Surface Operations at N-Train will include the following topics:

Two-minute drill, which will cover numerous topics relating to the Boat Crew Program

• The mandatory 2005 Operations Workshop
• Updated POMS information
• The rollout of the new QE Guide
• Highlights of expected changes in the soon to be released Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual
• A look at training scenarios, and how to implement them
• The establishment of the Auxiliary Surface STAN (Standardization) Team
• Roundtable discussions of issues and best practices from the Districts
• A joint session with Marine Safety and Aviation

The presentation of the Operations Workshop and DSO Roundtable are traditional components at N-Train. The QE Guide, Surface STAN Team, Operations Policy Highlights, and Training Scenarios will be new elements.

COMO Wargo will introduce the QE Guide to the DSO-OPs. This document is intended to make life easier for the QE by providing “one stop shopping” for information that a QE requires. Sample questions and answers are provided for dockside oral exams. Check sheets are provided for underway check rides.

COMO Wargo will also chair the Surface STAN Team, which will focus on these objectives:

• Periodically review the USCG Auxiliary Boat Crew Training (surface, PWC and paddlecraft) program and suggest changes as needed
• Review USCG Auxiliary surface mishap reports and determine system wide interventions to reduce risk as appropriate
• Review the annual Operation Workshop and make suggestions for future program content
• Review program enhancements (i.e. Qualification Examiner Guide, Mentoring Templates, etc.) and recommend changes as needed
• Review the Operations Policy Manual as needed and make recommendations for policy changes
• Review suggested “best practices” from the field and promulgate to the surface community as appropriate
• Recommend additional training for surface operations program as needed
• Review new procedures or mandates of the Coast Guard Boat Crew program and determine if and how these procedures or mandates apply to Auxiliary operations
• Review the UTL-T program and develop recommendations for the program if needed

Master Chief Gary Jensen will discuss some of the changes that are expected in the long awaited Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual. While a lot of the major restructuring of the OPM deals with the Aviation and Communications divisions, there will be new policy for the surface community that reflects how we do business in the post 9-11 world. Master Chief Jensen will also talk about SAMA, and the use of UTL-Ts.

The training scenarios that will be presented were developed by the MS Department in cooperation with Surface Operations. An emphasis will be made on customizing these scenarios for use in different geographic locations.

Presenters will include Master Chief Gary Jensen from OCX-2, COMO Lew Wargo, BC-OSQ, and Mark Simoni, DVC-OS. We also expect to have visits and comments from Operations experts on the gold and silver sides.