Welcome to the exciting world of the Vessel Examination Program

As the District Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations, I am at your service and pledge myself to provide the utmost in customer service and guidance as we represent the Auxiliary in promoting the Recreational Boating Safety program to boaters and the general public.  Our Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) are our mainstay.  Vessel Examiners all need to know what needs to be done in our ever-changing environment.  Technology is changing everyday as we strive to perform our tasks conducting a VSC, answering questions from a boater about equipment, inquiring about becoming a member, or how to register for a boating course.  VEs are very visible to the boating public and the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary members.

In order for us to be successful again this year, I have established one goal for the Vessel Examiners. That is to increase the number of Vessel Examiners which ultimately will result in an increase of VSCs in our district.  If we can meet four objectives, we will achieve that goal.

 The first objective is to consider VSC stations as a division event rather than a flotilla or single VE conducting a VE station.  Having two or more flotillas conducting a VE station is a rewarding event with fellowship a by-product of that team working together.  Some divisions have done this and have been very successful.

Our second objective is to increase the number of Vessel Examiners in every flotilla.  It is a great way for new members to contribute to the productivity of the flotilla and to be engaged.  There are a number of experienced members who are in REYR.  Assist them to become active again.  They are great mentors for our new Vessel Examiners.

The third objective is to communicate with each other at the division and flotilla level.  Let everyone know where and when VSC stations are planned and this allows everyone to become involved. Brief your elected leadership on the benefits as a Vessel Examiner.

The last objective is again to communicate more often with each other.  We now have some tools to conduct conference calls to provide information on a timely basis for the divisions to disseminate to the flotillas.  We will meet our goal if we accomplish these objectives.  I am here to help you.  We always have challenges that we will encounter and effective communications is the proven way to increase our effectiveness in the Vessel Examination program. The boating season is upon us.  Let’s have fun out there.

Instructions for Certifying Auxiliary Member Qualifications for Vessel Examiner:

These are the required steps to get a member seeking a qualification, certified in the AUXDATA system. These include both the initial qualification and removal from REYR status.

Initial Qualification:
1. Member takes and passes Vessel Examiner test, either online from the National Testing Center (NTC) or test supplied and graded by the Flotilla Commander. All test results are sent by the FC to the ADSO-MT-Q. The NTC or ADSO-MT-Q will then enter the course completion into AUXDATA.
2. Member performs 5 Vessel Safety Checks under the supervision of a Qualified Vessel Examiner. The Flotilla Commander then sends the ADSO-MT-Q the members name and ID # and certifies that the member has performed the required Vessel Safety Checks as a trainee. The ADSO will send ribbon and certificate to the Flotilla Commander for presentation to the member, and notify DIRAUX to assign the competency and add the certification to the members AUXDATA record.

Removal from REYR:
1. If cause is because member has not taken a Mandatory Workshop, the Member must take and submit Workshop Record to the FSO-IS for entry into AUXDATA .
2. If the cause is the failure of the member to perform the required Vessel Safety Checks the previous year, the member must perform 2 Vessel Safety Checks under the supervision of a Qualified Vessel Examiner. The Flotilla Commander then emails the DIRAUX office giving the members name and ID# and certifying the member has performed the required Vessel Safety Checks
3. The DIRAUX designee will then reassign the competency and reinstate Certification.