The District Conference in Jacksonville last month covered a lot of ground. However, one initiative will be affecting our boat crew training in the near future. The SABOT (Standardized Auxiliary Boat Operations Training) has been approved by both DIRAUX and the Division leadership on the silver side.
This program is designed to accomplish three objectives: 1) provide structured classroom and recurrent On-Water-Training (OWT) for coxswain and crewmembers between their three-year re-qualification; 2) provide a common program, language and procedures for the active duty Coast Guard and the Auxiliary to make it easier to work together; 3) bring the Auxiliary up to the same standard as the active duty Coast Guard, taking into consideration the non-standard boats used in the Auxiliary and the volunteer force.
The volunteer force aspect does not mean lower standards. It recognizes that because Auxiliary Facilities are smaller vessels and have less equipment, there may be greater restrictions on the level of missions the Auxiliary can handle. However, Auxiliary operations personnel must meet the standards as stipulated in the Qualification Guides for Boat Crew, Coxswain or Watchstander. The Coast Guard and Auxiliary Division Leadership have clearly stated the policy – there is only one standard for qualification.
The Division is currently working on some additions to SABOT that will make the training easier for the trainers and the trainees. They hope to have these materials ready in a month or two.
The next step for SABOT within the District is a “Train the Trainer” course. No timeline has been established yet, but I expect something coming down the chain sooner rather than later.
The Flotilla Bridge will be working with Member Training and Operations to do as much preparatory work as possible in advance of the implementation of the program. Our job is to work out the most supportive training for our crews and watchstanders to make this a positive experience.
We are Semper Paratus.
