The six advanced specialty courses have closed book examinations
and are described below.
AUXNAV, Navigation Specialist
The Navigation Specialist is an asset to Auxiliary operations. This individual
knows where their vessel is at any given time and keeps it from danger. The
Navigation Specialist is also well prepared to participate in our PE program,
teaching the piloting portion of our basic courses and participating in the
Basic Coastal Navigation (BCN) and Advanced Coastal Navigation (ACN) courses.
(32 hours)
AUXCOM, Communications Specialist
Communications Specialist is one of the few specialties cited as a requirement
for other Auxiliary activities: ownership of an Auxiliary Fixed Land, Land
Mobile or Direction-Finding Radio Facility. It is also required by
communication officers who conduct radio facility inspections. AUXCOM is also
the entry-level requirement for communications watchstander training at Coast
Guard units. (14 hours)
AUXPAT, Patrols Specialist
The Patrols Specialist is another asset to Auxiliary operations. This individual
fully understands the complete spectrum of operational activities, both on the
water and in the air, such as: safety patrols, search and rescue (SAR),
regattas spectator safety control, chart updating / aids to navigation (ATON)
patrols, etc. Practical knowledge achieved by the Patrols Specialist engenders
a keen awareness of and response to emergency situations without jeopardizing
the crew and facility. (10 hours)
AUXSAR, Search and Rescue (SAR) Specialist
The SAR Specialist is well qualified in SAR and an asset to the Auxiliary
operations. AUXSAR training is designed to present an understanding of
policies, organization and procedures involved in the SAR process as practiced
by the Coast Guard. The SAR Specialist is aware of the 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. (12
hours)
AUXSEA, Seamanship Specialist
The Seamanship Specialist is a particularly valuable asset to Auxiliary
operations, as knowledge of vessels and proficiency in their operation is a
major Auxiliary interest. A Seamanship Specialist has knowledge of vessels and
their propulsion systems as well as information on how vessels are constructed,
founded and operated. The Seamanship 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 / coxswain programs, will make the member a competent and reliable
crewmember of an Auxiliary facility. (10 hours)
AUXWEA, Weather Specialist
The Weather Specialist is an asset
to the Auxiliary operations. This individual understands weather, its
importance in the marine environment and in conducting safe and effective
operations. The Weather 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 Weather Specialist develops a keen sense of weather processes,
including those which have an element of danger: thunder storms, squall lines,
fog, tornadoes and other severe phenomena. (12 hours)
