District 1 NR Division 9 Flotilla 5
Northampton, Massachusetts

Member Training

Specialty Courses

There are six Auxiliary Operational Specialty Courses available to members.  They may be taken in a classroom setting or self study format.  Exams are proctored by designated individuals by arrangement.  The courses are Communications, Navigation, Patrols, Search & Rescue, Seamanship, and Weather.  Members who have completed all six courses are designated AUXOP members and wear the AUXOP Device shown at the right.

Boat Crew Qualification Program

Coxswains and crewmembers on Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol Vessels are trained and credentialed under the Boat Crew Qualification Program (BCQP).  Members must demonstrate knowledge as well as the ability to perform tasks related to small boat handling, navigation and search and rescue.  Members certified in the BCQP must maintain annual currency and re-certify every five years.

Team Coordination Training

Team Coordination Training emphasizes the safety culture within the Coast Guard Family.  Members who hold operational qualifications, such as BCQP Qualification must have periodic refresher training.

Integrated Command System

Coast Guard Units sometimes need to work cooperatively with other agencies.  The Integrated Command System (ICS), part of the National Response Plan, is a flexible framework for inter and intra-agency integration and cooperation.  Auxiliary members in leadership roles and those with operations qualifications must complete ICS courses, either in the classroom of by self study.

Instructor Qualification

Members wishing to teach Public Education courses or conduct Member Training must first qualify as instructors.

Vessel Examiner

Members interested in conducting Vessel Safety Checks also undergo training and currency requirements for that activity.

Other Training

Auxiliary members are also eligible to take correspondence courses from the Coast Guard Institute. Courses in Leadership and Management, National Schools and a number of other opportunities exist.

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                               Last Updated 25 Dec 2007