Member Training
Most member training takes place on the water. In this scene, members prepare to conduct a side tow operation of a simulated distress boat under the watchful eye of a Qualified Examiner. This is one of four tasks members are required to perform annually in order to maintain their currency rating. The other tasks are,- stern tow, man overboard and pre-mission check list. In addition, members must also have at least eight on-the-water hours each year to maintain currency. Accomplishment of the annual currency tasks can be certified by a Coxswain. Every fifth year, members must demonstrate their proficiency in carrying out these tasks to a Qualified Examiner, such as shown here. If a member has a Coxswain rating, he must also pass the Nav Rules test every fifth year to maintain currency.
All boats shown in this picture are classified as Operational Facilities and were under orders on a Patrol Mission from USCG Station Gulfport at the time. That means that a qualified crew was aboard each one and a radio watch was being maintained on VHF channel 16. If a real distress situation somewhere had developed, one or all of these boats could have responded if either called upon by or in concert with the USCG.