats New on the national Auxiliary site is no longer functioning 12/2006]. Extreme heat conditions are impacting large areas of the country, and there is an increased potential for heat related illnesses and dehydration. You may believe that you can tolerate heat. However, when the weather is so warm and the heat index rises to levels as high as they have been recently (which are expected to continue), you should take measures to avoid the heat and compensate for increased fluid loss.

Dehydration can occur insidiously. When you realize you are thirsty, you are already behind in your drinking and becoming dehydrated. It may be hard to catch up on your fluids that same day. So think ahead, avoid the heat if possible, and stay hydrated.
[Posted: 28 July 2005. Source: National Website and Richard C. Lavy, M.D., Assistant Director, Coast Guard Support - Health and Safety (N-CGS-k)]

ActionMDA - SpringSummer 2005 Issue Published The Operations Department has published the Spring-Summer issue featuring information on the dependence of effective MDA on effective communication relative to Security Services receipt of information related to recent efforts to penetrate medical and other public services

Operations Policy Manual Published and Distributed The recently published Operations Policy Manual has now been published in both CD-ROM and printed format. It is available to members by request through the Materials Officer from ANSC.

Up Top in Operations Newsletter -June Issue Published The June issue features an article by David Elliot, DC-Od on genesis of the new Operations Policy Manual. It also provides tips for crew taking care of themselves during hot weather patrols.

ActionMDA Newsletter Published The Operations Department has published ActionMDA -Winter '05 containing an Auxiliary White Paper on Marine Domain Awareness, plus info on Airport Security.
[Posted: 13 March 2005. Source: Nevin Lantry, BC-OEW]

Securing our Future - The Role of Operational Security -- In today’s world of instant information sharing through web sites and email, there are some basic security issues that deserve a few minutes of our time. Although we want to encourage the use of new technologies, we must be careful that we are not distributing sensitive operational information to the wrong people. So how do we improve the security of this information, while still using technology to the fullest? Click here (Adobe Acrobat™ format, 99KB) for a few ideas.
[Posted: 1 January 2005. Source: James M. McCarty, BC-OEI]