FLOTILLA
ORGANIZATION
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Flotilla Commander
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Vice
Flotilla Commander
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Flotilla Staff Officer
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New members to the Auxiliary
are encouraged to first get themselves acquainted with their
organization, its functions and purpose, and then review the different
areas, offices and qualifications required. Auxiliarists should begin
their career by reading their Auxiliary Member Manual (AUXMAN).
Another very helpful guide for
new Auxiliarists is to take the New Member Course which can be obtained
by logging onto:
Auxiliary uniforms can now be
viewed and ordered on-line from two different sources:
Basic
Outline of Flotilla Chain of Communication
FLOTILLA ELECTED
OFFICERS
(FC) Flotilla Commander
A basic administration class designed for elected Auxiliary
Flotilla officers and prior service as a Vice Flotilla Commander.
FC are required to be qualified or certified in one of the 3
cornerstones of the Auxiliary: Member Services, Recreational Boating
Safety, or Coast Guard Support. A Flotilla Commander is elected by
its Flotilla membership each year after Division elections. The
Flotilla Procedures manual COMDTINST M16791.5 The Flotilla
Commander provides primary leadership and supervision to the flotilla.
The FC is responsible to assure that the overall Flotilla program
conforms to the Coast Guard and Auxiliary Policies and procedures, as
well as provide the communications link with Division elected officers.
On
Line Flotilla Procedures Course
(VFC) Vice Flotilla Commander
A basic administration class designed for elected Auxiliary
Flotilla officers would be a good start. A Vice Flotilla Commander
has the primary responsibility for administration and coordination of
the flotilla staff and is essentially the Chief of Staff for the
flotilla. A VFC is also an elected office.
Each year, upon the election of the FC and VFC,
the FC will appoint Flotilla Staff Officers (FSO) for each of the
following internal functions: CS, FN, IS, MA, MT, PS,
PA, PB, and SR. In addition, a Flotilla Staff Officer is to be appointed
for at least one external programs in Recreational
Boating Safety or Coast Guard Support: AN, CC, CM, MV, OP, PE and VE.
Each flotilla should be involved in at least one external program.
On
Line Flotilla Procedures Course
FLOTILLA STAFF
OFFICERS (APPOINTED)
FSO-AN (Aids To Navigation)
Practical and classroom training leading to qualification as an
Aids To Navigation verifier and qualification as a Staff Officer of Aids
To Navigation. The primary responsibility of this officer position is to
conduct chart updating patrols, verification of private aids to
navigation, and the prompt reporting of discrepancies in ATONS and to
inform flotilla members of all developments. The FSO-AN will also
maintain close liaison with Division Staff Officer of Aids to Navigation
(SO-AN). This officer should also establish and maintain close
contacts with the local USCG unit for the purpose of establishing and
maintaining Auxiliary ATON patrols and rendering assistance to USCG for
emergency ATON servicing. This officer must cooperate with other
agencies in chart updating, submit special investigation reports,
participate in any required Auxiliary operations seminars, develop and
supervise training programs for other ATON verifiers, and other duties
as outlined in the Auxiliary Member Manual and Flotilla Procedures
Manual.
FSO-CC (Career Counselor)
The Flotilla Staff Officer - Career Counselor will exercise
staff responsibility and supervision over the flotilla Academy
Introductory Mission (AIM) program and the Recruitment Assistance
Program (RAP), and keep flotilla members informed of all developments in
these programs. The officer will maintain close liaison with the
Division Staff Officer Career Counsel (SO-CC) for AIM and RAP
programs. This officer will also work closely with the flotilla
Public Affairs officer to help publicize and promote events and
activities, submission of articles for publication, and will assist any
USCG cadet procurement officer with introductory presentations to high
school guidance counselors. The FSO-CC should make a minimum of
two visits to each high school located within the flotilla's AOR to
inform as many qualified students of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard
Academy, and the Coast Guard AIM program. The FSO-CC will make
timely reports to both the flotilla VFC and the Division SO-CC on a
monthly basis. Other duties outlined in the Auxiliary Member
Manual, Flotilla Procedures Manual, and the Career Candidate Officer
Guide COMDTINST M1100.4 should also be followed.
Career Counselor Manual
FSO-CM (Communications)
Presently, there is no program in the region for a radio
watchstander but individuals interested in this area may want to take
the AUXCOM Specialty Course (See "Specialty Courses" below)
and get involved in the Boat Crew Operational Support program.
There are ample opportunities for a Communications officer to
participate in with Operations like safety patrols, during boat races,
regattas, and other marine events. The FSO-CM will exercise staff
responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to flotilla
communications and keep all members informed of all developments in this
area. This officer will maintain close liaison with the Division
Staff Officer of Communications (SO-CM) and will work closely with both
flotilla and division operations officers and members providing
communications facility and/or operational facility support and
training. The FSO-CM will ensure that every activation of an
Auxiliary Radio Facility is under Coast Guard orders and will inspect
all flotilla land and land mobile radio facilities is qualified as a
Communications Specialist. Other general duties of the FSO-CM
included, but are not limited to, submission of articles to Auxiliary
publications to keep members updated on new developments, to encourage
member use of radio facilities and participation in communication
drills, participate in any required Auxiliary operations seminars,
maintaining an updated list of Communications Specialists, and working
closely with USCG radio stations toward provision of qualified
Auxiliarists for possible communications watchstanding opportunities,
telephone watches, etc. The FSO-CM will maintain and publish an
up-to-date emergency telephone "calling tree" for member
alerting both land line and available OPFAC and land mobile radio
facility call signs. Other duties outlined in the Auxiliary Member
Manual, Flotilla Procedures Manual, and the Auxiliary Operations Policy
Manual COMDTINST M16798.3 should also be followed. The FSO-CM's
career will be further enhanced by completing the AUXCOM Specialty
Course training and becoming a Communications Specialist.
FSO-CS (Communications Services)
The FSO-CS is essentially the flotilla's webmaster and
the organization's web watcher who exercises staff
responsibility and supervision over electronic communication
services. This officer will create and maintain a Flotilla website
that is in full compliance with Auxiliary web policies and will maintain
personal e-mail and Internet access. The officer will foster an
interest in electronic communication among the members and will
encourage and facilitate the use of electronic communication throughout
the Flotilla. He or she will maintain close liaison with the
Division Staff Officer of Communication Services (SO-CS) and will
coordinate and cooperate with the FSO-PB and FSO-PA to ensure that both
electronic and print media are used to their fullest extent in providing
information to the Auxiliary membership and to the boating public.
The FSO-CS will keep a regular Internet vigil as web watcher
all Auxiliary E-mail NETS and the Auxiliary National Website (CGAUXWEB)
for important information to disseminate to members in a timely
manner. The officer will attend flotilla meetings and report on
official information obtained from the web to members who do not have
access to electronic media. Other duties outlined in the Auxiliary
Member Manual and Flotilla Procedures Manual should also be followed.
In addition, due to the dynamic nature of the electronic communications
industry, the future AOR of this office may experience changes requiring
the officer to be flexible with regard to those changes which may be
passed on down through the chain of leadership.
FSO-FN (Finance)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Finance will exercise staff
responsibility and supervision over all Flotilla financial matters and
keep the organization informed of all developments and changes.
The FSO-FN will maintain close liaison with the Division Staff Officer
of Finance (SO-FN), keep complete and understandable records of all
receipts, disbursements, and other financial transactions. This
officer has the responsibility to prepare an annual budget for review
and approval of the flotilla and will render financial reports at
flotilla meetings. He or she will maintain a balanced checkbook
and/ or savings account, will make payment on all approved invoices and
all financial matters in accordance with the Standing Rules. The
FSO-FN will encourage prompt payment of membership dues to the Flotilla,
will make payment of Division dues and other authorized obligations
approved by the FC, flotilla quorum, and as permitted under the Standing
Rules. There are no formal prerequisites or training for this
office but a general understanding of financial matters, economics,
banking, checkbook balancing, and financial reports would a plus.
Other duties outlined in the Auxiliary Member Manual, the Flotilla
Procedures Manual, and Standing Rules should also be followed.
FSO-IS (Information Systems)
The FSO-IS will exercise staff responsibility and supervision
over all matters pertaining to the collection, recording, and forwarding
of the Flotilla's AUXMIS data for each member and will keep all members
informed of all developments and changes in this area. This
officer will maintain close liaison with Division Staff Officer of
Information Systems (SO-IS) and will coordinate and cooperate with the
FSO-PE, FSO-VE, FSO-OP, FSO-MT and the FSO-PS so that they are kept
advised of the progress in each of their AORs. This officer will
gain extensive knowledge of the AUXMIS system by reading the Member
AUXMIS Users Guide COMDTINST M16790.2, its various reporting forms,
DirectorGram, and the Auxiliary's National Web Site for updates and
changes to the AUXMIS reporting system. The FSO-IS will collect,
review and ensure correctness of all members' AUXMIS reports prior to
submission to the SO-IS for processing and submission to the Director of
the Auxiliary, will retain a yearly of processed data forms, conduct
training sessions on AUXMIS reporting procedures, and will prepare a
regular report of AUXMIS member activity to all members. AuxData
Quick Start Page
FSO-MA (Materials)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Materials will exercise staff
responsibility and supervision over the procurement of materials
including stationary, forms, manuals, texts, U.S. Government postage,
and PE course material for distribution to Flotilla officers and members
and will keep all members informed of developments in this area.
The FSO-MA will keep close liaison with the Division Staff Officer of
Materials (SO-MA) and will coordinate and cooperate with all staff
officers in order to keep them supplied with the items necessary for the
performance of their duties. He or she will maintain and
disseminate, as required, listings on supplies and prices thereof,
sources available, and information on procurement. The FSO-MA will
advise all members of any changes or updates to all publications and
forms, and will order material from the ANSC as required. This
officer will work closely with the FSO-FN for any advanced payment of
orders for PE course material from ANSC.
FSO-MS (Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection requires an individual to be highly-visible and well-diverse
when it comes to developing and fostering relationships with other staff
officers, the Division, District, and the local USCG unit office.
The FSO-MS will exercise responsibility and supervision over all matters
pertaining to the Flotilla's role in the Auxiliary Marine Safety and
Environmental Protection activities and will keep the entire Flotilla
and division informed of all developments in this area. The
individual will maintain close liaison with staff officers on both
Division and District levels and will coordinate and cooperate with
flotilla staff officers from every area to encourage appropriate
outreach, training, and implementation of MS/MEP activities. Any
and all materials, training aids and training tools will be forwarded to
the SO-MS, other Flotilla staff officers, and members relating to any
MS/MEP activities. The FSO-MS will attend Flotilla meetings and
Division Board and Division Staff meetings when requested. This
officer will provide assistance and support to environmental outreach
programs, USCG MS/MEP missions, formulate emergency planning and
response teams, create develop and participate in MS/MEP activities with
other agencies, promote participation of MS/MEP activities to other
members, and establish goals and objectives and prepare necessary plans
to achieve them. He or she will submit regular and timely, written
reports directly to the FC with copies to the VFC and SO-MS.
FSO-MT (Member Training)
The FSO-MT will exercise staff responsibility and supervision
over all matters pertaining to the Flotilla member training program and
keep all members updated on new developments. This officer will
maintain close liaison with the Division Staff Officer of Member
Training (SO-MT), the District Staff Officer of Member Training (DSO-MT)
and will coordinate and cooperate with FSO-VE, FSO-PE and the FSO-OP
regarding any and all member training in these areas. He or she
will foster and promote member interest in Specialty Courses offered and
all member training opportunities within the Flotilla and
Division. For new members, the FSO-MT will oversee the members
receive the New Member Training Course, Auxiliary Member Manual (AUXMAN)
and will conduct and coordinate training sessions on instructor, vessel
examination, boat crew, Specialty Course training, and informal training
activities. The FSO-MT will report to the VFC on a monthly basis,
ensure all member training forms are correctly and promptly completed
and forwarded, and will retain custody of any training aids, equipment,
audio-visual material, manuals, and other member training aids. In
coordination and cooperation with the FSO-PE and the FSO-VE, he or she
will establish individual training programs and schedules for Flotilla
members with each session to include a minimum of two sessions with each
session at least 2 hours in duration and would review 3 lessons in the
Student Workbook for IT and VE candidates. The prospective IT
candidate should serve as an instructor's aid in at least three PE
classes and teach a three hour class before a qualified
instructor. The FSO-MT will coordinate, cooperate and formulate a
schedule with the FSO-OP for member training of the Boat Crew operation
program (crew and coxswain). Candidates must be trained and then
examined by a Qualified Examiner (QE) before receiving
certification. The FSO-MT will develop a Specialty Course training
program keyed to the needs of the individual Flotilla member with a goal
of each member to complete two Specialty Courses each year. This
officer will also be responsible for administering the Air Operations
Training Course for members interested in participating in Auxiliary
aviation as a Pilot or Air Observer. In some regions, Air
Operations training program may not be available on the Flotilla or
Division level but possibly on the District level.
FSO-PV Program Visitor)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Marine Dealer Visitors will
exercise staff responsibility and supervision over all PV matters, will
maintain close liaison with the Division Officer of the Marine Dealer
Visitor program (SO-PV), and will coordinate and cooperate with the
FSO-MT to encourage and increase the number of qualified marine dealer
visitors. This officer will make and maintain close contact with
marine dealers, current records of visitations, decal distribution, plan
and perform workshops, member PV training, and ensure that all forms
for PV are correctly completed and promptly forwarded. The FSO-MV
reports monthly to the VFC, checks periodically that all qualified PV
examiners conduct their annual quota of marine dealer visits of four (4)
per examiner, and that each PV examiner does not lose their
qualification status as a result. He or she will formulate and
execute a plan to ensure all marine dealers are covered and provided
with decals, that they receive an updated schedule of PE courses and VSC
stations in their area. Dealers should receive handouts on these
PE and VE programs and any USCG provided materials. Program Visitor Manual On Line
FSO-OP (Operations)
The FSO-OP will exercise staff responsibility and supervision
over all Flotilla operations programs which include search and rescue
(SAR), safety patrols, air patrols, boat races/regattas and marine event
patrols, and will keep all members informed of developments in this
area. This officer must maintain close liaison with the Division
Staff Officer of Operations (SO-OP) since all patrol orders must be
received there from and will have close contacts with all operational
facility (OPFAC) owning members to encourage operational activity and
maintenance of uniformity and high standards. The FSO-OP is
responsible for ensuring that all Flotilla operations are performed
under Coast Guard reimbursable and non-reimbursable patrol orders and
that each copy of the schedule of patrols is provided to the
SO-OP. This officer will encourage and assist with all training
and qualification of members in the operations program, encourage
participation in search and rescue training, safety patrols, regatta
patrols, chart updating patrols, and other Auxiliary operational
programs. This individual will report monthly to the VFC about
operations activities and progress. The officer will cooperate and
coordinate with FSO-CM, FSO-MT, FSO-VE, and other officers in the
planning, execution of seminars, workshops, training sessions,
briefings, communications, and inspection of OPFACs. A
comprehensive list of members trained as crew and coxswain will be
maintained, report regularly on all patrols, and coordinate with FSO-MT
and FSO-AN for qualified crew members to serve on patrols to remain
certified and conduct aids to navigation verification patrols. Auxiliary
Operations Manual On Line
FSO-PA (Public Affairs)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Public Affairs will exercise
staff responsibility and supervision over all Auxiliary public affairs
and public information matters within the Flotilla and keep members
informed of all developments in this area. This officer will work
in cooperation with the Division Staff Officer of Public Affairs (SO-PA)
and will establish effective working relationships with members of the
print media and broadcast media to facilitate coverage of Flotilla
activities and missions. This officer will coordinate and
cooperate with the FSO-PE, FSO-VE, FSO-CC, and FSO-PB in promoting,
advertising, and communicating to the media the activities of these
areas and in promoting the best possible public image of the Auxiliary
in the Flotilla and Division. The FSO-PA will also originate
articles for Flotilla, Division, District and National newsletters and
publications, will develop and direct an organized program of activities
to obtain Auxiliary publicity, and will assist other officers with the
preparation and distribution of advertising and promotional material on
Public Education courses, Vessel Safety Checks, and (AIM) and (RAP)
activities of the Career Counselor officer. Additionally, the
FSO-PA will cooperate with the FSO-PB in obtaining action photos of
Flotilla activity for publication and for entering Auxiliary photo
contests. This individual will maintain close liaison with the
SO-PA to ensure an effective and coordinated program within the Division
and will assist or take part in planning and conducting seminars,
workshops, forums, and panel discussions.
FSO-PB (Publications)
The FSO-PB is the editor of the Flotilla newsletter who will
maintain close liaison with the Division Staff Officer of Publications
to ensure a prompt flow of suitable articles and information of interest
to the readership within the Flotilla, Division and District. This
officer will develop and maintain a library file of photographs of
Flotilla activities, will encourage Flotilla members to contribute
articles of interest for inclusion in the newsletter. This
individual has the duty of assisting in the preparation, Director's
clearance and publication of unit publications and will promptly submit
articles for publication. He or she will cooperate and coordinate
with the FSO-PA in obtaining action photos of Flotilla activity for
publication, will report monthly to the VFC on activities and progress
in this area, and will maintain a file of all unit newsletters published
and/or articles submitted to other publications. The FSO-PB will
mail Flotilla and Division newsletters to all Flotilla members, retired
members, Director of the Auxiliary, DCO, VCO, RCO, DSO-PBB, ADSO-PB,
DCP, VCP, SO-PB and all FCs in the Division. A copy of the
newsletter must also be mailed to: Coast Guard Auxiliary Collection, J.Y.
Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, SC 27858-4353.
FSO-PE (Public Education)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Public Education will exercise
staff responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to the
Auxiliary's public education program, on the Flotilla level, including
the scheduling, organization and conduct of Flotilla boating safety
courses and activities. This officer will maintain a close
relationship with the Division Staff Officer of Public Education (SO-PE)
in order to implement the public education programs established for
nation-wide, district-wide, and division-wide use. The FSO-PE will
coordinate and cooperate with the FSO-MT on training instructors, the
FSO-PA in publicizing and promoting all boating safety and Auxiliary
public education courses to the media, with the FSO-PS in promoting
Auxiliary membership to students in the classes, and the FSO-MT in
organizing workshops, training of instructors, and in instructor
improvement workshops. This individual will forward to the SO-PE
such methods, training aids, course materials, and other educational
tools developed within the Flotilla that may have Division-wide
application. He or she will report directly to the VFC on all
progress, development and PE activities, will supervise PE class
assistants, keep updated with Auxiliary course content, instructional
requirements and course updates, and ensure that all forms relating to
this AOR are correctly completed and forwarded. The FSO-PE will
also coordinate and cooperate with the FSO-FN so that a sufficient
supply of text books for each course taught by the Flotilla are in stock
with the FSO-MT. Lastly, the FSO-PE has the duty of maintaining an
up-to-date inventory and custody list of all Coast Guard and
Flotilla-owned real property used in conjunction with the public
education program (e.g. video tape players, slide projectors, and other
audio-visual aids, video tapes, discs, slides, etc.).
FSO-PS (Personnel)
A Flotilla Staff Officer of Personnel will exercise staff
responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to the
Flotilla's member resources program and keep the Flotilla informed of
all developments in this AOR. This officer will maintain close
liaison with the Division Staff Officer of Personnel (SO-PS) in order to
implement the members resources program uniformly throughout the
Division, District, and Nationally. He or she will develop, plan
and implement programs and activities to promote the growth of the
Auxiliary by obtaining new members and providing new members with
information. The FSO-PS should consider developing biographical
files of all members in the Flotilla and maintain any appropriate
records, training, merits, offices held, etc. on each member.
Likewise, the officer will develop and implement programs and activities
designed to retain members who may be drifting into inactivity by
failing to attend meetings, who fall below their certification quotas in
OP, VE or PE, or are not participating in other Flotilla activities and
programs. This officer will attempt to meet with each member and
brief the FC on the outcome prior to any disenrollment action of any
member. In cooperation with the FSO-PE, FSO-VE and the FSO-PA, he
or she will make an effort to promote membership in the Auxiliary by
public speaking, providing handouts and literature, and following up on
all leads of prospective members. Working in cooperation and
conjunction with the FSO-MT, the officer will encourage and guide the
new member through the new member process, assist them ordering
uniforms, materials, etc. and prepare them for any training in areas of
interest to the new Auxiliarist. The FSO-PS will take an active
role in the planning and execution of seminars, workshops, forums, and
panel discussions. The officer should maintain contact with
retired Auxiliary members and be certain the receive newsletters and are
invited to functions and fellowship activities, will report monthly to
the VFC and will provide a report at Flotilla meetings on all AORs.
The goal of adding one new prospective member each month is recommended
and name and addresses of these individuals should be provided to the
FSO-SR to keep the prospects up-to-date.
FSO-SR (Secretary/Records)
The FSO-SR is directly responsible for the recording and
publication of the minutes of Flotilla meetings, maintains a current
record of Flotilla members, officers, committee assignments and other
such appointments made by the FC. This officer will maintain a
current list of Division officers, will attend all unit meetings, and
will maintain a close liaison with the Division Staff Officer
Secretary/Records. Additionally, any other pertinent Flotilla
records should also be administered and supervised by this
officer. He or she will keep a current record of all Flotilla
members, will cooperate and coordinate with the FSO-IS to ensure all
member's AUXMIS records are correct, will keep a copy of the Division
and Flotilla Standing Rules and other administrative records. He
or she will conduct a ballot by mail when so directed, submit articles
to the unit publication, and take an active part in the planning and
execution of seminars, workshops, forums, and panel discussions in the
officer's AOR. The FSO-SR will report monthly to the VFC, provide
copies of meeting minutes to both FC and VFC, and is responsible for
mailing notices to members concerning meetings and meeting agendas.
FSO-VE (Vessel Examiner)
The Flotilla Staff Officer of Vessel Examinations is a very
important position for the Flotilla. This officer will exercise staff
responsibility and supervision over all matters pertaining to the
Flotilla's Vessel Safety Check program, the inspection of Auxiliary
OPFACs, and to keep the members informed of all developments in this
AOR. The officer will maintain very close liaison with the
Division Staff Officer of Vessel Examinations as well as the District
Staff Officer or Assistant District Staff Officer of Vessel Examinations
to implement the VSC program established uniformly for the Division,
District and National. The FSO-VE will coordinate and cooperate
with the FSO-PA on promoting and publicizing all VSC activities, with
the FSO-MT to encourage, increase and train new vessel examiners, with
the FSO-OP to organize the annual inspection of all OPFACs, and the
FSO-IS to be certain no vessel examiner falls below their annual VSC
quota for maintaining their certification status. He or she will
maintain current records of all facility inspections, VSCs, decal
distribution and will do the utmost to ensure the quality and integrity
of all such VSCs and inspections. Additionally, the officer is
responsible for ensuring that all reports are correctly completed and
forwarded, will report monthly to the VFC, keep an accounting of all VSC
decals, and take an active part in the planning and execution of
seminars, workshops, forums, and panel discussions in the officer's
AOR. The officer will make every effort to routinely conduct VSC
stations each weekend at area marinas and boat ramps and provide a
written report to the VFC and SO-PE as to each VSC station, location,
time and date and number of VSCs conducted at each station.
Requirements: 3 hours classroom instruction and
practical applications which permit the member to participate in the
Vessel Safety Check Program and qualify as a Staff Officer of Vessel
Examinations. Auxiliarists must pass an open book test and conduct
5 Vessel Safety Checks annually to remain certified.
VSC Manual |
