Author: Chris Harshfield

20 JAN 2023

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 004/23

Subj:  AUXILIARY COVID-19 GUIDANCE – VERSION 5

1.  All Auxiliarists are highly encouraged to review the latest version of the Auxiliary COVID-19 Guide which has been posted in AUXDATA II and on the Chief Director of Auxiliary (CHDIRAUX) website at:  Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance. To review the guide in AUXDATA II, login to AUXDATA II; from the AUXDATA Navigation Bar select “More,” then “Files,” and then select “Libraries.” The guide and other relevant COVID-19 information are located in the folder, “CG Auxiliary COVID-19 Guidance.” Questions regarding the content of the guide should be directed to the appropriate Auxiliary Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM).

2.  The following are highlights within this revision (review the Guide for more details about each item):

a.  The temporary restriction that requires all Auxiliarists to be fully vaccinated prior to volunteering for an assignment to duty (ATD), has been suspended. All Auxiliarists may request ATD in any Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level without the need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test unless otherwise requested in accordance with the “Meetings and Conferences” section of the Guide.

b.  District Directors of Auxiliary (DIRAUXs) and Order Issuing Authorities (OIAs) should follow the CDC guidance and recommendations applicable to their AOR’s current CDC COVID-19 Community Level. Please review the following regarding CDC COVID-19 Community Levels: COVID-19 by County | CDC.

c.  All Auxiliarists are expected to view the CDC COVID-19 page at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC for further information on transmission, prevention, symptoms and emergency warning signs, people at higher risk for severe illness, exposure risk, preventing infection, etc.

d.  Community Level mask wear guidelines follow:

(1)  CDC COVID-19 Community Level of High: All Auxiliarists shall wear a high-quality mask. (An example of a high-quality mask is a cloth mask that properly fits over the nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks; has multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric; has a nose wire; and has fabric that blocks light when help up to a bright light source. Another example of a high-quality mask is a procedure mask (aka surgical mask) with a proper fit over the nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks; has multiple layers of non-woven material; and a nose wire.) See CDC’s page on types of masks and respirators for further information:  Masks and Respirators (cdc.gov)

(2)  CDC COVID-19 Community Levels of Medium and Low: Masks are optional for all Auxiliarists unless otherwise directed by DIRAUX or the cognizant Coast Guard OIA.

e.  Auxiliarists, regardless of vaccination status, may apply for and attend mission-critical Auxiliary C-schools. Full COVID-19 vaccination is still required to apply for and attend non-mission-critical C-schools. Please review ALAUX 046/22, Resumption of In-Person Auxiliary C-schools, which identifies mission-critical Auxiliary C-schools and can be found at the following:  2022 ALAUX (uscgaux.info), for further information.

f.  Currency Maintenance can be found in ALAUX 048/22, Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Annual Currency Maintenance Requirement Tracking for Crewmember, Coxswain, PWC Operator, and Nighttime Certification, at 2022 ALAUX (uscgaux.info). Any questions should be directed to the servicing DIRAUX and Operations Training Officer (OTO).

g.  All official Auxiliary engagement activities that entail attending other-than-Coast Guard or other-than-Auxiliary conferences, conventions, or other large gatherings are authorized in accordance with CDC guidelines, Coast Guard policy, and Auxiliarists shall follow State and local policy if more restrictive.

h.  All Auxiliary gatherings (meeting, conferences, training, etc.) are authorized to be planned and executed in any CDC COVID-19 Community Level without the need for further Coast Guard or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clearance or waiver. This is regardless of their duration, type of gathering, number of participants, or vaccination status.

i.  Official travel is authorized for all Auxiliarists regardless of vaccination status. Auxiliarists must continually check the CDC COVID-19 Community Level for the areas they will be traveling to and from. In addition, Auxiliarists must review CDC’s travel notices at: Travelers’ Health | CDC and Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC

3.  DIRAUX offices, Coast Guard units, and OIAs are continually assessing operational risks posed by COVID-19 and developing mitigation strategies in advance of mission performance. They remain the best sources for guidance regarding Auxiliary assignments to duty within their respective areas of responsibility. All Auxiliarists are expected to help them by exercising caution and adhering to Coast Guard guidance.

4.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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17 JAN 2023

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 003/23

Subj:  PROMULGATION OF THE AUXILIARY BOAT CREW QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING HANDBOOKS

A.  Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Handbook, ABQH 16794.52A

B.  Auxiliary Training Handbook – Boat Crew, ATH 16794.51A

C.  Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Handbook, ABQH 16794.52B

D.  Auxiliary Training Handbook – Boat Crew, ATH 16794.51B

1.  This ALAUX announces the cancellation of references (A and B), and the promulgation of references (C and D).  This is an update to ALAUX 041/22, Promulgation of the Auxiliary Training Handbook – Boat Crew, ATH 16794.51A and ALAUX 042/22, Promulgation of the Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Handbook – Boat Crew, ABQH 16794.52A.

2.  References (C and D) were signed by the Chief Director of Auxiliary on 13 January 2023.

3.  References (C and D) lists of major changes can be found in each Handbook’s Letter of Promulgation.

4.  No paper distribution will be made of this Handbook. This Handbook is available on SharePoint at:  CG-BSX-1 – BSX-1 Directives – All Documents (sharepoint-mil.us) and the Internet at:  Surface Program Manuals and Document Info (uscgaux.info)

5.  Auxiliary members that have started the qualification process prior to release of this ALAUX, as either a crewmember, coxswain, or PWC operator under reference (A), are authorized to transfer applicable “TASKs” from reference (A) to reference (C) and continue the qualification process using reference (C).

6.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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13 JAN 2023

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 002/23

Subj:  2023 NATIONAL WORKSHOPS  

Ref:  (A) Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)

1. National Operations Workshops. The Surface and Telecommunications Workshops are required for 2023. The Air Operations Workshop is a mandatory task included as part of the Air Station Safety Workshop. Like 2022, the National Operations Workshops (Surface/Air/Telecommunications) may be completed via webinar. The workshop training material(s) must be delivered by an Auxiliarist qualified in the respective operations program provided they are either a certified instructor or are under the supervision of a certified instructor. Instructors may use any webinar delivery platform that is available in their region. Instructors are encouraged to work with their Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) to determine the proper delivery platform. Self-Attestation is NOT permitted for any of these National Operations Workshops. The workshops will relay significant, needed information and will take longer than 1 hour (possibly 2 hours) to complete, please plan accordingly. Details for the 2023 required National Operations Workshops are listed below: 

a. Surface Operations Workshop. This workshop is required for all boat crew coxswains, boat crew members, personal watercraft operators, paddle craft operators, and those currently training for any of these competencies, including members in Required Yearly Not Met (REYR) status who intend to regain their certification.

b. Air Operations Workshop. This workshop is a required element of the annual Air Station Safety Workshop. It is required for all pilots, air crew, air observers, and those currently training for any of these competencies, including members in REYR status who intend to regain their certification.

c. Telecommunications Workshop. This workshop is required of all operators and owners of Auxiliary Radio Facilities. It is required of those currently holding Telecommunications Operator (TCO), or in training for TCO qualification, and those who are using AUXCOM as their “grandfathered” qualification for radio operation. This does not apply to the operation of radios on aircraft or vessels which are covered by crew certification.

d. The 2023 National Operations Workshop presentations (Air, Surface, and Telecommunications) are located at the National Response Directorate web page at the following link: National Operations Workshops – 2023

e. Instructors of these workshops must submit a Workshop Mission and Attendance Report (ANSC-7039) to their IS officer for entry into AUXDATA II.

2. National Vessel Examiner and Instructor Workshops. The Vessel Examiner (VE) and Instructor (IT) Workshops are required for 2023. These workshops are intended to be viewed by members and completion logged via a self-attestation form as described below. These workshops may also be facilitated by an Instructor via webinar or in person as District COVID-19 Protocols permit.

a. VE Workshop. This workshop is required for all certified Vessel Examiners, and those currently training to become Vessel Examiners, including members in REYR status who intend to regain their certification. The VE workshop presentations are located at the National V-Directorate website (in the Member Zone) at:  2023 National VE Workshop. The workshop may also be accessed at: http://wow.uscgaux.info/Uploads_wowII/V-DEPT/2023_VE_workshop_Dec_4_22.pdf

b. IT Workshop. This workshop is advised for all certified Instructors, and those currently training to become Instructors, including members in REYR status who intend to regain their certification. The IT workshop is located at the E-Directorate website “What’s New!” page (in the Member Zone) at:  2023 E-Directorate Workshop. In addition, members can go to Workshops (uscgaux.info) and find the 2021, 2022, and 2023 IT Workshops in archive.

c. Members who individually view the VE or IT workshops in their entirety must submit a Workshop Attestation Form to their FSO-IS for entry into AUXDATA II. In order to make data entry easier, IS officers may collect forms for all their members required to complete these workshops and make one entry into AUXDATA II using the last day of the month of the Activity/Task Completion date. This form is located in the same location as the VE and IT Workshop presentations listed above. Note: When adding the VE workshop task to Activity Logs in AUXDATA II use the task named “Vessel Examinations Workshop” in the Workshops task category list.

d. If the workshop is facilitated by an Instructor in a webinar or group setting, the Instructor must submit a Workshop Mission and Attendance Report (ANSC-7039) to their IS officer for entry into AUXDATA II.  

3. National Culinary Assistance Specialists Sanitation Workshop. This workshop is required for all Auxiliary Culinary Assistance Specialists and those currently training for this competency, including members in REYR status who intend to regain their certification. Please follow the instructions on the Auxiliary Culinary Assistance Specialists Website for completing the Annual AUXCA Sanitation Workshop. After completing the workshop and passing the required test on the National Testing Center, course completion will be logged into AUXDATA II via the National Testing Center course results upload. There is no need to create separate activity logs for completion of this course in AUXDATA II. The appropriate DSO-CA will automatically be notified of course completion. The workshop is available through the Auxiliary Human Resources Directorate web page/Divisions tab at: National Auxiliary Culinary Assistance Website

4. Per chapter 8.B.1.g of reference (A), all required workshops must be completed no later than 30 June 2023. If not completed by 30 June 2023, members required to complete those workshops will have their affected competencies place into Required Workshop Not Met (REWK). If a required workshop is not completed by 31 December 2023, the affected competencies will be placed in REYR status.

• The Air Operations Workshop is a required element of the annual Air Station Safety Workshop. Both workshops must be completed by the end of 2023. The task should be entered into AUXDATA II for participants.

5. Questions should be directed to the appropriate Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM).

6.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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12 JAN 2023

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 001/23

Subj:  EXTENSION TO AUX-SOP-004(A) 04 Sep 20 – ELECTION OF UNIT OFFICERS THROUGH THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS

1.  ALAUX 002/22 communicated the Chief Director of Auxiliary’s extension of AUX-SOP-004(A) for the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 election cycle. ALAUX 023/22 communicated the Chief Director of Auxiliary’s final action on a National Board proposal to authorize unrestricted conduct of elections through electronic means. That final action called for revisitation of the proposal in 2024 and anticipation that the provisions of AUX-SOP-004(A) would be extended through 2023.

2.  Accordingly, the Chief Director of Auxiliary has granted an extension to AUX-SOP-004(A) for all CY 2023 elections effective immediately. The need for future extension shall be determined by the Chief Director of Auxiliary.

3.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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21 DEC 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 049/22

Subj:

Please read the following ALCOAST announcement from the Commandant sending holiday seasons greetings to the entire Coast Guard workforce. I would also like to personally extend a holiday greeting to all of you, from myself and the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (CG-BSX). Your volunteerism is an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great work and please be safe. Bravo Zulu to you all and Semper Paratus!

Respectfully,
Captain Troy P. Glendye
Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX)

R 201630Z DEC 22 MID200080606746U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 513/22
SSIC 1000
SUBJ: 2022 HOLIDAY SEASONS GREETINGS
1. I extend my warmest holiday seasons greetings to the entire Coast Guard workforce. This is a time to reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to the promise of the coming new year.

2. Whether saving lives in the wake of natural disasters including Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Fiona, responding to a surge in irregular maritime migration, watching over the U.S. marine transportation system, patrolling global waters from the Arctic to the Antarctic, or successfully executing our many other missions, I am honored to send this note of appreciation.

3. You continue to answer the call to duty in a changing world. Through your determination and resilience, we have persevered through a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and a turbulent geopolitical landscape. Your hard work and resolve are why I am so optimistic about the future.
4. I also appreciate the continued dedication of our Coast Guard families. The demands of Coast Guard operations this year have been felt by our family and friends as much as by our own crews. The holiday season is an opportunity for many to enjoy a bit more time with loved ones. I encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity as operations allow.

5. This holiday season, let us all rest, remember, and reflect on why we serve. For those standing watch, our Nation depends on your vigilance. For those off-duty, enjoy the time with your loved ones and friends. And for all, remember those shipmates we have lost this year – active duty, Reserve, Auxiliary, or civilian. Keep their families in your thoughts and support them as part of our Coast Guard community.
6. Thank you for your service! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Semper Paratus!
7. ADM Linda Fagan, Commandant (CCG), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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20 DEC 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 048/22

Subj: CALENDAR YEAR (CY) 2023 ANNUAL CURRENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT TRACKING FOR CREWMEMBER, COXSWAIN, PWC OPERATOR,AND NIGHTTIME CERTIFICATION

1.  This ALAUX announces requirements for nighttime certification and procedures for tracking annual currency maintenance task for CY 2023. 

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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29 NOV 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 046/22

Subj:  RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON AUXILIARY C-SCHOOLS – REVISION TO CG-BSX POLICY LETTER 21-01

1.  On 28 May 2021, the Chief Director of the Auxiliary signed CG-BSX Policy Letter 21-01, Resumption of In-Person Auxiliary C-schools. It provided initial guidance for the resumption of in-person Auxiliary C-schools and limited attendance to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The policy letter was revised on 24 June 2021 to expand in-person Auxiliary C-school attendance to include unvaccinated individuals and define associated home unit Restriction of Movement (ROM) requirements. It was subsequently revised on 18 October 2021 to limit in-person Auxiliary C-school application and attendance to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The policy letter was revised again on 25 July 2022 to include new provisions on recommendations and actions to take if instructors or students are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for it during or after a C-school is completed.

2.  On 28 November 2022 this policy letter was revised to expand in-person Auxiliary C-school attendance to include unvaccinated Auxiliarists for the following Auxiliary C-schools designated mission critical:

a. AUX-06: 501065 Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) and Chart Updating
b. AUX-07: 501066 Auxiliary Senior Officer Course (ASOC)
c. AUX-10: 501548 Information Systems AUXDATA II

d. AUX-14: 501570 Auxiliary District Flight Safety Officer (DFSO)
e. AUX-15: 501571 Auxiliary Aviation Coordinator (AAC) and Auxiliary Liaison Officer (AUXLO)
f. AUX-17: 501573 Crew Resource Management (CRM)
g. AUX-18: 501574 Auxiliary Aviation Spatial Disorientation and Survival

3.  The policy letter can be found on the Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX) website at: CG-BSX Policy Letters.

4.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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28 NOV 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 045/22

Subj:  AUXILIARY SURVEY REQUEST

1.  The Chief Director of Auxiliary has authorized the release of a survey directed towards all Auxiliarists to address membership numbers and overall satisfaction in your volunteer service. All Auxiliarists are encouraged to complete this survey. 

2.  LCDR Terry Plank, from the Coast Guard Office of Emergency Management (CG-OEM) Post-Graduate Program, is conducting research on what makes an Auxiliarist motivated to volunteer and what makes a successful and satisfying volunteer experience. The results of this short survey may help inform future policies, assist in recruitment and retention, and make for a more satisfying volunteer experience.

3.  LCDR Plank is currently enrolled at the University of Delaware – School of Public Policy in a master’s degree program in Disaster Science and Management. The motivation for this research comes from tours of duty and deployments where he worked side by side with the Coast Guard Auxiliary on hurricane and oil spill responses, National Security Special Events, maritime safety operations, countless ICS trainings and exercises, certification boards, and his work with the Incident Management Auxiliary Support Team (IMAST). LCDR Plank understands the importance of the Auxiliary to overall Coast Guard mission success and the value that all Auxiliarists provide.

4.  The survey should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete, no names or identifying information will be captured or published. All responses provided will be anonymized through the survey tool, so neither the research committee nor the Coast Guard will know the identity of the Auxiliarist submitting the survey. The survey will be available from 28 November 2022 through 14 January 2023.

5.  Survey Link: https://delaware.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Hwr7UBqxLQsYLA

6.  If you have any questions regarding this survey, please reach out to LCDR Terry Plank at Terry.R.Plank@uscg.mil.

7.   Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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16 NOV 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 044/22

Subj:  CREATION OF AUXILIARY MASTER CUTTERMAN DESIGNATION

1.  On 15 November 2022, the Chief Director of Auxiliary signed CG-BSX Policy Letter 22-12, Auxiliary Master Cutterman Designation. This designation recognizes Auxiliarists who demonstrate prolonged commitment and dedication to supporting the Coast Guard cutter community. The specific criteria, recognition, and awarding procedure are detailed in Policy Letter 22-12. All Auxiliary leaders are encouraged to review and advertise it, and consider members who may be eligible for the designation.

2.  The policy letter can be found on the Chief Director of Auxiliary (CG-BSX) website at:  CG-BSX Policy Letters.

3.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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14 NOV 2022

FM:  CHDIRAUX

TO:  ALAUX

ALAUX 043/22

Subj:  PROMULGATION OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION STANDARD (EMS PQS) FOR THE AUXILIARY

A.  ALCOAST 007/22, Promulgation of the Emergency Management Specialist Performance Qualification Standard (EMS PQS), Dated 10JAN2022

1.  This ALAUX establishes the implementation of the new USCG Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) Performance Qualification Standard for the Auxiliary.

2.  Reference (A) announced the promulgation of the new Coast Guard Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) Performance Qualification Standard (PQS) (01 January 2022) and the cancellation of the Coast Guard Contingency Preparedness (CP) PQS as part of an ongoing initiative to align these standards more closely with the knowledge and skills required of Coast Guard Emergency Management Specialists. The current Auxiliary Contingency Planner (AUX-CP) PQS does not address all the knowledge and proficiency items in the prior CG-CP PQS. Likewise, there are significant differences between the AUX-CP PQS and the new EMS PQS.

3.  Auxiliarists who currently hold the AUX-CP qualification will be allowed to keep this qualification. Auxiliarists who currently hold the AUX-CP qualification will be allowed to count this qualification toward competency requirements for the Auxiliary Marine Safety (Trident) Insignia.

4.  Auxiliarists currently working toward the AUX-CP qualification will be required to complete the qualification prior to 30 June 2023.

5.  The AUXDATA II records of Auxiliarists who currently hold the AUX-CP qualification and those that earn the qualification prior to 30 June 2023 will not be recoded to indicate that they have earned the EMS qualification. There should be no change to prerequisite qualification requirements for Auxiliarists to provide sector-level planning support. Neither the AUX-CP nor the EMS qualification should be added as a requirement for providing this type of support.

6.  Starting 30 June 2023, the EMS PQS will become the standard for preparing Auxiliarists to support Coast Guard emergency management planning and operations.

7.  Internet release is authorized.

If you have a question regarding this ALAUX, please seek resolution within your Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) including up to your servicing District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX). If your question still cannot be resolved after that, then please email CGAUX@uscg.mil.

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