Operations generally involves boating activities in the Auxiliary. The
operations officer is the lead person in charge of operations in the
flotilla. As such, this position involves training and updating others and
yourself regarding boating activities in the Auxiliary, scheduling and
participating in “patrols” on boats, and actively promoting the flotilla’s
operations program. It also involves interfacing and cooperating with other
flotillas and with the active duty Coast Guard in matters related to
operations.
Some examples of operations activities are: “safety” patrols in which a boat
patrol is done on a specific assigned area on the water, providing a Coast
Guard presence, being available for search and rescue operations, providing
assistance for recreational boaters on an as needed basis, and conducting
training excercises; aiding the active duty Coast Guard and local law
enforcement at marine events such as rowing regattas, the Navy’s Blue Angels
show, fishing tournaments, at Jacksonville’s annual blessing of the fleet;
evaluating aids to navigation.
To become involved in Auxiliary operations, a basic boating safety course,
such as About Boating Safely, is a pre-requisite. Prior boating experience
and owning a boat are generally a plus but not necessary. Boats used in the
Auxiliary (called “facilities”) usually are privately owned boats which have
added safety equipment and have passed a rigorous inspection. The operations
program requires and recognizes several levels of proficiency and
responsibility for those allowed to participate in Auxiliary operations
under official Coast Guard orders: these levels are trainee; crew; and
coxswain (the boat’s skipper). Training for these positions is part of the
operations officer’s job, in cooperation with the FSO-member training.
Whit Vick, FSO-OP. Flotilla 14-8, Jacksonville.FL
