COXSWAIN BASICS & POLICY Flashcards
BASIC SAR POLICY
What does MSAP stand for?
Maritime SAR Assistance Policy
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
What is the MSAP?
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.”
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Why was MSAP developed?
The review was directed because of congressional concern that Coast Guard resources were being used unnecessarily to provide non-emergency assistance to
disabled vessels that could be adequately performed by the private sector.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are your THREE Emergency Phases?
Uncertainty, Alert, Distress
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
Define UNCERTAINITY Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when there is knowledge of a situation that may need to be monitored, or to have more information gathered, but that does not require moving resources.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Define ALERT Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when a craft or person is experiencing some difficulty and may need assistance, but is not in immediate danger or in need of immediate response.
Apprehension is usually associated with the ALERT phase.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Define DISTRESS Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when grave or imminent danger requiring immediate response to the distress scene threatens a craft or person.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is a Safe Haven?
Safe Haven is considered a place that:
1) can accommodate
2) will accept the safe mooring of the vessel and;
3) provide a reliable means of communication.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the Coast Guard’s Primary Mission
“DEMO”
The Coast Guard promotes safety on, over, and under the high seas and navigable waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The Coast Guard is
authorized by law to develop, establish, maintain, and operate search and rescue facilities.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the Coast Guard’s Primary Concern with SAR?
The Coast Guard’s primary concern in a search and rescue situation is to PROVIDE TIMELY AND EFFECT ASSISTANCE
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the Guiding Principles for a Non-Distress Case?
If a commercial provider is available and can be on scene within a REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME (usually one hour or less, or amount of time it takes for situation to deteriorate) or an offer to assist is made by a responder listed in the previous paragraph, no further action by the Coast Guard, beyond monitoring the incident, will be taken. Otherwise, a Coast Guard Auxiliary facility, if available, or a Coast Guard resource
may be used.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 3 Principles that Guide Assistance to Vessels NOT IN DISTRESS?
(a) The first responder on scene with the vessel requesting assistance normally will provide
assistance
(b) If a Coast Guard resource or Auxiliary facility takes a disabled vessel in tow, the tow will
normally terminate at the nearest safe haven
(c) Once undertaken, there is no requirement to break the tow except as described below in “Relief of Tow”.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Coast Guard’s Role in NON-DISTRESS
Coast Guard resources normally do not provide
immediate assistance in non-distress cases if alternative assistance is available. A Coast
Guard resource may assist in a non-distress situation when no higher priority missions exist
and no other capable resource is reasonably available.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the TEN FACTOR?
TEN FACTOR is a tool/model used to determine if an ALERT phase is considered a DISTRESS phase. Only one factor needs to articulated and/or met.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 10 parts of the “TEN FACTOR” for deciding the if a vessel is in a DISTRESS PHASE.
(1) Nature of the situation;
(2) Position or lack of known location;
(3) Type, size, reported condition of vessel, food, water, emergency signaling devices, and
survival/life saving equipment onboard;
(4) Visibility, including daylight or darkness conditions;
(5) Tide and current conditions, and the ability of the vessel to anchor;
(6) Present and forecasted weather including wind and sea conditions, air and sea temperature;
(7) Special considerations such as number of personnel onboard, age, health, and special medical problems;
(8) Ability of the vessel to maintain reliable communications with a source of assistance.
(9) Degree of concern of the mariner for the safety of the occupants of the vessel
(10) The potential for the situation to deteriorate after evaluating the relevant factors.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Can Coast Guard Intervene, if required?
Yes. If a Coast Guard resource finds another responder on scene whose assistance is not adequate, the Coast Guard resource should immediately attempt to
stabilize the emergency. Once the situation is stabilized, the Coast Guard resource may be
withdrawn if the first responder appears capable.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What broadcast can be offered for a vessel not in distress?
MARB, Marine Assistance Radio Broadcast
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
What happens if Commercial Assistance is Declined by the Vessel Operator, what should you do?
Coast Guard Auxiliary or Coast Guard units should not assist in these cases so long as the situation
remains classified below the DISTRESS phase. Nevertheless, the mariner may be assisted
in finding alternatives. i.e. MARB or Good Sam
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 3 factors that make up the CG “Relief of Tow Policy”
(a) coxswain of the assisting vessel determine that a hand-off can be carried out safely; and either
(b) Alternative assistance is desired and arranged by the operator of the vessel being assisted;
(c) The operational commander has a higher need for the Coast Guard resource
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Can Coast Guard forcibly evacuate personnel from a vessel?
Yes, iaw with MLEM/COMDTINST. Although the Coast Guard does have the authority to compel a mariner to abandon their vessel in a life threatening situation, it is always preferable that a mariner voluntarily evacuate when necessary.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is CG “General Salvage Policy” (other than tow)
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.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Who’s permission is needed prior to engaging in Salvage Operations?
Any salvage operations shall be
performed at the discretion of the unit CO/OINC.
Who can Modify the General Salvage Policy to allow refloating a grounded vessel?
District Commander
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F) Section 4.3.2.1
What are your 4 Prudent Actions to assisting a non-distress vessel?
(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.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
CG Firefighting Policy for 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.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
CG Firefighting Policy for COMMERCIAL Firefighting
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.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is MEDICO?
an international term normally meaning the
passing of medical information by radio. Medical advice is available through many sources
that include Coast Guard and DOD medical providers.
What are CG four primary sources of MEDICO Advice?
Primary sources of emergency medical advice include:
(1) Coast Guard or DoD flight surgeons.
(2) Coast Guard or DoD aviation medical officers.
(3) Coast Guard or DoD general medical officers.
(4) Civilian physicians.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is MEDEVAC
Physical transportation of patient to higher care. In all MEDEVAC operations, the risks of the mission must be weighed against the risks to the patient and the responding resource.
What is ‘should’ be done prior to conducting MEDEVAC
consulting the medevac with a designated flight surgeon
What is a UMIB
Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, used to broadcast urgent distress information. i.e. “Pan-Pan…”
What Search Pattern is normally conducted by a SRU when first on-scene?
usually an expanding square search (SS) is performed. If the search area is confined or there is reason to have a high degree of confidence for the selected
datum (i.e., debris found), the surface SRU may use a sector search (VS).
How long can a CG 45FT asset operate in 5FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
How long can a CG 26FT asset operate in 5FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
6 hours
How long can a CG 33FT asset operate in 3FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
How long can a CG 26FT asset operate in 2FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
How long can a CG 26FT asset operate in 2FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
Max allowable fatigue hour limit for multi-asset hours (IAW Boat Underway Limitations)
Although the maximum underway hours varies from boat to boat, crews who perform missions on multiple boat types should not exceed 6-10 hours underway in a 24-hr period.
How many hours of adequate rest is required in a 24 hour period?
8 hours, of which 6 (uninterrupted).
COMDTINST M16114.32D + BCH
How long can a CG 45FT asset operate in 5FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
COMDTINST M16114.32D, Table 2-3
How long can a CG 26FT asset operate in 5FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
6 hours
COMDTINST M16114.32D, Table 2-3
How long can a CG 33FT asset operate in 3FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
COMDTINST M16114.32D, Table 2-3
How long can a CG 26FT asset operate in 2FT seas. (IAW Boat Underway Limitations) per 24hr period.
8 hours
COMDTINST M16114.32D, Table 2-3
Max allowable fatigue hour limit for multi-asset hours (IAW Boat Underway Limitations)
Although the maximum underway hours varies from boat to boat, crews who perform missions on multiple boat types should not exceed 6-10 hours underway in a 24-hr period.
COMDTINST M16114.32D
What four factors must be met/considered prior to coxswain deploying a Boat Swimmer?
(01) No other method of assistance exists,
(02) The risk factors have been appropriately assessed,
(03) The potential for success sufficiently justifies the risk
(04) The action can be taken without unduly placing the crewmember’s safety at risk.
co/oic permission
Can an asset deploy a surface swimmer on an asset that is not equipped with a tether or harnass?
Yes, Boat crews aboard platforms that do not have tending line and harness shall perform thorough Operational Risk Management (ORM) and exercise extreme caution before putting a swimmer in the water.
Max allowable fatigue hour limit for multi-asset hours (IAW Boat Underway Limitations)
Although the maximum underway hours varies from boat to boat, crews who perform missions on multiple boat types should not exceed 6-10 hours underway in a 24-hr period.
COMDTINST M16114.32D
What four factors must be met/considered prior to coxswain deploying a Boat Swimmer?
(01) No other method of assistance exists,
(02) The risk factors have been appropriately assessed,
(03) The potential for success sufficiently justifies the risk
(04) The action can be taken without unduly placing the crewmember’s safety at risk.
co/oic permission
COMDTINST M16114.32D
Can an asset deploy a surface swimmer on an asset that is not equipped with a tether or harnass?
Yes, Boat crews aboard platforms that do not have tending line and harness shall perform thorough Operational Risk Management (ORM) and exercise extreme caution before putting a swimmer in the water.
COMDTINST M16114.32D
CG Passenger and Guest Guideline on a CG Asset
Passengers and guests may be taken onboard unit boats, at the discretion of the unit commander, provided the numbers do not exceed the maximum safe number of passengers for the boat type, and all passengers are wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFD).
What is SC (sar planning)
The District Commander, as SAR Coordinator (SC) for a SAR Rescue Regions (SRR), is responsible for establishing, staffing, equipping and managing the SAR system;
What is SC (sar planning)
SAR Coordinator (SC)
What are your 17 Distress Signals?
- —International:
- Red Star Shells
- Fog Horn Continuous
- Flames
- Gun fired intervals of 1-minute.
- Orange background, black ball/square
- SOS
- “Mayday”
- Parachute Red Flare
- Dye Marker (any color)
- Code flags November/Charlie
- Square flag over Ball
- Waving Arms
- INMARSAT
- DSC
- EPIRB
- SMOKE
- –Inland:
- White Flashing Light 50-70 times minute.
What are your Coxswain Responsibilities? Verbatim.
Coxswain SHALL be responsible in order: 1) Safety and Conduct of Crew and Passengers 2) Safe Operation & Navigation of Boat Assigned. 3) Completion of Mission or Sortie. SHALL Respond to: 4) Hazards to life or Property 5) Violations of Law or Regulations 6) Discrepancy to ATON
What are your Coxswain Responsibilities? Verbatim.
Coxswain SHALL be responsible in order: 1) Safety and Conduct of Crew and Passengers 2) Safe Operation & Navigation of Boat Assigned. 3) Completion of Mission or Sortie. SHALL Respond to: 4) Hazards to life or Property 5) Violations of Law or Regulations 6) Discrepancy to ATON
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
According to CG Regulations Manual whom is the Coxswain a direct representative of?
The commanding officer/OIC
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
IAW CG Regulations Manual, what authority does the Coxswain have?
Articles 88-91 UCMJ. Coxswain has authority independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel embarked. Authority on exists when boat is engaged on sortie or mission.
According to CG Regulations Manual whom is the Coxswain a direct representative of?
The commanding officer/OIC
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
IAW CG Regulations Manual, what authority does the Coxswain have?
Articles 88-91 UCMJ. Coxswain has authority independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel embarked. Authority on exists when boat is engaged on sortie or mission.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
Who can relieve the Coxswain of their responsibilities onboard?
1) CO/OIC & XO/XPO
2) Senior Officer at scene of distress or abnormal situation who exercises authority under Article 5-1-4.
IAW CG Regulations Manual, what authority does the Coxswain have?
Articles 88-91 UCMJ. Coxswain has authority independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel embarked. Authority on exists when boat is engaged on sortie or mission.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
Who can relieve the Coxswain of their responsibilities onboard?
1) CO/OIC & XO/XPO
2) Senior Officer at scene of distress or abnormal situation who exercises authority under Article 5-1-4.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
When can a Coxswain leave the vessel?
1) Coxswain’s judgement, after careful consideration of crewmembers experience, that the operational benefits outweigh the risk of leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain.
2) Time Permits, every effort is made by Coxswain to receive concurrence of their operational commander.
Who can relieve the Coxswain of their responsibilities onboard?
1) CO/OIC & XO/XPO
2) Senior Officer at scene of distress or abnormal situation who exercises authority under Article 5-1-4.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
When can a Coxswain leave the vessel?
1) Coxswain’s judgement, after careful consideration of crewmembers experience, that the operational benefits outweigh the risk of leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain.
2) Time Permits, every effort is made by Coxswain to receive concurrence of their operational commander.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
What program is used to file a MISHAP report?
e-MISREP
What checklist or guidance is used to determine unit’s reporting procedures?
Unit Mishap Analysis Instruction/Plan
How many classes or Mishaps Apply to Boat Forces?
Mishap A, B, C, D + HIPO (High Potential for Mishap)
What are some examples of a HIPO?
Allision, MOB, Near Miss.
What is a PMB, iaw unit with mishap processing?
Permanent Mishap Board.
When is a Pre-Mission completed in ALMIS
Prior to every sortie (yellow sheet)
When is a Post-Mission completed in ALMIS
Post every sortie under ‘Post Mission Tab’
Where do you enter fueling or fuel levels in ALMIS post a mission?
“Fueling/Defueling” Tab
What indication or icon show’s if the small boat’s pre-mission or post-mission is completed.
Tab>asset condition status> green arrow (good) red arrow down (missing)
What are the two status(s) you can give a mission in ALMIS
Successful, Aborted (with reason, “X”)
What is the “Blue Sheet” in ALMIS?
Maintenance Record
whom is the Coxswain a direct representative of? According to CG Regulations Manual
The commanding officer/OIC
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
what authority does the Coxswain have? IAW CG Regulations Manual,
Articles 88-91 UCMJ. Coxswain has authority independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel embarked. Authority on exists when boat is engaged on sortie or mission.
Section 5-1-8, CG Regulations Manual
What Sheet do you enter mission GAR in ALMIS
Yellow, Pre-Mission
Where would you enter a SAR UCN in ALMIS
Mission Record Sheet.
What does FMC stand for in ALMIS
Full Mission Capable, Good-to-GO
What does PMC stand for in ALMIS
Partial Mission Capable, Asset likely has a restricted discrepancy, can perform some but not all missions. SHALL have waiver to operate. Waiver shall be in ALMIS.
What does NMC stand for in ALMIS
Not Mission Capable. Asset is Disabled.
What publication/manual defines the Major, Restrictive, and Disabling Casualties of an Asset?
Boat Operator’s Handbook (BOH) per the asset.
Creep Line Search Pattern is plotted on what axis?
Minor Axis
Creep Line Search Pattern (CS) is plotted on what axis?
Minor Axis , “creeps pray on minors”
Parallel Search Pattern (PS) is plotted on what axis?
Major Axis
What is the risk hierarchy?
1) US
2) THEM
3) OUR BOAT
4) THEIR BOAT
Elements of GAR 2.0 (PEAACE)
P - Planning
What does SPE stand for (risk management)
Severity, Probability, Exposure.
Elements of GAR 2.0 (PEAACE)
P - Planning E - Event A - Asset Boat A - Asset Crew C - Communications E - Environment
When approaching for a Tow, what is the preferred approach?
Bow-in predominant forces. (Heavy Weather Approach)
Standard ops/posn comms plan interval for small boat/
30 Mins - normal
15 Mins - restricted visibility
Standard ops/posn comms plan interval for small boat
30 Mins - normal
15 Mins - restricted visibility
What is the purpose of Line 2 in an alongside tow.
Tow strap (tows forward)
What is the purpose of Line 3 in an alongside tow.
Backing Strap (tows aft)
What is the purpose of Line 1 in an alongside tow
Breast/Bra Line (controls bow aspect)
What is the purpose of Line 4 in an alongside tow
Breast/Bra Line (controls stern aspect)
What SHALL be displayed on SINS plotter at all times?
Radar including Plotter.
When CORRECTING a compass course to true, what elements will be needed?
Deviation and Annual Variation.
What is Variation?
The difference between true course and magnetic
What is Deviation?
influence of magnetic fields and influences of installed systems/electronics on a vessel’s compass.
Formula for CORRECTING (Compass to True)
CDMVT +East
Formula for UNCORRECTING (True to Compass)
TVMDC +West
What are the two opening maneuvers (tow)
1) Opening by Backing
2) Opening by Pivoting
Difference between Rescue Line bag vs. Heaving Line
RLB - 70’ made for MOB ONLY
HL - 100’ made for passing gear, additional length for towing maneuvers.
Two Types of Keels?
Bar Keel
Flat-Plate Keel
Types of Hull?
Displacement
Semi-Displacement
Planning
Two Primary Forces that affect stability?
Dynamic Forces
Static Forces
Free Communication with the Sea (stability)
Unobstructed movement from in and out of the vessel
Free Surface Effect (stability)
Free movement of fluid in a space.
Free Communication with the Sea (stability)
Unobstructed movement of seawater from in and out of the vessel
Define Gravity
Downward acting force against a vessel
Define Buoyancy
Upward acting force of water surface displaced against the vessels hull.
Parts of an Anchor
Shank, Crown, Fluke, Stock.
Four Parts of an Anchor
Shank, Crown, Fluke, Stock.
Anchor Scope Ratios (Calm/Moderate/Rough)
5: 1 (calm)
7: 1 (moderate)
10: (rough/heavy)
How many ways are their to inflate the TYPE V PFD
1) Pressure Activated 2-4 inch submersion
2) Pull Cord
3) Oral inflate tube.
When are helmets required to be worn
- Speeds 30KTS or Greater
- Sustained Heavy Weather
- Any Transfer Gear/Personnel Vertical
- Surface Swimmer
When are helmets required to be worn
-Speeds 30KTS or Greater
-Sustained Heavy Weather
-Any Transfer Gear/Personnel Vertical
-Surface Swimmer
(AFLOAT-Small boat notching)
When are helmets required to be worn
-Speeds 30KTS or Greater
-Sustained Heavy Weather
-Any Transfer Gear/Personnel Vertical
-Surface Swimmer
-Helo Ops
-NCV/Tactics
(AFLOAT-Small boat notching)
When are seatbelts required to worn
- Speed 30 KTS or Greater
- Sustained Heavy weather
- NCV/Tactics
When are seatbelts required to worn
- Speed 30 KTS or Greater
- Sustained Heavy weather
- NCV/Tactics
- Crew discretion
What conditions of SAR cases are there?
Three. (Open, Closed, ACTSUS ‘active suspend’)
Safe Speed percentage?
10% overall RPM
Safe Speed percentage/intervals?
10% overall RPM
Towing Safe Speed Formula
3.14 x square of length of hull at the waterline.
Does type of vessel hull change the towing speed?
YES. Towing a displacement hull like a sailboat at 14 kts will cause instability, or a planning like a speedcraft/pwc at 4-6 kts can cause it to capsize.
When doe’s Commandant say you shall have a route energized.
At all times. especially in/out inlets.
How often are charts updated in SINs Plotters?
Bi-annual (spring/fall)
