Public Service Articles in the pursuit of
Recreational Boating Safety

Help Wanted -Instructors
Train Here For FREE!
By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

-Position Open-

Instructors - the backbone of the Coast Guard's Recreational Boating Safety Program - the Safe Boating Courses
(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).

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

Those who are already educators (grade school thru college) or United States Power Squadrons IQ certified need only fill out appropriate paperwork and present qualifications for USCG Auxiliary certification. Other certifications are on a case-by-case basis.

Time Frame: Instructor training is offered year round, both in classroom and on-line.

Training: Instructor training consists of class-room and/or on-line activities aimed at acquainting and teaching new Instructors the necessary theory, and practical skills required to instruct members of the public, as well as Auxiliary and Coast Guard members.

Being an Auxiliary Instructor, by its nature, is not a certification to teach, acceptable anywhere except in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and possibly the Coast Guard (on a case by case basis). Those wishing state and local teaching certificates/licenses should check with their local and state licensing boards as to the requirements, and acceptability of using Auxiliary teaching hours as a basis for local certification.

Training is done by qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors .

Advancement: There is no set advancement in the Instructor corps, except self-fulfillment and the ability to learn and teach an ever expanding spectrum of courses and information.

Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, Instructor training 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 be on the water, but also your desire to assist your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary is the place to be.

For more information on the Coast Guard (http://www.uscg.mil), Coast Guard Reserve (http://www.uscg.mil/jobs/reservejobs2.htm) or Coast Guard Auxiliary (http://www.cgaux.org), contact your local Coast Guard Station or Unit, or visit them on the World Wide Web.