SEAMANSHIP

CHAPTER 10
DUTIES AND MANNERS

FOREWORD
THE AVERAGE USCG AUXILIARY VESSEL CARRIES ONE COXSWAIN
AND A CREW OF TWO. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A PATROL
BOAT CAN GO OUT WITH A CREW OF ONE COXSWAIN AND ONE CREW.
Due to the small size of the vessel involved, an operating crew of only two people
.precludes individual positions of DECK HAND, RADIO WATCH, NAVIGATOR,
ENGINEER, HELMSMAN and RADAR WATCH. These duties are absorbed by
and distributed between the two crew people and the Coxswain as these
responsibilities arise on a patrol.
For that reason, with the exception of the LOOKOUT AND TOWING WATCH,
the other individual duties will only briefly be referred to in this course, because
they are covered in detail in other specific Auxiliary training courses.

The duties listed in this chapter are NOT ALL INCLUSIVE.

INTRODUCTION
1. The text for this chapter is found throughout the USCG
AUXILIARY training manuals, especially those dealing with
Boat Crew Training, Crew Qualification and Coxswain
qualification.
2. The material, including the study questions contained within this
chapter, is sufficient to enable you to pass the final written
examination.

COXON
1. Without getting into the specific duties required of the Coxswain,
suffice it to say, at this point, the Coxswain must be able to
perform ALL OF THE DUTIES ARISING through demand, or
those required for certification, including but not limited to:
Deck Hand

Lookout

Radio person

Helm person

Navigator

Radar person

Engineer

Towing person

LOOK - OUT
RULE NO. 5 of the Rules of the Road specifies the duties of the
LOOK-OUT in complete detail:
Every vessel is required to maintain a PROPER look-out at ALL
TIMES, using eyes/ears and any other means available. This
includes radar when and if you have one and when it is in working
condition.
A lookout is a person assigned TO DO NOTHING EXCEPT BE AN
EXTRA SET OF EYES AND EARS FOR THE CAPTAIN. Chipping
paint on the bow OR ANY OTHER DUTY shall not be considered as
part of the duties of a look-out.

LOOK OUT CONTD

The rule is crystal clear. The LOOK OUT does absolutely
NOTHING but serve as the eyes and ears of the Coxswain
You normally need two; one covering from the bow to the beam.
The second covering from the beam aft to the stern.
On large vessels there may be 8 12 or more look-outs on duty at a
given time.
They do not handle the anchor, lines, get the sandwiches, listen for
radio transmissions or anything else EXCEPT those items
belonging to the lookouts position.
The Look - out is to look out for all other traffic and potential
collision items and immediately notify the Coxswain of what he

PROPER LOOK - OUT

1. Note that the rule uses the term proper look-out.
2. The entire purpose of the Rules is to :PREVENT COLLISION S
AT SEA.
3. Whenever a collision does occur, then the first WATCH that is
looked at is the LOOK-OUT(s) Watch. Obviously, since a
collision did occur, the look-out watch was IMPROPER. The
look-out failed to see what the vessel collided with in time to
avoid the collision.
4. Admiralty Courts have held such a decision of IMPROPER
performance of duty since these courts came into existence.
5. Thus, the definition of a PROPER LOOK-OUT WATCH is one
in which NO COLLISION OCCURRED.

TOWING WATCH
1. Once the tow has been established and set, one of the crew
members will be assigned as the TOW WATCH.
2. This means ALL THE TOW WATCH HAS TO DO IS WATCH
THE TOW and report anything out of the ordinary or any
changes, directly to the Coxswain.
3. The TOW WATCH does NOT handle lines, place fenders, steer
the boat, work on the engine or straighten up the after deck
working area.
4. THE TOW WATCH KEEPS THEIR EYES GLUED TO THE
TOW; BOTH THE TOW LINE AND WHERE IT IS
ATTACHED TO THE TOW BOAT AND ALSO TO THE TOW
ITSELF; reporting any departures to the Coxswain,

WATCHES IN GENERAL
Specific watches have specialized duties that require an extremely
high level of diligence, alertness and concentration by the individual,
to help keep the vessel out of trouble. Therefore, they can not
perform any other duty BUT THE ASSIGNED.
If the Coxswain feels that a situation may arise where the two crew
compliment will not be sufficient to operate within the rules, then he
should make arrangements to augment the crew BEFORE leaving
the dock.
If you get into trouble on the water and it is shown that you had an
IMPROPER look-out or watch, the consequences could be serious
for the Coxswain.

This means that something happened of significance, which the watch failed to
report to the Coxswain.
Some damage to the tow occurred or a collision between the tow and another
object or vessel or between the tow and the towboat itself occurred and was not
reported in time to prevent the accident from happening, by the watch.
Such a watch is deemed to be IMPROPER and is a violation of the rules.
ALL WATCHES ARE TO BE CONDUCTED AS PROPER WATCHES.
The proper reply to the Coxswain is: The tow is watching properly
(improperly).
If improperly watching explain to the Coxswain immediately!.

DUTIES OF A DECKHAND
1. The primary duty of the deckhand is to handle lines.
2. In addition, they keep the working area clean, organized and
shipshape.
3. Make certain all gear is ready for immediate use.
4. Keeping an eye on all fittings and fixtures for possible breakage
or loose fastenings.
5. Keep the Coxswain advised of the status of the working area.

RADIO WATCH
1. Under normal circumstances, the Coxswain will usually handle
the radio(s).
OTHERWISE
1. You must be able to efficiently operate a handheld VHF or a
console.
2. You must know the Phonetic alphabet and how it is used
3. You must be proficient in all USCG communications procedures
for vessels.
4. You should be certified as a RADIO WATCHSTANDER, but this
is not required.
5. You should have completed the AUXCOM course.

NAVIGATOR
1.

Read and be able to efficiently use all navigation charts.

2.

Perform compass course calculations.

3.

Fix positions and plot courses, headings, bearings and tracks.

4.

Compute ETAs, ETDs, Running Fixes, Course corrections, SET and DRIFT
calculations.

5.

Know and understand the complete buoy systems for your waters.

6.

Be a Master of the Rules of the Road.

7.

Be proficient in both Navigation and Pilotage

ENGINEER
1. Realistically, most Auxiliary vessels are either outboards or
unsophisticated inboards and do not utilize the Engineers
position fully. However, every crew member needs to be ready to
assume these duties.
2. The engineer should be competent to operate the engine(s) and to
maintain them in operating order throughout the mission.
3. You should be able to make necessary repairs, within reason,
underway.
4. You must be able to make proper diagnoses of malfunctions or
potential engine failures.
5. Adequately keep the Coxswain informed and advised as to the
status of the power plants onboard.

HELMSPERSON
1. Primary duty is to man the helm under the direction of the
Coxswain or owner or Captain.
2. Must be proficient in maneuvering the vessel safely in the
performance of the necessary duties of the mission, under all
weather sea conditions.
3. The helmsperson steers the boat. They are NOT in command and
they DO NOT act independently of the Coxswain or Captain.
They carry out the orders of the Coxswain or Captain.
4. You must be thoroughly familiar with the vessel, its power
plant(s) and its behavior under almost every kind of situation.

RADAR WATCH
1. A HIGHLY SPECIALIZED WATCH requiring specialized
training and experience.
2. Be able to efficiently operate the particular radar on the vessel.
3. Possess the necessary technical training and knowledge to enable
you to intelligently and correctly interpret the PPI scope.
4. Possess the necessary technical training and experience in
making proper use of the radar as an aid to navigation and
COLLISION AVOIDANCE.
5. You should be prepared, technically, to render testimony as to
your actions and competence, in the event of an accident or
incident under the jurisdiction of the Admiralty Courts involving
your operation of radar.

BOATING MANNERS
Some of the things you can do to make life a little easier
for your fellow boaters :
1. WATCH YOUR WAKE continuously
2. Keep the noise level down
3. Keep a close eye on your anchor, when it is in use.
4. Inform your guests of the use and location of all emergency
gear.
5. Assure proper clothing/ uniform
6. Keep your vessel clean and in ship-shape

POLLUTION
1. Be certain your OIL DISCHARGE PLACARD is properly
displayed at all times.
2. Be certain your GARBAGE PLACARD is properly displayed at
all times.
3. Be certain your TRASH DISPOSAL PLAN is properly displayed
at all times.
4. Be certain the HEAD(S) and HOLDING tank(s) are in good
operating condition and meet the current USCG specifications
and requirements.
5. Make certain everyone onboard understands the proper use of
and proper disposition of all pollution controlled waste products
on the vessel.

BOARDING PROCEDURES
USCG VESSELS
1. Stop at the onboard end of the gangway.
2. Face the quarterdeck(aft).
3. Smartly render the hand salute to the National Ensign.
4. Turn and smartly salute the Officer of the Deck.
5. Request permission to come aboard.
6. Exactly reverse this procedure when departing.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 1

1. The primary duty of a deckhand is_______________
a. to serve as the navigator
b. line handling
c. to supervise engine maintenance
d. to stand radio watch
.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 2

2. The navigator must be able to ________________
a. stand radio watch
b. serve as the aft lookout
c. fix position and plot course
d. give docking commands to the Coxswain

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 3

3. When boarding a Coast Guard vessel, you should render
the hand salute to the OOD _______________
a. as you take the first step onto the gangway.
b. only when departing the vessel.
c. only if you are part of the ships complement
d. immediately after you have rendered your salute to
the National Ensign.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 4

4. Close

to the top of the GOOD MANNERS list

should be______
a. CHECKING THE ANCHOR
b. WATCHING YOUR WAKE.
c. PROPER UNIFORM.
d. WATCHING NOISE.

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 6

6. Every vessel shall maintain a proper lookout
________
a. from sunrise to sunset
b. at all times
c. by all crew members
d. in close quarters situations

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 7

7. The helmsperson is always______________
a. in charge of the vessel
b. the COXSWAIN
c. the person assigned to steer the vessel
d. the lookout

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 8

8. When assigned the towing watch, with a vessel in tow,
you shall_____________
a. assist the other crew in their duties.
b. keep the Coxswain advised as to the status of the
tow at all times.
c. continuously scan the entire horizon
d. clean your area when things have settled down

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 9

9. If you are working as the RADIO watchstander onboard
a patrol vessel on patrol, you should___________
a. voluntarily help other crew members with their duties
b. remember that anyone can grab the mike
c. unless re-assigned by the Coxswain, maintain your watch
d. monitor the other crew members for compliance

REVIEW QUESTIONS NO. 10

10. If you are assigned to the NAVIGATORS WATCH ,
you are expected to be able to__________________
a. plot courses, bearings and headings
b. calculate True, Magnetic and Compass courses and
bearings
c. compute speed through the water and across the
bottom
d. perform (a), (b) and ( c )

END OF CHAPTER 10

END OF AUXSEA COURSE

CONGRATULATIONS
YOU ARE NOW ONE STEP CLOSER TO
BECOMING AUXOP