USCG Small-Boat Coxswain Midterm
Exam Questions With Already Passed
Answers.
From where is our authority to conduct SAR drawn? - Answer 14 U.S.C. 88:
The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain and operate SAR facilities and may render aid to
distressed persons and protect and save property on and under the high seas and waters subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States
Under what situations are we permitted to fight fire? - Answer 1- Aboard our own vessels
2- In the early stages of a fire to prevent a situation from worsening
3- As needed to save lives
4- In support of a regular fire-fighting agency iff under the direction of a qualified fire officer
How do you respond to flare sightings? - Answer All flare sightings--regardless of color--are treated as
distress until proven otherwise. Unresolved searches require a first-light search.
Red/Orange = Distress
White = illumination
Green = training
From where does a coxswain get their authority? - Answer Coast Guard Regulations Manual
COMINST 5000.3B
The coxswain is the direct representative of the commanding officer or officer in charge and, as such has
authority and responsibility which are independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel
embarked. The coxswain's authority and responsibility exist only when the boat is engaged on a specific
sortie or missions.
, Who can relieve a coxswain? - Answer 1- CO/OiC
2- XO/XPO
3- A senior officer at the scene of distress, emergency or other abnormal situation who exercises
authority under the provisions of Article 5-1-4,
What are the coxswain's responsibilities--in order of precedence? - Answer "The coxswain shall be
responsible, in order of precedence, for the safety and conduct of the passengers and crew;, the safe
operation and navigation of the boat assigned; and the completion of the sortie or missions(s) assigned
or undertaken pursuant to Coast Guard Policy and regulations. A coxswain underway will at all times
respond, within the limits of capabilities and legal authority, to observed hazards to life or property, and
violations of laws or regulations." And report AtoN discrepancies.
Can a coxswain leave the boat while engaged in a specific sortie or mission? - Answer It should be
remembered that completing a mission is secondary to ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and
the boat. The coxswain may ONLY leave the boat if:
In the coxswain's judgment, and after careful consideration of the remaining crewmember's experience,
the operational benefits clearly outweigh the risk of leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain, and
every reasonable attempt to garner the CO/OiC's concurrence shall be made.
What is the USCG general salvage policy? - Answer U.S. Coast Guard Addendum to the United States
National SAR Supplement
Chapter 4 - General SAR Policies
General Salvage (other than towing) includes what actions? - Answer -Ungrounding
-Damage control
-Dewatering
(we shall not refloat sunken vessels or vessels that are completely "high and dry")
What is the MSAP? - Answer Maritime SAR Assistance Policy?
Can we engage in general salvage (other than towing)? - Answer When commercial salvors are on
scene performing salvage, Coast Guard units may assist them within the unit's capabilities, if the salvor
Exam Questions With Already Passed
Answers.
From where is our authority to conduct SAR drawn? - Answer 14 U.S.C. 88:
The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain and operate SAR facilities and may render aid to
distressed persons and protect and save property on and under the high seas and waters subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States
Under what situations are we permitted to fight fire? - Answer 1- Aboard our own vessels
2- In the early stages of a fire to prevent a situation from worsening
3- As needed to save lives
4- In support of a regular fire-fighting agency iff under the direction of a qualified fire officer
How do you respond to flare sightings? - Answer All flare sightings--regardless of color--are treated as
distress until proven otherwise. Unresolved searches require a first-light search.
Red/Orange = Distress
White = illumination
Green = training
From where does a coxswain get their authority? - Answer Coast Guard Regulations Manual
COMINST 5000.3B
The coxswain is the direct representative of the commanding officer or officer in charge and, as such has
authority and responsibility which are independent of rank or seniority in relation to other personnel
embarked. The coxswain's authority and responsibility exist only when the boat is engaged on a specific
sortie or missions.
, Who can relieve a coxswain? - Answer 1- CO/OiC
2- XO/XPO
3- A senior officer at the scene of distress, emergency or other abnormal situation who exercises
authority under the provisions of Article 5-1-4,
What are the coxswain's responsibilities--in order of precedence? - Answer "The coxswain shall be
responsible, in order of precedence, for the safety and conduct of the passengers and crew;, the safe
operation and navigation of the boat assigned; and the completion of the sortie or missions(s) assigned
or undertaken pursuant to Coast Guard Policy and regulations. A coxswain underway will at all times
respond, within the limits of capabilities and legal authority, to observed hazards to life or property, and
violations of laws or regulations." And report AtoN discrepancies.
Can a coxswain leave the boat while engaged in a specific sortie or mission? - Answer It should be
remembered that completing a mission is secondary to ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and
the boat. The coxswain may ONLY leave the boat if:
In the coxswain's judgment, and after careful consideration of the remaining crewmember's experience,
the operational benefits clearly outweigh the risk of leaving the boat without a qualified coxswain, and
every reasonable attempt to garner the CO/OiC's concurrence shall be made.
What is the USCG general salvage policy? - Answer U.S. Coast Guard Addendum to the United States
National SAR Supplement
Chapter 4 - General SAR Policies
General Salvage (other than towing) includes what actions? - Answer -Ungrounding
-Damage control
-Dewatering
(we shall not refloat sunken vessels or vessels that are completely "high and dry")
What is the MSAP? - Answer Maritime SAR Assistance Policy?
Can we engage in general salvage (other than towing)? - Answer When commercial salvors are on
scene performing salvage, Coast Guard units may assist them within the unit's capabilities, if the salvor
