Coxswain Study Guide Flashcards

1
Q

Coxswain Duties and Responsibilites

A

Shall be responsible in order of precedence;

  1. Safety and conduct of passsngers and crew
  2. Safe operation and navigation of boat assigned
  3. Completion of sortie or mission assigned
  4. Respond to hazards to life or property
  5. Respond to violations of laws or regulations 6. Respond to discrepancies in aids to navigation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Who may relieve the coxswain?

A

(The coxswain is the direct representative of the CO or OIC and as such has authority and responsibility which are independent of rank or seniority)

  • the CO, OIC, XO, XPO
  • The most senior officer at the scene of a distress who excersises authority under the provisions of article 5-1-4, wether or not other units are involved.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

When can the coxswain leave the boat?

A
  • In the coxswains judgment and after careful consideration of the remaining crew memerbers’ experience, the operational benefits outweigh the risk leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain and
  • every effort is made to receive the concurrence of their operational commander or CO.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

SAR Policy TITLE 14, Section 2 (14 U.S.C. 2?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

SAR Policy TITLE 14, section 88 (14 U.S.C. 88)

A
  • Law AURHORIZES! The coast guard to undertake SAR missions but because of the critical importance of evaluating each mission and its risk, the law DOES NOT COMPEL! The coast guard to undertake any particular mission.
  • Coast guard MAY! Rescue persons or property, take charge and protect property saved, furnish food and clothing to persons in distress, tow or destroy hazards to navigation.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

SAR Policy TITLE 14 Section 141 (14 U.S.C. 141)

A

Allows local, state and federal entities to request coast guard assistance and allows coast guard to request their assistance.
(ALWAYS a coast guard priority to remove people from danger)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Maritime SAR Assistance Policy

A
  • 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.”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

MARB Policy

A

(Maritime assistance request broadcast)

  • CG Policy to defer to an alternate responder
  • Specifically for non distress
  • Mariner will be informed that a marb can be made to their assistance
  • It’s Policy to defer to an alternate responder when no imminent danger exists and will assist in contacting commercial help, Good Samaritan, friend, etc.
  • Must allow 10 min prior to launching Coast guard asset
  • coast guard asset can be launched if party cannot be on scene within a reasonable time (1 hour)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Hoaxes and False Alarms

A
  • case where info is reported with intent to deceive
  • false alarm; defined as a distress reported but confirmed to be not in distress but reporting source did not deliberately act to deceive
  • coast guard units will respond without delay even if suspected of a hoax.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Policy for closing hoax and false alarm cases

A

When the source of a hoax or false alert has been confirmed, SMC or the SC should close the case. However, when source of suspected false alert or hoax is unknown , the case cannot be closed but only suspended because of how we would be perceived.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Medico/Medivac

A

Medico: a request for medical advice at sea
Medivac: an evacuation from a vessel at sea due to a medical emergency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Fire Fighting Policy

A
  • coas guard primary concern is saving lives, then property
  • coast guard shall response to fires onboard coast guard vessels
  • coast guard renders “assistance as available” based on personal training and equipment
  • coast guard shall not engage in independent fire fighting operations, except to save a life or in the early stages of a fire.
  • coast guard shall not actively engage in fire fighting except in support of a regular fire fighting agency under the supervision of a national fire protection association (NFPA) certified fire officer.
  • primary responsibility for coordinating fire fighting activities involving commercial vessel or waterfront facilities within their AOR rests with COTP.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Forcible Evacuation Policy

A
  • The authortity to force or compel mariners to abandon their vessels when a life threatening emergency exists and there is an immediate need for assistance or aid.
  • Coast guard should use all means like powers of persuasion to encourage a mariner to evacuate when appropriate.
  • Use ORM as a model
  • Decision authority can be as low as the OSC, SMC, and SC shall be notified immediately.
  • Actual removal is performed by a BO/BM
  • 14 USC 88 allows to take any and all acts to save a life.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Direction and NAV assistance policy

A
  • Responsibility for the safety and NAV of a vessel rests with the operator NOT the coast guard
  • Passing info is discouraged due to potential liability.
  • Accurate and reliable NAV info may be passed like any info from NOAA nautical charts, LNM, LL, CP, ect.
  • Watchstanders shall not pass courses to steer.
  • Request/advice to enter and inlet or breaking bar: unit shall advise mariner to have all personnel put on their PFD’s and to not attempt until weather moderates. “When in doubt, stay out” is good advice.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Flare Sighting Policy

A
  • Issue UMIB (urgent marine info broadcast)
  • Pyro shall be treated and responded to as distress situations unless sufficient other available info indicates no distress exists.
  • Fill flare sighting sheet in SAR addendum.
  • Unresolved red/orange flare sightings require a first light search.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

General Salvage Policy

Other than towing

A
  • When no commercial salvage facilities are on scene, coast guard shall engage in salvage when limited salvage ops can prevent a worsening situation or complete loss of the vessel
  • Commercial salvors on scene, you may assist if salvor requests
  • Salvage ops are performed at the discretion of CO/OIC
  • Coast guard may assist in non distress situation when no higher priority mission exists and no other capable resource is reasonably available.
  • If a coast guard resource arrives first in a distress situation and renders the situation non distress CG may complete case or pass it over to commercial vessel.

Examples include:

  • Ungrounding of small recreational vessel
  • Dewatering
  • General Damage control
  • Allowing the next tide to refloat a vessel
  • Help set anchors
  • Evacuate passengers
  • Help determine vessels sea worthiness
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Surface Swimmer Policy

A

-Normally deployed to assist in man overboard situations
-SHALL not enter capsized hulls, May attempt to direct trapped persons out but shall not dive under the vessel.
-CG addendum states:
“The coxswain will designate a crew member as a swimmer.. a swimmer should be used only when absolutely necessary because.. it means an additional person has to be picked up from the water. Another crew member must tend the line attached to the swimming harnes at all times.”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Policy for persons falling or jumping from bridges

A

When report received from a person falling or jumping from a bridge, the report shall be treated as a distress call with a corresponding appropriate response.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

SLDMB

A

Self locating datum marker buoy

Utilizes satellite based technology to determine position and current information.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

When to issue UMIB (urgent marine information broadcast)

A
  • Whenever The SMC determines that important maritime information needs to reach the wisest possible audience
  • “PAN PAN”
  • All uncorrelated mayday ch 16 calls. Ex: no position or identification info to generate a search area
  • Flare sightings
  • Shall be broadcasted for 1 hour at 15 min intervals
  • Overdue vessel reports
  • Other situations as deemed necessary by the SMC
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

EPIRB’s (electronic position indicating radio beacon)

A
  • 121.5 and 406 MHz
  • 121.5: anonymous, accurate to 15nm, limited satellite detection, treated as uncertainty, needing additional info.
  • 406: designed to work with satellites, accurate to 3nm, includes vessel identity, no range limit, treated as maydays/distress.

-Two categories:
Cat 1: auto and manual
Cat 2: manual

(EPIRB->Satellite->Mission coordination center->Rescue coordination center)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

ANT philadelphia AOR

A

-Trenton NJ in the north to little river, DE in the south
-Tributaries included:
Rancocas Creek, big timber creek, schuylill river, mantua creek, Christina river, Salem river, Cohansy river, Smyrna river and eastern end of C and D canal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Max U/W limits

A

8 hours for less than 4 ft waves
6 hours for more than 4 ft waves
Minimum 8 hours of rest.
250 miles or 8 hours trailering.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Max allowable cross track error on each leg?

A

50 yards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Max speed at night

A

20 knots

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Who is authorized to silence and alarm?

A

The coxswain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

AOR 1?

A

Cooper river
Dredge harbor
Rancocas creek
Neshaminy creek

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

AOR 2:

A
Schuykill river
Mantua creek
Racoon creek
Christina river 
Salem river 
C and D canal 
Cohansy river 
Port Mahon
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

ANT Philadelphia’s restricted areas

A
  • North of Trenton marine terminal on the Delaware river
  • Charted limited access areas and restricted navigation areas when no conducting ATON missions or transiting to conduct ATON missions.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

State the Four primary geographic divisions of responsibility for U.S. SAR

A
  1. Atlantic maritime
  2. Pacific maritime
  3. Aeronautical Atlantic
  4. Aeronautical pacific
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

State the 2 geographic areas of Coast Guard Responsibility for SAR

A

Pacific

Atlantic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

4 general objectives that provide guidance for the SAR program

A
  1. Minimize loss of life, injury, and property loss and damage in the maritime environment
  2. Minimize crew risk during SAR missions
  3. Optimize use of resources in conducting SAR
  4. Maintain a world leadership position in maritime SAR.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

State the 2 SAR program goals

A
  1. Minimize loss of life or personal injury and

2. Property loss or damage in the maritime environment

34
Q

SAR agreements

A

Promotes cooperation with other countries, agencies, and DOD in rendering assistance to persons in distress

35
Q

SAR Coordinator (SC)

A

District Commander responsible for SAR operations in the district and performs duties of rescue coordination center (RCC)

36
Q

SAR mission coordinator (SMC)

A

Manages each SAR mission and coordinates resources.

SMC responsibilites shall not be delegated below the sector level.

37
Q

On Scene Coordinator (OSC)

A

Designated by the SMC to execute the SAR mission and safely carry out the SAR action plan.
*Not required for all missions but should be designated by the SMC if more than 2!!! Resources on scene.

-Runs all the communication through them for the other assets

38
Q

Search and Rescue Units (SRU)

A
  • Execute the SAR action plan
  • contact SMC/OSC 15 min prior to arrival at search area
  • maintain comms with SMC/OSC
  • advise SMC/OSC of findings, survivors, unusual conditions, etc.
39
Q

3 emergency phases

A

Uncertainty:
Phase exists when there is knowledge of a situation that may need to be monitored, or to have more info gathered, but that does not require moving resources.

Alert:
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.

Distress:
Phase exists when grave or imminent danger requiring immediate response to the distress scene threatens a craft or person.

40
Q

Determining degree of danger

A

The “Ten Factor”:

  1. Nature of situation
  2. Reported conditions on vessel (medical, food, etc.)
  3. Position accuracy or lack thereof
  4. Visibility, including daylight
  5. Tide and current conditions
  6. Present and forecasted weather
  7. Special considerations (age, health)
  8. Reliable communications
  9. Degree of apprehension of POB
  10. Potential for situation worsen
41
Q

List the five response stages

A
  1. Awareness
  2. Initial Actions
  3. Planning
  4. Operations
  5. Conclusions
42
Q

Distress phase

A

Immediate response shall be initiated, if feasible, to any known situation in which the mariner is in imminent danger.

43
Q

What to do during a non-distress situation

A

(a) Advise and Seek Desires. The requester should be advised that:
(1) It appears there is no imminent danger;
(2) It is Coast Guard policy to defer to an alternate responder; and
(3) The Coast Guard will assist in contacting any specifically requested alternate assistance, such as a commercial provider or friend.
(b) offer a MARB
If mariner declines MARB:
Notify the mariner that unless a specific request is made for alternate assistance, the mariner must accept either the alternative of letting the Coast Guard make a MARB, or the mariner can arrange for assistance.

44
Q

TSR

A

Track line single unit return:

Used when the intended route of the search object is known.
For search of a trackline or line of position when unit must break off search at same end of track as search originated.
Search terminates at the same end of commence search point

45
Q

TSN

A

Track line single unit non return:

Used when the intended route of the search object is known.
Same as TSR except that search terminates at non-return; at opposite end of track from commence search point.
Search terminates at the opposite end of track from where it began.

46
Q

PS

A

Parallel track single unit:

used to cover Search of a large area where only approximate initial position is known.
Search legs are oriented along the major axis, providing longer legs and fewer turns.

47
Q

CS

A

Creeping line single unit

Distress generally known to be between two points. Wider than trackline patterns.
The direction of creep is along the major axis, They are used to cover one end of an area first, or to change direction of the search legs where sun glare or swell direction makes this necessary.

48
Q

VS

A

Sector Search: (Victor Sierra)

Distress position known within close limits and search area not extensive.
(.1nm for PIW, all turns 120 degrees to right)

The first leg of the search is normally in the direction of search object drift. All turns in this pattern are 120° to the right. All legs of the search pattern are equal to the chosen radius. A second pattern is started with the heading of the new first leg 30° to the right of the final course of the first pattern.

49
Q

VM

A

Sector Search Two Unit (Victor Mike)

The second unit begins pattern at datum in direction of 90 degrees to the left of first leg of the first SRU.

50
Q

SS

A

Square single unit:

Also known as expanding square.
Distress Position known within close limits and search area not extensive (all turns 90 degree to the right)

Use this pattern when confident the datum is within close limits. The first leg is normally in the direction of the search object’s drift. All course changes are 90 degrees to the right.

51
Q

Initial Track Spacing (NM)

A

Distance between adjacent parallel search legs

PIW -> wind less/greater 15 kts seas less/greater than 3 ft = 0.1 NM TS

< 15 feet -> wind less than 15 kts seas less than 3 ft = 0.5 NM TS
Wind greater than 15 kts seas greater than 3 ft= 0.2 NM TS

> 15 feet -> wind less than 15 kts seas less than 3 feet = 1.0 NM TS
Wind greater than 15 kts seas greater than 3 ft = 0.5 NM TS

52
Q

Commence Search Point (CSP)

A

is the location in the search pattern where the SRU begins searching. Specifying the CSP allows the SRU to efficiently plan the en route track, and ensures that SRUS are separated and that the SRU begins search at the desired point and time.

53
Q

Search Leg

A

is the long leg along the track of any pattern.

54
Q

Cross Leg

A

is the connection between search legs of a parallel or creeping line search pattern

55
Q

Creep

A

is the general direction in which an SRU moves through a rectangular or square area, normally the same direction as the crosslegs.

56
Q

Sweep Width:

A

The distance a SRU should be able to visually detect the search leg on either side of the search leg

57
Q

Track Spacing

A

The distance between adjacent parallel search legs

58
Q

Major Axis

A

A bearing line used for the orientation of a rectangular search area from the center.

59
Q

Minor Axis

A

A bearing line perpendicular to the major axis

60
Q

Trackline Method

A

Lat and long of the departure point, turns and destination are given with the a specific width along the track.

61
Q

Center Point, Circular Area

A

Lat and long of center given with a radius

62
Q

Center Point, Rectangular or Square Area

A

Lat and long of center given with the direction of the major axis and the length of the width area.

63
Q

Self Locating Data Marker Buoy (SLDMB)

A

Best source of information on total water current

64
Q

Datum

A

The most probably position of a search object corrected for drift over time.

65
Q

Disabling Casualty

A

Makes the boat Not Mission Capable. Requires waiver to move the boat at all, even from pier to trailer.

24 hours to send CASREP if repairs aren’t met in 48 hours.

If repairs are more than 48 hours notify sector EO.

66
Q

Restrictive Discrepancies

A

Makes the boat Partially Mission Capable. Requires waiver. Restricts to daytime ops only.
OIC will notify coxswain wether or not to continue mission.

67
Q

Major Discrepanices

A

Degrades the effectiveness of the boat to perform one or more missions. No waiver required

68
Q

Minor Discrepancies

A

Does not affect operational readiness of the boat; boat does not meet the standardization criteria and does not reach the threshold of the other discrepancies.

69
Q

Fatigue

A

A physical or mental weariness due to exertion. Exhausting effort or activity.

70
Q

TCT

A

Team Coordination Training:

A program that focuses on reducing the probability of human error by increasing individual and team effectiveness.

71
Q

Seven Critical skills of TCT

A
Mission analysis 
Communication 
Situational awareness 
Adaptability &amp; flexibility
Leadership
Assertiveness 
Determination
72
Q

Operation Risk Management

A

A decision making tool used to increase operational effectiveness by anticipating hazards and reducing potential loss, thereby increasing the probability of a successful mission

73
Q

7 steps in the ORM process

A
  1. Identify mission tasks
  2. Identify hazards
  3. Assess risks
  4. Identify options
  5. Evaluate Risk vs. Gain
  6. Executive Decision
  7. Monitor situation
74
Q

ORM principles

A
  • Integrate risk management into mission planning and execution
  • Accept no unnecessary risk
  • Accept necessary risk when benefits outweigh costs
  • Make risk decisions at the appropriate level
75
Q

Causes of fatigue

A
  • Hot or cold weather
  • Eye strain
  • Holding/maintaining balance
  • Noise or vibration
  • Sun
  • Poor physical condition
  • Lack of sleep
  • Boredom
  • Motion sickness
  • Wind and rough sea conditions
  • Fog, rain or snow
76
Q

Symptoms of fatigue

A
  • Inability to focus or concentrate
  • Mental confusion or judgment error
  • Decreased coordination of motor skills and sensory ability (hearing,seeing)
  • Increased irritability
  • Decreased performance
  • Decreased concern for safety
77
Q

Preventative measures for fatigue:

A
  • Adequate rest
  • Appropriate dress for weather conditions
  • Rotating crew duties
  • Providing food and refreshments suitable for conditions
  • Observing other crewmembers for signs of fatigue
78
Q

EPIRB

A

Electronic position indicating radio beacon

  1. 5 & 406 MHz
  2. 5- anonymous, accurate to 15 nm, limited satellite detection, treated as uncertainty, needing additional information

406- designed to work with satellites, accurate to 3 nm, includes vessel identity, no range limit, treated as maydays/distress

Two categories:
Cat 1- auto and manual
Cat 2- manual

EPIRB-> satellite-> mission coordination center-> rescue coordination center

79
Q

Operating with HELO

A
Conducting helicopter training on this platform is prohibited. 
Used for emergencies only.
Grey
Blue
Head to toe 
Black red green
80
Q

Rescue 21

A

The coast guards advance advanced command, control and direction finding communications system, was created to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable rivers.