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Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)

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Severe Weather

WATCH means MONITOR & TRACK
WARNING means TAKE COVER!

Be Prepared (Semper Paratus):

• Review information located on the Are You Prepared and Hurricanes / Disasters pages

• Review Flotilla Emergency Response Plan (FL-ERP) located on Members Only Deck & take appropriate actions

• Identify pre-planned spot where family members will take shelter, if it becomes necessary, such as a stairwell, interior corridor with no windows, a bathroom on ground floor or sturdy below ground basement

• Establish an emergency escape and evacuation plan.  Review how & when to implement with family members:

  • Premises:

    • Primary and alternate escape routs

    • Safe and secure meeting place

  • Vehicle:

    • Safe and easily accessible location with good egress

    • Battery is charged

    • Tires properly inflated

    • Wiper Blades in good condition

    • Fuel tank is full

    • Current road maps

    • Charger for Cell Phone

• Verify five (5) day supply of critical items on-hand:

  • Prescription drugs / Medicine

  • Fresh bottled water

  • Items to eat that do not require refrigeration or preparation

  • Clothing and protective gear appropriate for anticipated conditions

  • Extra batteries for flashlight and radio

• Keep on night stand:

  • Flashlight and Portable Radio

  • Glasses / Contacts

  • Cell Phone

  • Wallet or purse

  • Car Keys

• Keep next to the bed:

  • Clothing and Shoes that can be quickly and easily put on in dark

Severe Weather Procedure  PDF Document

Hot Weather

Summer Heat Advisory & Procedures

Due to the hot weather combined with high humidity experienced throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area during summer months, members who are involved in outdoor missions (patrols, VE, PA, etc.) need to guard against heat related illnesses by reviewing, knowing, understanding, observing or practicing the following:

• Procedures for recognizing and treating hot weather related illnesses

• Procedures on how to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses

• TCT principle concerning team roles & responsibilities especially as it relates to observing, evaluating and communicating team member behavior, performance and fitness to serve

• Proper wearing of “Hot Weather Uniforms” as described in AUXMAN, Chapter 10, H.3

• Heightened vigilance on the need to replace fluids and early signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion during conducting outdoor missions

Our members are our most important asset for without them there would be no USCG Auxiliary.
Please, take care of your members, and ensure that your members take care of themselves!

Hot Weather Procedure  PDF Document

Cold Weather (see also Seasonal Ice)

Reference: Rescue & Survival Guide - COMDTINST 10470.10F

Effective 19 December 2009, CAPT O'Malley issued new requirements for Auxiliary Coxswains and Crew members who go on cold-weather patrols (patrols conducted during times when the water and air temperatures are below 60 degrees or when the Coast Guard is required to wear anti-exposure coveralls (known as "mustang" and dry suits).

• All coxswains and crew who participate in cold weather patrols must undergo training in cold-weather operations.
  Boatsafe "Brrr - How Cold is the Water" with 10 minute "Cold Water Boot Camp" video.

• Anti-exposure coveralls or dry suit worn by personnel must be inspected and certified as properly maintained.

• Patrol orders will only be issued to Coxswains and Crew who  (1) meet the cold-weather training requirement and (2) have appropriate and properly maintained cold-weather PPE in their possession. There will be no exceptions.

• Station serving as OPCON will have final say on what PPE (mustangs, dry suits, etc.) must be worn.

• Coxswains are to call the Station serving as OPCON prior to getting underway to confirm what PPE is required and then ensure all involved personnel fully comply with specified requirement.

• If any member of a scheduled patrol does not have the required cold-weather gear (PPE) and cold-weather training, the individual will be removed from the patrol or the patrol cancelled.

TCT Principles are to be applied to all cold weather missions with additional emphasis on safety!
Existing procedures already in effect also apply.

• Review and comply with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements specified in COMDTINST 10470.10F combined water and air temperature chart.

• For water temperatures 50 deg F and below or combined water and air conditions under specified limits (see chart), a Dry Suit with approved undergarments, hood, and accessories or a MSD900 with polypropylene underwear, waterproof insulated boots, sock booties, two layer waterproof gloves, balaclava and watch cap (MSD900_Guide) must be used.

• Although Dry Suites and MSD900 have some intrinsic buoyancy, an approved Lifejacket must be worn over these PPE devices.  Inflatable Lifejacket must be checked prior to each mission & serviced annually.

• All personnel should wear approved and properly secured PPE or Lifejackets when transitioning from shore to a vessel, vessel to shore or vessel to vessel.

• If a crew member becomes exhausted or ineffective, immediately stop mission, render aid to crew member, call station to advise them of situation and request permission to secure from the mission.

• All personnel should drink plenty of liquids irrespective of the perceived inconvenience associated with going to the bathroom.  Any exertion in a DRY SUITE or MSD900 can cause the wearer to sweat profusely and lose large volumes of water which in turn can lead to the rapid onset of exhaustion.

• All personnel should maintain extra vigilance in freezing temperatures due to increased risk of slipping or falling from potential ice forming on deck combined with wearing unfamiliar and cumbersome gear.

• All personnel should maintain heightened awareness and exercise care to protect against the impact of Windchill which can be significant on board a moving vessel.

• Additional information on this topic can be found in the Rescue and Survival Guide - COMDTINST 10470.10F

• If you are unsure about any of the points covered above, contact your FSO-OP, FSO-MT or FVC prior to undertaking a mission so they can explain, clarify or provide additional assistance and/or provide appropriate training.

Cold Weather Procedure  PDF Document

Seasonal Ice (see also Cold Weather)

Reference: MSSB01-10 Seasonal Ice Procedure

• When ice is present vessels must have an adequate propulsion system meeting the minimum horsepower requirements imposed by the Captain of the Port (COTP), and be able to maneuver un-assisted through the ice without needing to stop, back-off and ram the ice.

• When ice is present in the C&D canal, navigational restrictions will be coordinated with Sector Delaware Bay based on the shared jurisdiction over this waterway.

• Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure moorings are adequate.

• Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times.

• Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.

• Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure that the sea chests are kept clear.

• The COTP Baltimore may establish additional requirements for specific geographic areas of the COTP Zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.

• Refer to Fifth District Ice Reporting Website or call the Sector Baltimore lce Line at (410)576-2682 for additional information regarding ice operations within the Baltimore COTP Zone.