Semper Paratus

Every so often I get a chance to look up close at something that the average person only sees from a distance. Recently, I had the privilege of holding a captain's course for thirteen active-duty U.S. Coast Guardsmen. These folks are our most accessible members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The group was comprised of personnel from the rank of Third Class Petty Officer all the way up to Master Chief Petty Officer. Their maritime credentials are impressive. While in their company, I discussed many of the hurdles that these mariners need to jump to earn their various ratings and designations.

It occurred to me that the average person that these Coast Guardsmen protect probably has no idea about the level to which they train. Further, I'll bet you might be surprised to learn the standards that they must meet to qualify as a crewmember on a vessel that may rescue us at sea.

One of the vessels that you are likely to see if you are being rescued offshore is what is known as the "47." It is a 47-foot aluminum, twin-engine boat that can really take some weather. The "47" is manned by a crew of four people. There is a "break-in" Crewman, a qualified Crewman, an Engineer and a Coxswain.

The "break-in" Crewman has been to basic training and is getting experience to qualify as a Crewman. The Engineer has already qualified as a Crewman and has further qualified as a Boat Engineer, capable of maintaining and repairing the mechanical systems on the "47."

The operator of the "47" is the Coxswain. He/she is in charge of the vessel and crew. The Engineer is the second in command. These positions are held regardless of rank. Qualification for these positions has not only to do with the vessel itself, but also the "local knowledge" of the waterways in which the vessel operates. As Coast Guardsmen transfer from station to station, they must re-qualify based on what challenges they face at their new assignment.

In addition to the qualifications already mentioned, there are two boat operator levels higher than Coxswain. They are "Heavy Weather Coxswain" and "Surfman." Based on the sea and wind conditions, a determination is made about which of the three boat operators will lead the crew to a rescue.

A Coxswain operates in seas up to 10 feet and wind up to 30 knots. They define "surf" as "waves or swell of the sea breaking on the shore or a reef." A "Heavy Weather Coxswain" operates in seas up to 20 feet, wind up to 40 knots and surf up to 8 feet high. A "Surfman" operates in seas up to 30 feet, wind up to 50 knots and surf up to 20 feet high.

These mariners don't "get caught" in bad sea conditions; that's what you and I do. Coast Guardsmen actually leave the dock in bad sea conditions to rescue any poor soul that is in trouble on the water. Coxswains, Heavy Weather Coxswains and Surfmen train routinely to be there for us when we need them.

The Coast Guard's motto is "Semper Paratus" which means "Always Ready." Lucky for us, they are "Always Ready" when we call!

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!