Public Service Articles in the pursuit of
Recreational Boating Safety

Help Wanted - Commercial Vessel Examiners
FREE TRAINING!
By Ed Sweeney, BC-AIP, DSO-PA 11NR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

-Volunteer Positions Open-

Commercial Vessel Examiners - Assist the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's (in anon-law enforcement capacity) core team of specialists in commercial vessel examinations, an important preventative measure in keeping people safe from the sea. (Unlimited availability, locations all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands)

Requirements: 17 years of age; US Citizenship; Strong patriotic desire to volunteer your time to serve both the United States and United States Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary. Willingness to enter free local, regional and national training program(s) - if selected for regional or national training, travel and meals are either reimbursed or subsidized (subject to limitations). Marine Safety Officer Candidates should enjoy educating boaters and the general public on clean boating practices, responsible environmental practices in marinas, and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Additionally, what is called the Working Blue (Utility) and Tropical Blue Uniforms may be required. These items are not reimbursed, but may be tax deductible; talk with a qualified tax advisor about your specific tax situation.

Time Frame: Commercial Vessel Examiner training is offered at the local level year round (in most locations). In addition, Auxiliarists have the opportunity to participate in various national "C" schools, as well as a series of courses usually done on a self-study basis through the Coast Guard Institute.

Training: Training consists of "on-the-job" training, plus self-study and classroom instruction on the various Coast Guard Commercial Vessel Examination Programs (Uninspected Passenger Vessels, Ferries, Commercial Fishing Vessels, etc.). There are also "hands on" training classes conducted by the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO).

Advancement: Candidates may be appointed as Flotilla, Division, District or National Staff Officers in the Vessel Examination or Marine Safety programs. Advancement is determined by your education and experience, and local area needs.

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, Commercial Vessel Examination and/or Marine Safety training classes and other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses taken while an Auxiliarist, can/may be used to accelerate your qualifications process in both the active duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.

Summary: So if you want an exciting volunteer career, which can not only satisfy your desire to help prevent marine accidents from occurring by promoting safe vessels, but also satisfy your desire to serve your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary may be just right for you!

For more information on the Coast Guard, or the Coast Guard Reserve, call 1-800-GET-USCG, or visit http://www.uscg.mil or http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/reservejobs2.htm. For information on how to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary, call 1-877-875-6296 or visit http://www.cgaux.org .