OIC - PWCS Flashcards
What is a High Value Asset (HVA)?
HVAs include any landside or waterside asset such as military and commercial vessels, waterfront facilities, military facilities, submarines, or commercial vessels carrying Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC).
What is the Gunner Restraint System?
The gunner restraint system is the approved, two-part harness which tethers the gunner to the boat.
Are personnel manning a MAW required to use the Gunner Restraint System?
Personnel manning the MAW are required to use this system.
Are personnel firing shoulder fire small arms required to use the Gunner Restraint System?
Personnel firing shoulder fired small arms shall be either tethered or restrained by a crew restraint system.
Can boat crew use two Gunner Restraint Systems at the same time?
Personnel shall wear no more than one gunner restraint system at a time.
What is considered High Speed?
High speed is defined as speed of 30 knots or greater.
What shall the Officer in Charge incorporate into their navigation standards for unit’s that conduct high speed and/or tactical maneuver training?
Unit Commanders shall designate authorized training locations for high speed and/or tactical maneuver training, describe conditions under which the use of high speed and specialized tactics are appropriate within the Command Navigation Standards for both operations and training.
What is a Pursuit Level IV Unit?
Units that routinely conduct NCVP during CD/AMIO need the authority to deliver Step IV tactics in accordance with NCV checklist.
What is a Level I PWCS Unit?
Level 1 PWCS Units are classified based on assigned Limited Access Area (LAA) and/or Security Zone (SZ) enforcement activities which require Mounted Automatic Weapons (MAW).
What activities do Level I PWCS Unit’s perform?
High volume of Certain Dangerous Cargo (CDC) vessels transiting through Key Port Areas/Resources,
High volume escorts of High Capacity Passenger Vessels (HCPV),
Military Out-Load (MOL) facility, escort, and point protection,
Fixed Security Zone enforcement ISO NSSE/SEAR Events and at higher risk Maritime Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources (CIKR),
High Value Unit (HVU) and High Value Asset (HVA) Escorts, and
High volume of High Interest Vessel (HIV) boarding’s in the port.
What are Non-Level 1 PWCS Unit’s and what do they do?
Units not classified as Level 1 PWCS units (therefore not likely to have Tactical Coxswain/Tactical Boat Crew Members (TCOXN/TBCMs)), shall perform certain PWCS activities including Maritime Critical Infrastructure/Key Resources (MCI/KR) patrols and security boarding’s with a MAW
Can a TCOX be used to fill the role of a TBCM?
A TCOXN may be used to fill the role of TBCM if qualified and current on the MAW as the gunner.
Is spontaneous SZ Enforcement or Pursuit Level IV training
SZ Enforcement or Pursuit Level IV training shall be scheduled by the Unit Command Cadre. Spontaneous training is prohibited.
How are Level 1 PWCS or Pursuit Level IV Designated Trainers documented?
Each Level 1 PWCS or Pursuit Level IV Unit Commander shall assign, in writing, Designated Trainers for tactical / pursuit training.
What are the requirements to become a Level 1 PWCS or Pursuit Level IV Designated Trainer?
Designated Trainers must have completed formal Coast Guard resident Tactical or Pursuit Training. CO/OIC’s shall ensure Designated Trainers possess the appropriate level of certification, ability, maturity and demeanor required of this position. A Designated Trainer shall be assigned to each training platform.
Who can sign off PQS for Level 1 PWCS or Pursuit Level IV qualifications?
Only the Designated Trainer may sign off on PQS. Designated Trainers shall sign PQS only for the course(s) graduated from.
Who can sign off PMC PQS?
Pursuit Mission Commander (PMC) PQS may be signed off by a Pursuit Designated Trainer or a currently certified PMC.
What is the minimum Law Enforcement qualification that a TBCM, TCOXN, PBCM, or PCOXN must hold?
To certify as TBCM, TCOXN, PBCM, or PCOXN, personnel shall be currently certified as BTM, at a minimum.
What is the minimum Law Enforcement qualification that a PMC must hold?
PMC shall be currently certified as BO.
When conducting tactical boat operations, what roles can a Safety Observer not fill?
The overall Safety Observer shall not be an evaluator, Designated Trainer, or Response Boat (RB) operator.
Who shall be assigned as an OPFOR operator?
Commands shall assign the duties of the Surface-to-Surface OPFOR operator to a Designated Trainer who possesses the competency being trained, demonstrates the necessary maturity, and has the demeanor to instruct.
In addition to a designated OPFOR operator, what should the OPFOR boat crew consist of?
The remainder of the OPFOR boat crew shall include a TBCM/PBCM, depending on the tactics being trained. Units should consider having an additional TCOXN/PCOXN onboard.
What is the hierarchy of on-scene leadership for tactical boat operations?
OPFOR Operator,
Designated Trainer on the RB(s)
Safety Observer
What are the required Tactical and Pursuit Mission specific equipment requirements?
Gunner Restraint Device(s)
Crew Restraint Device(s)
Helmet
Ballistic Goggles
Boat Crew Communications System (BCCS) (Level I units, bow gunner and Coxswain required)
What are the optional Tactical and Pursuit Mission specific equipment requirements?
Spare M127A1 parachute flares
Warning Munitions
Running Gear Entangler
Can the Coxswain use Night Vision Devices when operating the boat?
The Coxswain shall not use NVDs due to the decrease in depth perception and peripheral vision.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is the short name for Step I?
Command Presence
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is Step I?
Step I tactics include proximity, appearance, directions and/or non-contact maneuvers to influence NCV actions. Coxswains shall consider the use of these tactics to induce compliance with the order to stop.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, do you need permission to preform Step I?
Step I is the lowest level of the Use of Force Continuum and requires no authorization.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is Herding?
Herding is a tactical boat maneuver where a Screening Vessel (SV) purposely maneuvers toward a contact of interest (there is no physical contact) in an attempt to force it away from the protected asset (or area).
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is the short name for Step II?
Warn
When stopping non-compliant vessels, do you need permission to preform Step II?
The authorization to use Step II tactics may require a Flag Officer Statement of No Objection (SNO).
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is the short name for Step III?
Disrupt
Who makes the decision whether Step III tactics are acceptable?
The decision to engage in these tactics rests fully with the TCOXN/PCOXN/PMC.
What things can be done when conducting Step III tactics?
Employ Lines, Nets or Entanglers
Sever or Disconnect Fuel Lines
Shouldering
Ramming
When performing Step III tactics, how far over can a crew member go over to attempt to disconnect fuel lines?
Crews may not cross the gunwale to accomplish this while both boats are moving. Use of the boat hook is recommended.
When performing Step III tactics, what is the purpose of shouldering?
The goal of shouldering is to contact a NCV with enough force to drive it in a new direction and prevent it from traveling on its intended course, or to compel compliance with orders to stop.
When performing Step III tactics, when is ramming acceptable?
Ramming, the act of aggressively making contact with the NCV, shall be used only as an act of self-defense or as a last resort to protect the HVA from an act of terrorism.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, what is the short name for Step IV?
Disable
When performing Step III tactics, what is the preferred weapon for delivering disabling fire?
The Remington Model 870 shotgun with copper sabot slugs is the preferred weapon for delivering disabling fire against outboard engines.
If you acquire an SNO for Step II tactics, does it cover Step IV tactics too?
If the SNO granted for Step II did not include Step IV tactics, crews must request a separate SNO.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, when are LA51 munitions used?
Step II
What is the optimum lateral distance when administering warning shots with LA51 munitions?
25yds
When administering warning shots with LA51 munitions, where is your target?
30-50yds forward of NCV’s bow.
When administering warning shots with the M16/ M240, what is the optimum lateral distance?
Less than 25yds.
When administering warning shots with the M16/ M240, what is your target?
50yds forward of NCV’s Bow.
When stopping non-compliant vessels, when are Copper Sabot munitions used?
Step IV
When administering disabling fire with the M870, what is the optimum lateral distance?
Less than 25yds.
When administering disabling fire with the M870, M16, or M240, what is your target?
Outboard/Outdrive only
What are the preferred weapons for stopping a VPIT?
M16 & M240
What is the effective range for stopping a VPIT with the M16?
Less than 600yds.
What is the effective range for stopping a VPIT with the M240?
Less than 875yds.
When stopping a VPIT with the M16 or M240, what is your target?
Vessel (Pilot House, Bridge, Engine Compartment).
What kind of gun stand is mounted on response boats?
Each unit’s servicing armory shall install the MK 16 Stands on unit boats. Once installed, these mounts become part of the boat outfit and are specific to the mounted location. The mount shall not be removed except for maintenance.
Where shall train stops be set for MAW’s?
The train stops shall be set to stop the arc of motion no less than six inches from the cabin and/or fixed structures. The optimal setting allows for overlapping fields of fire with other MAW.
Once the M240 has been mounted, what must the Coxswain do?
Coxswains shall verify pre-fire checks have been performed and logged.
Can a Coxswain move a gunner inside when weather/ seas pose a threat to the gunner?
When the weather/sea state poses a physical threat to the gunner, it may be appropriate to bring the gunner inside. The Coxswain shall notify Tactical Control (TACON) when the decision is made to remove the gunner from the bow/stern.
How should gunners firing from inside of the cabin be positioned?
Gunners firing from inside the cabin should do so from the seated position and use the crew restraints.
How should gunners firing shoulder fired weapons from the aft deck be positioned?
Gunners employing shoulder fired weapons from the aft deck of closed cabin boats should do so from a kneeling position with the gunner restraint system connecting them to the boat.
How should gunners firing shoulder fired weapons from the bow be positioned?
When firing from the bow, the gunner in kneeling position is the safest employment and gives the TCOXN/PCOXN the best visibility. When employing a shoulder fired weapon on the bow, a tactical sling shall be used.
Can you fire a M240 from the shoulder?
Firing an un-mounted M240B from the shoulder is not authorized.
When can shoulder fired weapons be fired from the bow?
Shoulder-fired weapons may be utilized from the bow only when used with USCG Custom Design Single Point Sling and Weapon Attachment Set.
What are the four types of Limited Access Areas (LAA)?
Security Zones (SZs),
Naval Vessel Protection Zones (NVPZs),
Restricted waterfront areas,
Safety zones.
What are Security Zones (SZs)?
Security Zones (SZ) are designated areas of land, water, or land and water established for such time as the Captain of the Port (COTP) deems necessary to prevent damage or injury to any vessel or waterfront facility; to safeguard ports, harbors, territories, or waters of the United States; or to secure the observance of the rights and obligations of the United States.
Who can establish a Security Zone (SZ)?
SZs may be established only by the COTP or District Commander. The authority creating the zone will determine its physical size and restrictions it imposes on those seeking to enter or operate within it.
What are the two types of Security Zones (SZs)?
SZs are either fixed or moving.
What are fixed Security Zone (SZ)s created around?
Fixed zones can be created around stationary assets at anchor, pier-side, or ashore.
What are moving Security Zone (SZ)s created around?
Moving SZs (escorts) are established around a transiting HVA.
How many boats are required for effective Security Zone (SZ) enforcement?
Effective SZ enforcement requires that a minimum of two RBs be assigned to patrolling the zone’s boundary.
What are the five overlapping areas of a Security Zone (SZ)?
Boundary
Intercept Zone
Reaction Zone
Sector
Patrol Area
What is the Boundary of a Security Zone (SZ)?
The boundary is the outer edge of the SZ and the point at which no person or vessel may cross without permission. It provides the legal basis for Coast Guard officers to issue lawful orders requiring persons to stay out of, or depart from, the zone.
What is the Assessment Zone (AZ) of a Security Zone (SZ)?
The area outside the boundary is called the Assessment Zone (AZ). If conditions warrant, additional boats may be deployed into the AZ to intercept and escort, to extend the range of interception, to detect potential threats, and to escort vessels entering and leaving port.
What is the Intercept Zone (IZ) of a Security Zone (SZ)?
The Intercept Zone (IZ) is the area inside the SZ where TOIs should be intercepted. Initial contact is made at the outer edge of the IZ to allow maximum reaction time.
When shall “out of position” be called on the radio?
The SV shall call “Out of position” over the VHF-FM radio when the SV has temporarily lost its tactical position and is unable to employ TTP to determine TOI intent.
If the Screening Vessel (SV) cannot reacquire the TOI, what shall they do?
If the SV is unable to regain its tactical position on the TOI, they shall call “I’m beat” over the VHF-FM radio alerting all SZPU assets.
If the Screening Vessel (SV) calls “I’m beat” over the radio, what shall they do?
The SV will clear the RV Field of Fire (FOF) and, if there is sufficient time, the SV should move toward the Reaction zone to back up RV and triangulate the FOF.
Does the call out “I’m beat” automatically classify a TOI as a VPIT?
Being “beat” does not automatically classify the TOI as a VPIT.