2008 Operations Workshop

1. 2008 Operations Workshop

2. Welcome This seminar is designed to be a refresher of the basic Surface Operations process and procedures to promote safety and efficiency for all patrols This is an optional seminar although it may be required at the local level. It is not a replacement for the required TCT Refresher course. 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

3. Ground Rules • This Workshop should be Interactive NOT a Lecture • Ask Questions • Answer questions • Share experiences • Share Insights • Participate • Participate • Participate 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

4. Remember • Safety of all personnel, Auxiliary & the public, is our first priority. • 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! 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

5. Changes in 2007 • You must log 12 hours underway • Crew & Coxswains • Coxswains can log their 12 hours as crew or coxswain • PWC must log their time on a PWC • 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 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

6. Changes in 2007 • The 4 simple tasks for annual CM have been deleted • Check rides will be every 3 years with a QE • Crew check ride has 15 sign offs • Coxswain check rides has 17 sign offs • PWC check ride has 12 sign offs • Practicethese sign off tasks annually so you are “always ready” for the check ride. 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

7. Check Ride phase in • Last Check ride in 2004- you are due in 2008 • Last check ride in 2005 or 2006 - you are due in 2009 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

8. Our Missions • Promote boating safety • Provide SAR response • Render assistance to distressed persons in the maritime environment • Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) - (we are the eyes and ears of the Coast Guard) • Provide support as needed by the Coast Guard 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

9. 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 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

10. Provide SAR Response • Monitor CH 16 & local CG working channel • If responding to a SAR case, obtain all info prior to getting underway • Operate at safe speed for the sea conditions and local environment • Observe all NO WAKE zones • Do only what your crew and facility are capable of - safety of crew comes first 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

11. Render Assistance • Do only what you are trained to do • Leave medical cases for qualified EMT’s or seek help from the local ambulance squad • Keep your crew informed as to what you plan to do • Communicate your intentions to the disabled vessels master • Maintain a tow watch for any problems 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

12. Marine 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. • Multi-Mission – MDV, VE, ATON/Chart Update, Bridge Inspections 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

13. Provide Support • Assist local police departments in regattas, parades, etc. • DO NOT participate in any law enforcement activities or imply law enforcement authority by your actions • Provide communications relay to other rescue vessels in your patrol area • Be the eyes of the Coast Guard for Homeland Security every time you are out on the water 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

14. Safety Zone Support • Operate only in advisory/informational mode • You MAY NOT exercise or imply any law enforcement authority • You MAY NOT use or display unauthorized lights, sirens or flags - No Blue Lights 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

15. Responsibilities for Facility owners • Mechanical inspection of your facility annually at a minimum • Maintain the facility in good working order • Notify DIRAUX of any significant changes, or if vessel is sold or dry docked for repairs • Abort the mission when any situation pertaining to the mission may adversely affect the safety of the facility or crew 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

16. Responsibilities of Coxswains • Minimum number of qualified crew • Proper uniform • Proper PPE (personal protection equipment) • Facility properly equipped • Orders issues for the patrol • Crew capable of performing the mission • Safety of the crew and mission • Risk management is vital 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

17. Responsibilities of crew • Be in 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, safety, safety, safety, safety 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

18. Orders • Assignment to duty • DO NOT move any Facility unless appropriate orders have been issued • Order numbers shall suffice as evidence of properly executed mission assignment 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

19. Liability • Orders do not guarantee liability coverage • Legal process bases coverage on a review of the circumstances and facts involved • Actions may not exceed the facility capabilities • Must not go beyond the scope of the Auxiliary duties, and training • Coverage may be denied by the Coast Guard 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

20. Operational Guidelines • Remember, we are prohibited from: • Boardings for law enforcement purposes • Cannot be part of a boarding team, only a platform to deliver CG boarding officers • Investigating complaints of negligent operation • Violating any navigational rules • Creating any situation that would place any vessel in navigational extremes • No firearms 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

21. Operational Parameters - Communications • External: • Must have 2 way communications at all times • Maintain a 1 hour radio guard at a minimum. Your OIA (Order Issuing Authority)may require this every half hour • If communications is lost, orders may be voided 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

22. 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 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

23. 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 vessel’s owner 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

24. Operational Parameters -Speed • Experienced coxswains rarely operate at maximum speed available • Excessive speed is attributed to mishaps • Speed is hard on the body and the equipment, adds to crew fatigue • Hard to maintain situational awareness • Never hesitate to ask the coxswain to slow down (remember your TCT) 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

25. Operational ParametersSpeed cont’d • Comfort and safety of crew • There is No justification for operating the vessel with a lack of consideration to the crew enroute to a perceived distress • Speed must be adjusted for weather and sea conditions • Safe speed is prudent seamanship • Can (and has) cause crew ejection, injury or damage to boat 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

26. Operational ParametersSpeed cont’d Office of Public AffairsU.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District Press Release Date: March 25, 2007 Contact: USCG Public Affairs 206-819-9154 COAST GUARDSMAN DIES IN PATROL ACCIDENT SEATTLE - A Coast Guardsman died from injuries received during a security patrol near Vashon Island in Puget Sound today.  Two 25-foot fast response boat crews from a Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team were involved in a security patrol and training mission north of Vashon Island at approximately 2:15 p.m. when a Coast Guardsman was ejected from a vessel.  A third 25-foot response boat was operating in the area and came to the Coast Guardsman's aid. The Coast Guardsman was transported to the ferry terminal near Fauntleroy Cove for further transport by ambulance to Harbor View Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The identity of the crewmen is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.  The accident is under investigation. Coast Guard security operations have not been interrupted. 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

27. Mishap Reporting • Report all information immediately via radio or cell • Call next business day to DIRAUX and your OIA • 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 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

28. 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 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

29. Bravo Zulu! Great Job! Thank you for your participation in the 2008 Operations Workshop. Please share your thoughts about this training, the format, and/or content with us! Bruce Pugh, DVC-OE Division Chief Operations Projects and Educational Outreach Jim McCarty, BC-OEI DVC_OE@yahoo.com 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)

30. Acknowledgements Special thanks to past rear commodore Pat Ermilio (ADSO-OP, SO-OP, FSO-OP) from Flotilla 10-13 in 1st Southern for contributing much of the baseline material used to prepare this years workshop. 2008 Operations Workshop Department of Operations (Response)