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Coast Guard Auxiliary members who are active in the various RBS programs can earn the right to wear the Recreational Boating Safety device pictured to the left. Based on a point system, Auxiliarists are credited with the hours spent in teaching boating safety courses, delivering public affairs lectures and presentations, participating in legislative programs, meeting with State boating safety officials, and receive a point for each vessel examination they conduct under the Vessel Safety Check and Vessel Facility Inspection programs. A member earning 240 points or more, over a period of two consecutive years will be awarded this RBS Device. (Specific Requirements for RBS Device)

The Act of September 30, 1944, Chapter 453, 58 Stat. 759 stated “The primary purpose of the establishment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was to indoctrinate all owners and operators of small craft in safety requirements in the operation and navigation of small craft. A secondary purpose of the institution of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was to “utilize the Auxiliary craft and personnel, after suitable training and indoctrination, in carrying out certain duties of the Coast Guard with particular inference to those concerned with the safety of navigation.” During the years since the establishment of the Auxiliary, Auxiliarists have devoted countless hours in support of this primary purpose.

Auxiliarists who get involved in Recreational Boating Safety programs receive high level training in the services they provide, and are knowledgeable, proficient and experienced enough to perform vessel safety checks, and to educate marine dealers and the public in small boat operations.  This provides a cadre of boating experts who are able to promote and participate in other missions supporting Coast Guard operations (such as conducting safety patrols on the water, in the air, and on land).
 

Vessel Safety Checks, a cornerstone of the Auxiliary's safe boating program, have proven their value since first instituted in 1947. A vessel safety check is a courtesy examination of a pleasure boat to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal laws and regulations. The vessel examiner is a trained specialist who will make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will help make the operator a safer and more confident boater.

Vessel examinations by certified Flotilla 12-5 examiners are free of charge, and are made at the request of a recreational boat owner. Members regularly staff Vessel Safety Check Stations at various locations in the area, and special arrangements for the examinations can be made by contacting the flotilla. Most safety patrols also have a qualified Vessel Examiner on board and it may be possible to have a VSC performed on the spot, so long as it does not interfere with their primary mission of assisting other boaters who are either disabled or in distress.

Fully trained and qualified members of Flotilla 12-5 offer Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) at regularly scheduled events or at the request of individual boat owners. The scheduled VSC events for 2006 are as follows:

National VSC Web Site

Virtual VSC (Why not check your boat for safety before having it inspected by the Auxiliary)

Contact Flotilla 12-5 to schedule a VSC

The purpose of the Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (RBSVP) is to promote safe boating for the recreational boating public through the aid of local businesses, offices and marine dealerships. This includes the continuing education of the general public and office, business and dealership managers (program partners) and distribution of safety/boating-related literature. Great strides toward an ultimate goal of safe and enjoyable recreational boating can be made by making safety and related boating information available wherever the general public shops, passes by or waits. The members participating in this program are known as Program Visitors (PVs).

RBSVP Best Practices Guide

Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-5 also conduct public education classes covering safe boating, state and federal boating laws and regulations, and good practices in the areas of practical seamanship and small craft navigation. These classes are offered at the local community level, and are either free-of-charge or require only a small fee for necessary course material.

Listing of Public Education courses being offered in District 11NR (Including Northern California)

Flotilla 12-5 members conducting patrol missions under Coast Guard orders fly this ensign and also display a Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol Sign visible from both the port and starboard sides of their vessel. Though not formally performing an RBS mission, generally the vessel and its crew are on a scheduled safety patrol, ready to assist recreational boaters who are either lost, disabled or in distress.

They may also have been called out on a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission. Or they may be updating navigational charts, providing logistical support to regular Coast Guard units in the area, or providing support — such as transportation — for a specific Coast Guard law enforcement operation.

Coxswains and boat crew members assigned to Safety Patrols are trained and must meet a high level of competency in small boat handling before being authorized to participate.

But it all doesn't happen "on the water."

► Land-mobile radio stations, most often installed in the motor vehicles of Auxiliarists assigned to marina and seaport patrols, assist in reporting safety and security hazards at these facilities, and also provide radio communications during SAR and disaster relief operations.

► Flotilla 12-5's "Air Wing," comprised of both licensed pilots who are owner/operators of their private aircraft, plus trained and Coast Guard certified air crew members, are active in all areas of the Auxiliary's air operation coordinated by Coast Guard District 11NR. The Auxiliary air facilities belonging to Flotilla 12-5 members include five fixed wing aircraft and two Bell 47 helicopters. Auxiliary operated air missions provide the Coast Guard with the services of trained and competent FAA-certified pilots, trained air crews, and airworthy aircraft. The activities typically assigned to Auxiliary pilots and crew members augment and enhance Coast Guard services by providing necessary operational and logistical support

And you can help the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary help you if you ever need assistance on the water:

Find out how to File a Float Plan

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