Commander Eighth Coast Guard District Hale Boggs Federal Bldg, Room 1333

501 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130-3396 Staff Symbol: oax Phone: (504)589-2972

CCGD8INST 16798.1B

EIGHTH DISTRICT INSTRUCTION 16798.1B

1. PURPOSE. To establish procedures for use of personal watercraft (PWC) by Eighth District Auxiliarists. This Instruction describes training, qualification and currency requirements for PWC operators. It also stipulates equipment requirements and standard procedures for PWC operations.
2. ACTION.
   1. The Directors of Auxiliary shall appoint Qualification Examiners (QE’s) for qualifying PWC Operators. The Directors shall provide Order Issuing Authorities with rosters of Auxiliarists who are certified operators and a list of PWCs that have been accepted for use within the AOR. Certification of PWC Operators is discussed in enclosure (1). Directors shall serve as Order Issuing Authority in areas not currently serviced by Group Commanders.
   2. Order Issuing Authorities shall identify and establish areas for PWC operations, and issue patrol orders as deemed appropriate.

3. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. CCGDEIGHTINST 16798.1A is superseded.

4. DEFINITION OF PWC.

1. PWCs are termed "Class A Inboard Boats" (boats less than 16 feet in length).

CCGD8INST 16798.1B

1. There are a variety of PWC models that vary in performance and stability. This instruction applies to PWCs that are ridden in a sitting position and designed to carry two or more persons.
2. The scope of this program does not include PWCs that are ridden by kneeling or standing. Orders shall only be issued for PWCs that are ridden in a sitting position.

5. DISCUSSION.

1. The Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1(Series), authorizes the use of PWCs for surface operations as a Special Purpose Facilities.
2. The use of PWCs by the public has continued to increase over the past several years and it appears this trend will continue. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been active in establishing and teaching Boating Safety PWC Courses to the public. Since the Auxiliary is teaching PWC Safety, operating PWCs on the water enhances their interface with the PWC community. It also affords the Auxiliary increased opportunities to visibly demonstrate responsible safe PWC operations.
3. The PWC can be a valuable surface asset for Order Issuing Authorities in designated areas for search and rescue, marine events, port safety and safety zone patrols. It is a trailerable and highly maneuverable resource with fast response capabilities. Monetary savings can be achieved, reducing fuel consumption and crew costs, by employing PWCs for patrols and marine events.
4. Due to operating limitations and safety concerns, some areas are not suited for deploying PWCs. Deployment of PWCs is clearly at the discretion of the Order Issuing Authority.

1. PROCEDURES.

1. Chief, Operations Division shall act as the program manager for PWC policy within the Eighth Coast Guard District
2. Directors of Auxiliary shall:

1. Provide program oversight within their respective regions. Monitor and recommend updates to the program standards and administrative requirements as necessary to Chief, Operations Division.
2. Ensure all PWCs offered for use are owned by Auxiliarists. The Auxiliary cannot accept a PWC from a dealer, company, association or agency as a loaner. There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENT.
3. Coordinate the use of Qualification Examiners (QEs) to conduct initial qualification and annual currency maintenance requirements for PWC operators.
   

   CCGD8INST 16798.1B

4. Provide a list of qualified PWC operators and special purpose facilities to the Order Issuing Authorities.
5. Serve as Order Issuing Authority for areas not directly covered by the Group Commanders.

1. Order Issuing Authorities shall:

1. Designate PWC areas of operation which are within the scope of the requirements in enclosure (2).
2. Issue orders for PWC patrols.

1. Auxiliary Members:

1. Offer PWCs for use that are owned by the requesting Auxiliarist. The Offer for use must be accepted by the regional Director (DIRAUX) before a PWC can be issued orders.
2. Conduct patrols only in areas authorized by the Order Issuing Authority.

1. FORMS/REPORTS.

1. A "Special Purpose Facility" offer for use letter, including a facility inspection report and proof of ownership, must be submitted to the Director of Auxiliary for approval.
2. Complete paperwork for PWC operator qualifications shall be submitted to the Director of Auxiliary for approval.

A. L. Gerfin, JR

Chief of Staff