Communications

Overview of the Telecommunications Program

Auxiliary communications are not bound into a rigidly structured operational system but rather consist of those radio-equipped vessels and aircraft,  fixed land stations, land mobile stations and direction finder stations that have been accepted by the Director of the Auxiliary as facilities.

The primary purposes of the Auxiliary communications network are:

• Coordinating authorized Auxiliary activities in support of Coast Guard Operations

• Augmenting the Coast Guard communications system, when required

• Communicating urgent matters of official Auxiliary business

• Training

• Assisting national resources in time of disaster

In general, Auxiliarists will operate radio facilities in conjunction with authorized surface and air missions.  They will, at that time, use authorized government frequencies.

In order to stand watch at a Coast Guard or an Auxiliary communication facility, a Basically Qualified Auxiliarist must complete either the Auxiliary Communications Specialty Course (or the equivalent),  or the Coast Guard Watchstander Qualification Program.

Radio Facility

An Auxiliary radio facility does not require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license when operating while assigned to duty or performing a mission directed or scheduled by the U S Coast Guard.

A radio facility may be offered for use by an Auxiliarist and, if it meets requirements for that type of facility, it will be accepted by the Director of the Auxiliary.  The facility owner must arrange for an initial inspection of the facility and, thereafter, a re-inspection every three years from the date of acceptance for use. Radio equipment used on a surface or air facility is considered and inspected as part of that facility.  In general, the operator of a radio facility must maintain radio logs and formal message logs.  Under ordinary conditions, Auxiliary radio facilities operate according to the Telecommunications Manual, COMDTINST M2000.3.

Date last updated: 29 July 2008