Help Wanted - Marine Safety
FREE TRAINING!
By Ed Sweeney,
BC-AIP, DSO-PA 11NR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
-Volunteer Positions Open-
Marine Safety Specialists - Assist the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's ( in anon-law enforcement capacity) core team of specialists in marine safety, in conducting harbor patrols, investigating marine pollutions incidents and accidents, and with (unarmed) port security. (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: Marine Safety training is offered at the local level year round (in most locations). In addition, Auxiliarists have the opportunity to participate in the Trident Program, a series of courses (usually done on a self-study basis through the Coast Guard Institute) which can lead to certification as a Marine Safety Specialist, and the right to wear the coveted Trident device.
Training: Training consists of "on-the-job" training, plus self-study and classroom instruction on the various Coast Guard Marine Safety Programs (Port Operations, Marine Inspections, Accident Investigations, etc.). There are also "hands on" training 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 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, 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 educate boaters about marine safety and assist the Coast Guard on a variety of marine safety issues, 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 .
AuxGuidanceSkills.Info is geared to providing "Public Service Articles in the pursuit of Recreational Boating Safety" to that end, we will continue to add to our series on Help Wanted, Homeland Security, Public Education, Public Service, Vessel Safety and Environmental Issues, though the use of 'case studies', as our teaching tool of choice. In addition, our Leadership series offers those within the Coast Guard family, as well as outside, an insight into values that will improve their leadership skills.