Paddle Craft Operator (PCO) Don Goff D5S PCO Coordinator March 2014

Paddle Craft Operator (PCO)

Don GoffD5S PCO Coordinator

March 2014

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator 2

Overview

• What is a PCO?• Missions• Paddle Craft OPFACs• Qualification Process• Training• Testing• Fitness• Currency Maintenance


What is a PCO?

• The PCO's mission is to promote Recreational Boating Safety through education, both by example and through the distribution of boating literature to all members of the boating public.

• While on patrol, all Auxiliary PCOs will conduct themselves and operate their PCs in a professional and courteous manner. They will comply with all state/local regulations. They shall be sensitive to operating in environmentally sensitive areas and act accordingly.


Missions

• Examples of where PCOs can accomplish the RBS mission include the following interaction with the paddling public at paddling events and venues, such as:

• Community paddling events• Canoe races•Canoe / Kayak liveries•Kayak races•Stand up paddleboard events•Sculling events•Triathlons •“Meet-Up” Groups•Local Schools and Colleges•Local paddling clubs/organizations •Boat, Outdoor & Sportsman Shows


Operational Limits

• Paddle Craft will operate in tandem with:– another PC– a PWC – Motorized OPFAC

• Maximum Six Hour Patrol, One Hour Break• No Night Ops• Patrol Orders Through AOM• Limits of hand held radios (5 watts power on high)

may mean deploying a TCO-certified member with a mobile VHF radio facility.


Paddle Craft OPFAC Gear• Printed pre-underway checklist• Pen or pencil• Notebook/logbook• Sponge and manual pump for dewatering• Other gear needed for safe operation and

self-rescue of the particular type of paddle craft: paddle float, paddle leash, spray skirt

• Drinking water• Visual Distress Signals (VDS)• Label or Nameplate affixed to interior of

vessel, identifying Owner and "if found" phone numbers

• CGAUX patrol ensign and National Ensign (if practical)

• CGAUX patrol sign* (if practical)• RBS literature in waterproof container (if

practical)

• One waterproof VHF marine radio or portable VHF radio in clear plastic waterproof bag.

• Watch , (waterproof)• Cell Phone in waterproof container as

backup• Flashlight or Headlamp• Flotation foam or bags sufficient to permit

self-rescue• GPS• Compass, hand-held or mounted• Rescue throw bag (smaller size for paddle

craft, 30' max recommended) • Spare paddle/oar• First Aid Kit • Emergency survival blankets (2) "space

blankets" • Chart of Local Area



Required Gear


PPE• PFD • Strobe light • Whistle• Signal Mirror• Knife (3" blade minimum)• Appropriate protective clothing for the environmental conditions must be worn. • Dry bag with dry uniform clothes is required to be carried, unless a dry suit is worn• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) • AUX ball cap or approved "Sun" hat (Tilley hat, or ODU “Boonie” hat).• Sunglasses with lanyard • Drinking water• In the rare instance when a PC Facility Patrol is authorized when water temperatures

are below 60 degrees F, PCOs are required to wear dry suit and appropriate undergarments

• Footwear appropriate to conditions as approved by the OIA


QUALIFICATION TASKS In-Port

Crew fatigue, physical fitness and TCT

First aid and survival

Marlinespike seamanship, boat characteristics and stability

Communications

Navigation

Prepared by Don Goff, PCO Coordinator

Qualification Tasks-UnderwayState the Operational Limitations and Characteristics

Conduct a Pre-Underway Check Off

Locate and Operate Boat's Dewatering Equipment

Enter and Exit Vessel from a Dock or Poolside

Enter and Exit the Vessel from the Shoreline

Maneuver the Vessel

Demonstrate a Self-Rescue Evolution

Demonstrate a Rescue Evolution of Another Paddle Craft

Demonstrate the Use of the Rescue Throw Bag

11


Paddle Float Self Rescue

Assisted Rescue


Training and Signoffs

• Current Coxswain and Crew are “grandfathered” for in-port tasks.

• For Break-ins, if signed off for Crew or Coxswain, overlaps count. (less than 2 years old)

• Any authorized mentor can sign In-port tasks• PCO mentor required for Underway tasks• QE is a special PC-QE, not necessarily the same

as for power boats


Testing

QE:• Dockside• Underway


Personal Fitness Plan Requirements

• Due to the physically demanding nature of this program, all PCOs are encouraged to be physically fit and to strive to meet the goals established by the Coast Guard for sex/age group outlined in the Coast Guard Personal Fitness Plan Data Sheet, CG-6049.

• There are no specific requirements for age, weight, strength, or endurance other than demonstrating proficiency in the standard qualification tasks. In place of detailed physical requirements, trainees must meet the following standards in completing each qualification task: – The trainee must successfully perform each task personally, without assistance. – Each task must be performed with little hesitation. – Each task must be performed with confidence. – Each task must be performed safely.


Currency Maintenance

• Annual:– Regular TCT requirements, (1 hr, 4 hr)– Eight Hours Under Way– Swim Test– Pre-Underway Check

• Third Year, (QE):– Demonstrate a Self-Rescue– Rescue Evolution of another Paddle Craft– Demonstrate the rescue throw bag – Operate a handheld VHF-FM Radio– Obtain Distress Info and Pass to Controlling Authority


WHAT’S NEXT?

Build the Team—Train and EvaluateOperate Safely and Successfully

Promote The Program Throughout the Sector Recruit New Paddler Members for the Auxiliary

Set Goals

Promote

RecruitPatrol

Evaluate


PQS

Available at:http://www.uscga5sr.com/paddle_sports/D5SR_paddle_craft.pdf

http://www.uscga5sr.com/paddle_sports/D5SR_paddle_craft.pdf




Questions?

Documents

Paddle Craft Operator (PCO) Don Goff D5S PCO Coordinator March 2014