Member Training

Most of the documents referred to on this and linked program pages are in Adobe Acrobat portable document file (.pdf) format.  To download Acrobat Reader^® free, click on the yellow logo at the left.

Members have a variety of training courses available to prepare them for participation in the various activities of their choosing in the Auxiliary.  This training is conducted, for the most part, at the flotilla level or online.  However depending on local arrangements, and the nature of the course, they may also be presented at the division, district, and even the national level, as "C" schools.   Click here to access National's Department of Training. Click here for the National Testing Center.

Members who are interested in the crew training program need to successfully complete Incident Command System courses IS-100 and IS-700 offered on line by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Members wishing to become qualified coxswains need to successfully complete incident Command System courses IS-200 and IS-800 also offered on line by FEMA. Click here to access FEMA's training resource center.  IS-210 or IS-300 is also required for Coxswain qualification, which are only offered in a classroom setting.

Student and Instructor Guides are available from the  Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC), please contact your Materials Officer.  Course manuals are available online here.

Recent changes to the member training program are available here.

AUXOP Training

The AUXOP, or Operational Auxiliarist, program is an advanced training program available to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  An AUXOP member has completed the advanced specialty courses and is entitled to wear the special AUXOP device on the uniform. The AUXOP Specialty courses also provide an excellent foundation for the Boat Crew and Coxswain program.  Requirements for AUXOP have changed on 01 January 2011 and now include leadership and Incident Command System options in place of some of the traditional courses. Click here or contact the FSO-MT for information and clarification.

Obtaining AUXOP training requires the Auxiliarist to make arrangements to get the study material and to register for any class instruction that may be available.  AUXOP specialty courses may be taken either as formal courses or by self-study.  The study guides and other documents available from the National Training Dept. are in portable document file (PDF) format and requires the user to have Adobe Acrobat^® .  Click here to download the free Acrobat Reader^®.

The following are the six specialty courses.  Click on any one of them and get more information on that course:

Other Auxiliary Training

While the above programs are important to your growth as an Auxiliarist, the following training makes you a more productive member of the Flotilla almost immediately upon completion.  Click on any one of them and get detailed information on that course.

Two other very different courses are required to be completed in order to enter into specific activities.

• Administrative Procedures:  This course focuses on the Auxiliary Manual and provides a foundation for information needed for elected officers at the flotilla and division levels.  Successful completion of the APC course is a prerequisite for any elected office.  The Auxiliary Manual is the sole text for the course.  Click here for a copy of the current AUXMAN in PDF format.  The test is open book or may be taken online.  A passing grade of 90% is required.
• Navigation Rules:  In order to qualify as a coxswain a member must go through the coxswain training and also must pass the proctored NavRules written exam (passing score is 90%).  Although this is required for coxswain qualification it is separate from the coxswain training.  Once the member passes the proctored exam he must recertify his NavRules standing every five years.  The recertification test is an open book exam and can be done online.   If you take the AUXSEA course you will get a good start on the NavRules.  So, if you are thinking about someday becoming a coxswain it will save you some time if you study the NavRules manual and take that exam soon after the AUXSEA exam.   The USCG new site for Navigation Rules has been relocated to their Navigation Center.

Auxiliary C-Schools:  Take advantage of available C-Schools to increase your knowledge and skills.  Your travel and living costs are paid by the Coast Guard.  The class sizes are limited so plan for them well in advance and submit your requests early.  Completion of C-Schools will benefit you and the Coast Guard. Click here for the C-School web site showing schedules and information on courses offered.

[Home]   [What's New]