CG Coxswain Study Guide Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
Where does the coxswains authority and responsibility come from? - Correct
answer-United States Coast Guard Regulations Manual COMDTINST M5000.3B
5-1-8
Coxswain Authority Part 1 - Correct answer-Coast Guard personnel who are
currently certified as a coxswain on a particular type of boat by their commanding
officer may take charge of the boat to perform a specific sortie or mission.
Coxswain Authority Part 2 - Correct answer-The coxswain is the direct
representative of the commanding officer or officer in charge and as such has
authority and responsibility which are independent of rank and seniority in relation
to other personnel embarked.
Coxswain Authority Part 3 - Correct answer-The coxswains authority and
responsibility exist only when the boat is engaged on a specific sortie or mission.
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,Coxswain Authority Part 4 - Correct answer-The only person embarked in a boat
who may relieve the coxswain of the responsibilities are the coxswains CO, OIC,
XO, XPO. Or a senior officer at the scene of a distress, whether or not other units
are involved.
Coxswain Responsibility Part 1 - Correct answer-The coxswain shall be
responsible, in the 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 mission assigned or undertaken pursuant to Coast
Guard policy and regulations
Coxswain Responsibility Part 2 - Correct answer-A coxswain underway shall at all
times respond within the limits of capabilities and legal authority to observed
hazards to life or property, and violations of law or regulations.
When may the coxswain leave the boat? - Correct answer-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.
When time permits, every effort is made by the coxswain to receive the
concurrence of their operational commander.
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,SAR Authority and Responsibility - Correct answer-Title 14, Sections 2, 88, and
141 of the U.S. Code. The code states that 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.
General Salvage Policy - Correct answer-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 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. Coast Guard units and personnel shall not be unduly hazarded in
performing salvage.
Independent Firefighting Policy - Correct answer-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.
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, Commercial vessels and waterfront facilities firefighting - Correct answer-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.
Coast Guard assistance posture to firefighting - Correct answer-threat level of fire;
the jurisdictions involved;
the capabilities of local fire departments;
the availability of Coast Guard equipment;
level of Coast Guard training.
SAR Chain of Command - Correct answer-SRU
OSC
SMC
Sector Commander
District
SAR Coordinator (District Commander)
Three SAR emergency phases - Correct answer-UNCERTAINTY, ALERT, and
DISTRESS.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Questions and Answers
Where does the coxswains authority and responsibility come from? - Correct
answer-United States Coast Guard Regulations Manual COMDTINST M5000.3B
5-1-8
Coxswain Authority Part 1 - Correct answer-Coast Guard personnel who are
currently certified as a coxswain on a particular type of boat by their commanding
officer may take charge of the boat to perform a specific sortie or mission.
Coxswain Authority Part 2 - Correct answer-The coxswain is the direct
representative of the commanding officer or officer in charge and as such has
authority and responsibility which are independent of rank and seniority in relation
to other personnel embarked.
Coxswain Authority Part 3 - Correct answer-The coxswains authority and
responsibility exist only when the boat is engaged on a specific sortie or mission.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Coxswain Authority Part 4 - Correct answer-The only person embarked in a boat
who may relieve the coxswain of the responsibilities are the coxswains CO, OIC,
XO, XPO. Or a senior officer at the scene of a distress, whether or not other units
are involved.
Coxswain Responsibility Part 1 - Correct answer-The coxswain shall be
responsible, in the 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 mission assigned or undertaken pursuant to Coast
Guard policy and regulations
Coxswain Responsibility Part 2 - Correct answer-A coxswain underway shall at all
times respond within the limits of capabilities and legal authority to observed
hazards to life or property, and violations of law or regulations.
When may the coxswain leave the boat? - Correct answer-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.
When time permits, every effort is made by the coxswain to receive the
concurrence of their operational commander.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,SAR Authority and Responsibility - Correct answer-Title 14, Sections 2, 88, and
141 of the U.S. Code. The code states that 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.
General Salvage Policy - Correct answer-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 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. Coast Guard units and personnel shall not be unduly hazarded in
performing salvage.
Independent Firefighting Policy - Correct answer-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.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Commercial vessels and waterfront facilities firefighting - Correct answer-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.
Coast Guard assistance posture to firefighting - Correct answer-threat level of fire;
the jurisdictions involved;
the capabilities of local fire departments;
the availability of Coast Guard equipment;
level of Coast Guard training.
SAR Chain of Command - Correct answer-SRU
OSC
SMC
Sector Commander
District
SAR Coordinator (District Commander)
Three SAR emergency phases - Correct answer-UNCERTAINTY, ALERT, and
DISTRESS.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
