USCG CXN Questions and Answers

USCG CXN Questions and Answers Where does the Coxswain receive responsibility and authority? COMDINST M5000.3b 5-1-8 The Coxswain is the direct representative of the CO or OIC and, as such (subject to articles 88-91 of the UCMJ-disrespect and disobeying a superior commissioned officer) Has authority and responsibility which are independent of rank or seniority in relationship to other personnel embarked. What are the Coxswain responsibilities in order of precedence? M5000.3b CH 5-1-8 States that- The Coxswain SHALL be responsible in order of precedence for the safety and conduct of passengers and crew; the safe operation and navigation of the boat assigned; and the completion of the sortie or missions assigned or undertaken pursuant to Coastguard policy and regulations. A Coxswain underway SHALL at all times respond within limits of capabilities and legal authority to observed hazard to life or property and violations of law or regulations. And will report all discrepancies to aids to navigation. Who can relieve a Coxswain of the their authority? a. The Coxswains CO, OIC, XO, XPO b. Senior officer at the scene of distress, emergency or other abnormal situation who exercises authority under (m5000.3b CH 5-1-4 Authority of senior officer present) When can a Coxswain leave the boat? M5000.3b CH 5-1-8 a. In the Coxswains judgement, and after careful consideration of the remaining crew members experience, the operational benefits clearly outweigh the risk of leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain and, b. When time permits, every effort is made by the Coxswain to receive concurrence of their operational commander. What is the Coastguards general salvage policy? USCG SAR Addendum 4-3-1 General When commercial salvors are on scene performing salvage, Coast Guard units may assist them within the unit's capabilities, if the salvor requests. When no commercial salvage facilities are on scene, Coast Guard units should only engage in salvage other than towing when limited salvage operations (e.g., ungrounding, pumping, damage control measures, etc.) can prevent a worsening situation or complete loss of the vessel. Any salvage operations shall be performed at the discretion of the unit CO/OINC. NOTE: Coast Guard units and personnel shall not be unduly hazarded in performing salvage. What is the USCG Salvage Policy for Small craft that need salvage other then towing? USCG SAR Addendum 4-3-2-1 Small Craft When no commercial salvage companies are available within a reasonable time or distance, the District commander may modify the policy to provide for refloating a grounded boat which is not in peril of further damage or loss if: (a) the Coast Guard units are capable of rendering the assistance, (b) the owner requests the assistance and agrees to the specific effort to be made, and (c) Coast Guard units and personnel are not unduly hazarded by the operation. In relationship to the USCG salvage policy prudent actions to include are? USCG SAR Addendum 4-3-2-2 Small Craft Prudent actions include: (a) Allowing the next tide to refloat the vessel, (b) Helping the mariner set anchors, (c) Evacuating the passengers, (d) Helping the mariner determine the vessel's seaworthiness. In relationship to the USCG salvage policy what is the policy in regards to "Operator Insistence"? USCG SAR Addendum 4-3-2-2 Operator insistence Occasionally an operator will insist that the Coast Guard take action, such as pulling a vessel from a reef, which Coast Guard personnel on scene consider unwise. The Coast Guard is under no obligation to agree to any such request or demand. If a decision to comply with such a request is made, it should be made clear that the operator is assuming the risk of the operation. The fact that the action is undertaken at operator's request, and is against Coast Guard advice, should be logged. What policies pertain to Firefighting? The Ports and waterways safety act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1221) USCG SAR Addendum 4-4-2-2 Firefighting Operations What is the Ports and Waterways safety act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1221) Congress finds that increased supervision of vessel and port operations is necessary in order to— (1) reduce the possibility of vessel or cargo loss, or damage to life, property, or the marine environment; (2) prevent damage to structures in, on, or immediately adjacent to the navigable waters of the United States or the resources within such waters This in combination with the SAR addendum Firefighting Policy is the basis for our Firefighting operations What does the USCG SAR Addendum 4-4-2-2 Firefighting Operations policy state? Operations. Coast Guard personnel shall be prepared for and respond to fires onboard Coast Guard vessels. For all other marine firefighting situations, Commanding Officers of Coast Guard units shall adopt a conservative response posture. They shall focus their actions on those traditional Coast Guard activities not requiring unit personnel to enter into a hazardous environment. (a) Independent firefighting. Coast Guard personnel shall not engage in independent firefighting operations, except to save a life or in the early stages of a fire to avert a significant threat without undue risk. (b) Commercial vessels and waterfront facilities. Coast Guard personnel shall not actively engage in firefighting except in support of a regular firefighting agency under the supervision of a qualified fire officer. What is the USCG Maritime SAR Assistance Policy? The MSAP is the result of an effort enacted by Congress in 1982. It directed the Commandant to "review Coast Guard policies and procedures for towing and salvage of disabled vessels in order to further minimize the possibility of Coast Guard competition or interference with...commercial enterprise." The Coastguard is authorized by law to develop, establish, maintain and operate search and rescue facilities. The Coastguard is authorized to perform any and all acts to rescue and aid persons, and protect and save property at any time and at any place when its feasible to utilize resources to do so. How ever there is no legal obligation for the Coastguard to do so. How does the Coast Guard treat Private enterprise in assistance to Mariners? The Coast Guard supports and encourages efforts of private enterprise and volunteerism to assist mariners. Coast Guard resources will not unnecessarily interfere with private enterprise. Where do we get the statutory authority to conduct SAR? 14 USC 2, 521 and 701. The Coast Guard SHALL develop, establish, maintain and operate SAR facilities and MAY render aid to distressed persons and protect and save property on and under the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the united states. usc 2 is the shall part. usc 521 is the may part