Boating Education in the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Boat Handling

Brian Ah Sam (R) listens to instructor Angelo Perata in a boat handling class. One of the many benefits of the Auxiliary is learning from your fellow Auxiliarists. In this boat handling class, Angelo taught the class line handling techniques, how to approach a dock and the nuances of maneuvering a twin engine boat in close quarters. The Auxiliary also teaches a Boating Safety Class to the public. This class meets state requirements for the state of California and Nevada. Check on the availability of a class near you by clicking on the link to the left.

Twin Engine Boat Handling

One of the techniques that Commodore Perata discussed at the boat handling class is the technique of maneuvering a boat with twin engines using only the throttles. The Reno Flotilla's boat, The Melroy, has twin outboards. During a maritime observation patrol on Pyramid Lake Auxiliarist Tom Temkin practiced the technique. The main concepts are:

1) Keep the engines amidship.
2) Do not use the wheel to maneuver.
3) Use neutral position frequently.
4) Think of the throttle positions as akin to the handle bars of a bicycle. In the photo above, the port engine is in reverse while the starboard engine is in forward gear. Temkin will steer the boat to port just as the handle bars are depicted. When maneuvering in reverse, stand along side the throttles and look towards the stern. The same handle bar imagery applies here as well.
5) Maneuver slowly!

Winter Dry Suit Swim at Lake Tahoe

Five Sierra Division 11 members conducted their annual dry suit swim at the Coast Guard Station at Lake Tahoe. During the winter months, Auxiliarists who patrol are required to wear the dry suits. These suits are indeed dry in that they keep water away from the user's body. Polypropylene underwear provides further insulation from the cold. On January 16th, the water temperature at Lake Tahoe was a cold 40 degrees. The dry suit swim also serves as a "leak" test. Any suit that leaks needs to be repaired. Anyone who fell into the water without a life jacket or dry suit would likely survive less than 15 minutes.

Sierra Division 11 members gather for the annual dry suit swim. The dry suits are required when water and air temperature are less than 50 degrees.

Tugs and Towed Vessels

Coast Guard Navigational Rules are clear as to lighting and markings that these vessels must display. Click here for a discussion of these rules.

This page contains links to pages for information on uniforms and other items.