Uniforms

The Auxiliary uniform is an important symbol of your membership and should be worn with pride.  It is similar to the Coast Guard uniform and should be worn anytime you are representing the Auxiliary or the Coast Guard.  Each member is responsible for purchasing their own appropriate uniforms required to participate in the activities they select.

New members are encouraged to purchase the Tropical Blue Uniform.  This basic uniform, both summer and winter versions, can be worn for most Auxiliary activities. If you would like assistance in this area, check with your Mentor or the FSO-PS. 

Typically the cost of a suitable Tropical Blue Uniform including the required devices costs around $125 to $150.  Used Uniform items may be available fro your Flotilla or the Uniform Distribution Center or independent Suppliers. 

See discussion of uniforms contained in Chapter 10 (Uniforms) in the Auxiliary Manual and "Uniform & Insignia" page. 

Flotilla Commander (FC)

A Flotilla Commander (FC) is elected by the Flotilla members each year prior to 15 December for a one year term.  The FC may serve a maximum of two consecutive one-year terms.  After being out of office for one year, an individual may serve as FC again with no limits on how many times this cycle can be repeated.

The FC provides primary leadership and supervision to the Flotilla.  The FC is responsible for assuring overall Flotilla program conform to Coast Guard and Auxiliary Policies and procedures as well as being the primary communications link with Division elected officers.

The FC is required to be certified and hold current qualifications in at least one of the Auxiliary three cornerstones of Service (Member Services, Recreational Boating Safety, or Coast Guard Support) and be active in the Auxiliary for at least one year prior to nomination.  It is recommended that this individual have previously served as Flotilla Vice Commander.  

Flotilla Vice Commander (FVC)

A Flotilla Vice Commander (FVC) is elected by the Flotilla members each year prior to 15 December for a one year term.  The FVC may serve an unlimited number of one-year terms. 

The FVC has the primary responsibility for administration and coordination of Flotilla operational staff, programs, missions and activities (all appointed Flotilla Staff Officers and the programs they oversee) and is essentially the Chief of Staff for the Flotilla.  

The FVC is required to be certified and hold current qualifications in at least one of the Auxiliary three cornerstones of Service ( Member Services, Recreational Boating Safety, or Coast Guard Support) and be active in the Auxiliary for at least one year prior to nomination. 

Waivers to the identified eligibility requirements may be granted by the Director of the Auxiliary with concurrence of the DCP and must be obtained in writing before elections are held for the FC and/or FVC in order for them to assume these offices.

The FC and FVC identifies and appoints Flotilla Staff Officers (FSO) for each of the following functions: CS, FN, IS, MA, MT, PS, PA, PB, SR, AN, CM, RBSVP (PV), MS, OP, PE and VSC (VE) to support Recreational Boating Safety and the US Coast Guard Mission.  FSO's activities are overseen and supervised by FVC who must regular and timely written reports directly to the FVC and copies to the SO for their respective areas of responsibility.

The Flotilla Procedures Manual COMDTINST M16791.5 and the Auxiliary Member Manual COMDTINST M167XXX are the primary publications and information resources used to guide the FC and FVC activities.  

The FC and/or FVC represent the Flotilla at Division, District, and National meetings and events as appropriate.

FSO - AN
Aids To Navigation

The FSO-AN primary responsibility is to plan, coordinate and oversee verification of private aids to navigation and chart updating activities including prompt reporting of discrepancies in ATONS as well as assisting flotilla members with practical and classroom training leading to qualification as Aids To Navigation verifiers.  

The FSO-AN establishes and maintains contact with local USCG unit needed to conduct Auxiliary ATON patrols and render assistance to USCG for emergency ATON servicing.  This position works with other agencies in chart updating, submitting special investigation reports, participating in Auxiliary operations seminars, plus developing and delivering ATON verifier training programs.

FSO - CM
Communications

The FSO-CM primary responsibility is to coordinate and oversee all matters pertaining to flotilla communications including the radio Watchstander program.  The FSO-CM should have completed AUXCOM Specialty Course and be a Communications Specialist.

The FSO-CM establishes and maintains contact with USCG units needed to provide qualified Auxiliarists to assist with standing communication and telephone watches at local CG Stations.  The FSO-CM develops, maintains, and publishes a member emergency telephone "calling tree" and an OPFAC (vessel and land mobile radio facilities) "calling tree" that includes unit location, point-of-contact, capabilities, and call signs.   The FSO-CM organizes and oversee the activation of these "calling trees" as part of regularly scheduled exercises aimed at testing, evaluating, and enhancing their effectiveness. 

FSO - CS
Communications Services

The FSO-CS primary responsibility is to promote use of electronic communication services and act as the Flotilla's webmaster and web watcher.  The FSO-CS should maintain personal e-mail and Internet access as well as overseeing and maintaining the Flotilla website.  

The FSO-CS must be flexible and be willing to readily accept changes passed down through the chain of leadership due to dynamic nature of the electronic communications industry as well as posses a good working knowledge of computer systems and software programs. 

FSO - FN
Finance

The FSO-FN primary responsibility is to oversee all Flotilla financial matters and keep accurate, complete and understandable records of all receipts, disbursements, and other financial transactions.

The FSO-FN is responsible for preparing an annual budget for review and approval by the flotilla, manage flotilla checking and/or savings account, make payments or disbursements on approved invoices, present financial reports at flotilla meetings, bill membership for annual dues and encourage prompt payment, and ensure all flotilla financial matters are conducted in accordance with the Standing Rules.  Although there are no prerequisites required to fill this office, a general understanding of financial matters, economics, banking, balancing a checkbook, preparing a financial ledger, audit principles, and creating a balance sheet are necessary to be successful in this role. 

FSO - IS
Information Systems

The FSO-IS primary responsibility is to oversee all matters pertaining to the collection, recording, and timely processing of the data required to be entered into AUXDATA for the Flotilla and its members including conduct training sessions on appropriately using  AUXDATA forms and AUXINFO for flotilla members. 

The FSO-IS must work closely with the Flotilla elected and appointed officers  to ensure they have access to the reports and information related to their Program Areas and are kept advised of potential problems as well as progress in achieving established goals.  The FSO-IS must understand the AUXDATA system and be knowledgeable in its use including entering data and generating reports required to support Flotilla operations.

FSO - MA
Materials

The FSO-MA primary responsibility is to oversee the acquisition and management of materials from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) required by Flotilla to carry out its missions and activities including stationary, forms, manuals, texts, U.S. Government postage, and Public Education (PE) course material.  

The FSO-MA needs to maintain and disseminate information on available supplies and prices as well as advising all members of any changes or updates to publications and forms as well as working closely with all staff officers to keep them supplied with items necessary to perform their duties and run their programs. 

FSO - MS
Marine Safety
and
Environmental
Protection

The FSO-MS primary responsibility is to oversee and supervise all matters pertaining to Flotilla's role in Auxiliary Marine Safety and Environmental Protection activities as well as keeping entire Flotilla informed of developments in this area.  This position requires an individual who can develop and foster working relationships with Flotilla, Division, and District staff officers plus local USCG units.  The individual must proactively encourage and oversee appropriate outreach, training, and implementation of MS/MEP programs. 

The FSO-MS will provide assistance and support to environmental outreach programs, USCG MS/MEP missions, formulate emergency planning and response teams, create develop and participate in MS/MEP activities with other agencies, promote participation of MS/MEP activities to other members, and establish goals and objectives and prepare necessary plans to achieve them. 

FSO - MT
Member Training

The FSO-MT primary responsibility is to oversee all matters pertaining to Flotilla member training programs and activities as well as keeping members informed about development and training opportunities.  The FSO-MT must interface with Division (SO-MT) and District (DSO-MT) Staff Officer for Member Training and other Flotilla Staff Officers to ensure appropriate and timely member training is delivered.  The FSO-MT will foster and promote member interest in Specialty Courses and other member training opportunities within the Flotilla and Division as well as ensure new members receive New Member Training Course, Auxiliary Member Manual (AUXMAN) and other appropriate training opportunities.

The FSO-MT will ensure all member training forms are correctly and promptly completed and forwarded, and will retain custody of any training aids, equipment, audio-visual material, manuals, and other member training aids.  In coordination with other FSO's, he or she will establish individual training programs for Flotilla members to train and qualify candidates for their respective area of responsibility.

The FSO-MT will coordinate with other FSO's to schedule and deliver member training required to maintain certifications and currency. The FSO-MT will encourage members to pursue Specialty Course and develop training programs keyed to member needs. 

FSO - RBSVP (PV)
Program Visitor

The FSO-PV primary responsibility is to oversee all Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program matters, maintain liaison with Division Officer for Program Visitor program (SO-PV), and encourage members to become qualified program visitors. This officer will develop and maintain close contact with local community Partners, encourage and track program visits, plan and perform workshops, deliver member PV training, and ensure that all forms for PV are correctly completed and promptly forwarded.

The FSO-PV should check that all qualified program visitors conduct their annual required recreational boating safety visits of four (4) per visitor, and that each PV does not lose their qualification status as a result.  He or she will formulate and execute a plan to ensure all community Partners are covered, that they receive an updated schedule of PE courses and VSC stations in their area.

FSO - OP
Operations

The FSO-OP primary responsibility is to manage and oversee Flotilla operations programs which include search and rescue (SAR), safety patrols, air patrols, boat races/regattas and marine event patrols, and will keep all members informed of developments in this area. The FSO-OP must maintain close liaison with Division Staff Officer of Operations (SO-OP), all operational facility (OPFAC) owners and Coxswains to ensure all patrol related activities are performed in quality and timely manner and to maintain uniformity and high standards among Operational Personnel.

The FSO-OP is responsible for ensuring that all Flotilla operations are performed under Coast Guard reimbursable and non-reimbursable patrol orders and that a copy of the schedule of patrols is provided to the SO-OP.  This officer will encourage and assist with all training and qualification of members in operation programs, encourage participation in search and rescue training, safety patrols, regatta patrols, chart updating patrols, and other Auxiliary operational programs. The FSO-OP will cooperate and coordinate with other Flotilla officers to plan, schedule and deliver briefings, seminars, workshops, and training sessions as well as ensuring inspection of OPFACS are completed in a timely manner as well as maintain a list of members trained as crew and coxswain, regularly report on all patrols, and coordinate with FSO-AN and FSO-MS to make sure qualified crew members serve on patrols needed to implement their programs and missions.

FSO - PA
Public Affairs

The primary FSO-PA responsibility is to oversee all Flotilla public affairs and information matters and keep members informed of all developments in this area. This officer will work in cooperation with the Division Staff Officer of Public Affairs (SO-PA) and will establish effective working relationships with members of the print and broadcast media to facilitate coverage of Flotilla activities and missions.

This officer will coordinate and cooperate with Flotilla elected and appointed officers in promoting, advertising, and communicating Flotilla activities to media and public as well as promoting best possible public image of the Auxiliary.  The FSO-PA will originate articles for Flotilla, Division, District and National newsletters and publications, will develop and direct an organized program of activities to obtain Auxiliary publicity, and will assist other officers with the preparation and distribution of advertising and promotional material on Public Education courses, Vessel Safety Checks, and other activities as appropriate.  The FSO-PA will cooperate with the FSO-PB in obtaining action photos of Flotilla activity for publication and for entering Auxiliary photo contests.  This individual will maintain close liaison with the SO-PA to ensure an effective and coordinated program within the Division and will assist or take part in planning and conducting seminars, workshops, forums, and panel discussions.

FSO - PB
Publications

The FSO-PB primary responsibility is to be editor for a Flotilla newsletter, encourage Flotilla members to contribute articles of interest for inclusion in the newsletter and maintain liaison with Division Staff Officer of Publications to ensure a prompt flow of suitable articles and information of interest to the readership within the Flotilla, Division and District.  The FSO-PB will develop and maintain a library file of photographs of Flotilla activities.

This individual shall assist in obtaining clearance for release and publication of Flotilla articles and will promptly submit articles for publication.  The FSO-PB will coordinate with the FSO-PA in obtaining action photos of Flotilla activity for publication and will maintain a file of all unit newsletters published and/or articles submitted to other publications. The FSO-PB will mail Flotilla and Division newsletters to all Flotilla members, retired members, Director of the Auxiliary, DCO, VCO, RCO, DSO-PBB, ADSO-PB, DCP, VCP, SO-PB and all FCs in the Division.  A copy of the newsletter must also be mailed to: Coast Guard Auxiliary Collection, J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, SC 27858-4353.

FSO - PE
Public Education

The FSO-PE primary responsibility is to oversee all matters pertaining to Flotilla's public education program including the scheduling, organization and conduct of Flotilla boating safety courses and activities. This officer will maintain a close relationship with the Division Staff Officer of Public Education (SO-PE) in order to implement the public education programs established for nation-wide, district-wide, and division-wide use.

The FSO-PE will coordinate and cooperate with FSO-MT in organizing workshops, training of instructors, and in instructor improvement workshops, FSO-PA in publicizing and promoting boating safety and Auxiliary public education courses, and FSO-PS in promoting Auxiliary membership to students in classes. This individual will forward to SO-PE such methods, training aids, course materials, and other educational tools developed within Flotilla that may have Division-wide application.

The FSO-PE will supervise PE class assistants, keep updated with Auxiliary course content, instructional requirements and course updates, and ensure that all forms relating to PE are correctly completed and forwarded.  The FSO-PE will cooperate with FSO-FN so that a sufficient supply of text books for each course taught by Flotilla are available as well as maintaining an up-to-date inventory and custody of all Coast Guard and Flotilla-owned real property used in conjunction with the public education program (e.g. video tape players, slide projectors, and other audio-visual aids, video tapes, discs, slides, etc.).

FSO - PS
Personnel

The FSO-PS primary responsibility is to oversee all matters pertaining to Flotilla's member resources program including developing, planning and implementing programs to promote growth of the Auxiliary by obtaining new members, guiding and mentoring potential new members through the new member process, maintaining liaison with Division Staff Officer of Personnel (SO-PS) in order to ensure uniformity of members resources program throughout the Auxiliary and implement programs designed to retain members who may be drifting into inactivity as evidenced by not participating in Flotilla activities and programs.

The FSO-PS should consider developing and maintaining biographical files for all Flotilla members.  The FSO-PS should attempt to meet with each member and brief the FC on the outcome prior to any dis-enrollment actions.  In cooperation with Flotilla elected and appointed officers promote membership in the Auxiliary through public appearances and speaking engagements, providing handouts and literature at PA events, and following up on all leads of prospective members.   

The FSO-PS will take an active role in the planning and execution of seminars, workshops, forums, and panel discussions. The officer should maintain contact with retired Auxiliary members and be certain they receive newsletters and are invited to functions and fellowship activities.  A recommended goal is adding one new prospective member each month with individual name and address added to Flotilla distribution list to keep prospects up-to-date on Flotilla activities.

FSO - SR
Secretary/Records

The FSO-SR primary responsibility is to record and publish minutes of Flotilla meetings, organize, keep a copy of Division and Flotilla Standing Rules, maintain, administer and supervise pertinent Flotilla records including maintaining up-to-date lists of Flotilla members, officers, committee assignments, FC appointments and Division officers.  The FSO-SR should attend all unit meetings or make arrangements for minutes to be taken if unable to attend.

FSO-SR will coordinate with the FSO-IS to ensure all member's AUXDATA records are correct, conduct a ballot by mail when so directed, submit articles to the unit publication, and take an active part in planning and execution of seminars, workshops, forums, and panel discussions.  The FSO-SR will provide copies of meeting minutes to both FC and FVC, and is responsible for mailing notices to members concerning meetings and meeting agendas.

FSO - VSC (VE)
Vessel Examiner

The FSO-VE primary responsibility is to oversee all matters pertaining to the Flotilla's Vessel Safety Check program and inspection of Auxiliary OPFACs.  The FSO-VE will maintain liaison with Division and District Staff Officer or Assistant District Staff Officer of Vessel Examinations to ensure uniform implementation of the VSC program at Division, District and National levels.

The FSO-VE will coordinate with the FSO-PA on promoting and publicizing all VSC activities, with the FSO-MT to encourage, increase and train new vessel examiners, with the FSO-OP to organize annual inspection of all OPFACs, and the FSO-IS to be certain no vessel examiner falls below their annual VSC quota for maintaining their certification status.  He or she will maintain current records of all facility inspections, VSCs, decal distribution and will do the utmost to ensure the quality and integrity of all such VSCs and inspections.  Additionally, the officer is responsible for ensuring that all reports are correctly completed and forwarded, keep an accounting of all VSC decals, and make every effort to routinely conduct VSC stations each weekend at area marinas and boat ramps and provide a written report to the FVC and SO-PE as to each VSC station, location, time and date and number of VSCs conducted at each station.