activities: ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or Direction Finding Radio Facility. It is also required by The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an Communications Officers who conduct radio facility
advanced training program available only to members inspections. AUXCOM is also the entry level requirement
of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. An AUXOP member has for communications watch stander training at Coast
completed the seven advanced specialty courses and Guard units. is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. The seven advanced specialties are:

AUXNAV
 
An Auxiliarist who is qualified as a Navigation Specialist AUXCOM: Communications is a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. AUXNAV: Navigation This individual knows where their vessel is at any given

AUXPAT: Patrols

AUXPAT program replaced the need for AUXOP and specialty qualifications for participation in surface operations
The AUXPAT Specialist is another genuine asset to the with a comprehensive craftsman approach. A Auxiliary operations activities. This individual fully COXSWAIN in the Boat Crew program is a master understands the complete spectrum of operational patrol craftsman. The AUXOP member is the "PhD." activities both on the water and in the air, such as: Safety Individuals who have completed the AUXOP program Patrol, Search and Rescue (SAR), Regattas spectator are indeed experts in Auxiliary operations. They have safety control, Chart Updating/Aids to Navigation Patrols, little difficulty in completing the requirements of the to name a few. Practical knowledge achieved by the Boat Crew program, and are well qualified to AUXPAT Specialist engenders a keen awareness of, and participate in the public education program. response to, emergency situations, without jeopardizing the crew and facility. time and keeps it from danger. The Navigation Specialist
 

AUXSAR

An AUXSAR Specialist is well qualified in search and rescue and a genuine asset to the Auxiliary operations activities. The AUXSAR training is designed to present a thorough understanding of the policy, organization,

and procedures involved in the search and rescue process as generally practiced by the U. S. Coast Guard.

The AUXSAR Specialist is aware of the overall structure of the search and rescue organization, is able to plan search operations, and has an understanding of towing principles, towline properties, and recognition of the effects of sea state, to ensure a safe and successful search and rescue.

AUXSEA

The AUXSEA Specialist is a particularly valuable asset in Auxiliary operations as knowledge of vessels and proficiency in their operation is a major Auxiliary interest. An AUXSEA Specialist has extensive knowledge of vessels and their propulsion systems as well as detailed information on how vessels are constructed, founded, and operated. The AUXSEA Specialist understands marine engines, knows how to perform minor repairs, is knowledgeable on vessel handling in normal and heavy weather, and how to approach distress situations. These attributes, when combined with the studies and practical training of the Boat Crew program, will make the member a competent and reliable crewmember of an Auxiliary vessel.

AUXWEA

The AUXWEA Specialist is a genuine asset to Auxiliary operations activities. This individual understands the weather, its importance in the marine environment, and to the conduct of safe and effective operations. The AUXWEA Specialist is able to make accurate and valuable short range (several hours) weather forecasts to enable crewmates to avoid dangerous weather conditions while performing their patrol activities. Long range (two or more days) forecasts are also developed to assist in planning operations activities. The AUXWEA Specialist develops a keen sense of weather processes, including those which have an element of danger: thunderstorms, squall lines, fog, tornadoes, and other severe phenomena. A comprehensive knowledge of weather processes and effects is essential to the competent mariner, whether on the high seas, the coastal areas, lakes and rivers, or local reservoirs.

HOW TO OBTAIN AUXOP TRAINING

You must be a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary before you can obtain AUXOP training. See any Coast Guard Auxiliarist for information on how to join the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MEMBERS obtaining AUXOP training is easy:

1. See your Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training, SO-MT, about an AUXOP Specialty course in your area.
2. AUXOP Specialty courses may be taken either as formal courses, or by self-study.
3. Examinations are ordered through your Flotilla Commander, or the FSO-MT. Examinations for AUXOP Specialty Courses must be proctored by a Coast Guard Officer or Petty Officer, or designated Auxiliarist. The examination is closed book, with a passing score of 75%. If you take the formal course, your instructor will provide the materials. If you wish to do the course by self-study, then you may order the course materials through your Flotilla Staff Officer for Materials, FSO-MA, from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Supply Center. The materials consist of the student text, student study
guide, and the instructor guide.