Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/01/23/2015-01045/revision-of-auxiliary-regulations
Timestamp: 2018-03-20 14:51:13
Document Index: 131240032

Matched Legal Cases: ['§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', 'art 5', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', 'art 5', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', 'art 5', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095', '§\u20095']

A Rule by the Coast Guard on 01/23/2015
This final rule is effective February 23, 2015.
3470-3481 (12 pages)
Comments From Members of the Public Resulting in Changes to the Final Rule
Comments From Members of the Public Not Resulting in Changes to the Final Rule
Changes Made by the Coast Guard
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2015-01045 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2015-01045
The Coast Guard is amending and reorganizing the regulations that govern the operation and administration of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a uniformed, volunteer, non-military organization chartered by Congress. The amendments conform the regulatory language to changes in the laws governing the Coast Guard Auxiliary; clarify the Auxiliary's organization, status, and role in Coast Guard Start Printed Page 3471operations; and update provisions on liability protection for Auxiliary members assigned to Coast Guard duty.
Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of docket USCG-1999-6712 and are available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-1999-6712 in the “Search” box, and then clicking “Search.”
If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Stephen Minutolo, CG-BSX-11, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20593-7501; telephone 202 372-1267; email hqs-dg-m-cgauxregs@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.
The Coast Guard published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27321). Six members of the public submitted comments on the proposed rule. Our responses to these submissions are set out in section V, below.
The purpose of this final rule is to revise and reorganize the regulations governing the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The basis of this action is the Coast Guard's statutory authority to administer the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 14 U.S.C. chapters 23 and 25.
This final rule revises and reorganizes the regulations governing the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard Auxiliary regulations were last updated in 2003 (68 FR 9534, Feb 28, 2003) and 1996 (61 FR 33662, June 28, 1996), but these changes did not address all of the legislative changes being addressed in this final rule. Through this final rule, the Coast Guard updates the regulations in accordance with recent legislation; clarifies Auxiliary powers, duties, and organization; amends provisions regarding Auxiliary membership; and addresses other administrative matters. These changes address several problems common to Auxiliary units. For a more complete list of problems this rulemaking is intended to address, see section III, “Background” in the NPRM, which is located in the docket.
The Coast Guard received six submissions from members of the public about the NPRM. The Coast Guard appreciates the commenters' time and effort to submit comments and will address each comment received. We have incorporated some of the comments into this final rule.
We have divided the comments we received into two groups: Comments from members of the public that resulted in changes to the final rule and comments from members of the public that did not result in changes to the final rule. We have also included a group that discusses administrative changes made to the rule by the Coast Guard.
Three commenters requested that the Coast Guard not use the term “disenrolled” for members who have died. The Coast Guard understands that the term “disenrolled” may have a negative connotation for some people. The Coast Guard respects and appreciates the contributions of every Auxiliary member who has completed their service honorably. We have removed the words “upon death” in § 5.19 of the final rule text relating to reasons for which a member may be disenrolled.
One commenter supported the Coast Guard's proposal to remove the 25 percent minimum ownership interest in a motorboat, yacht, aircraft, or radio station. The Coast Guard agrees that requiring a minimum ownership interest is unnecessary. The 25 percent minimum ownership interest requirement is being removed in this final rule. The remaining criteria for Auxiliary membership are set out in the Auxiliary Manual (COMDTINST M16790.1(series)).
This section addresses comments from the public requesting changes to the proposed regulatory text that the Coast Guard has decided not to adopt. For a number of the comments we received, the Coast Guard's response is that the issue is best handled in Coast Guard policy, for the reasons discussed below.
The Coast Guard received one comment suggesting that the Coast Guard clarify the restriction on Auxiliary participation in direct law enforcement. We agree that “direct law enforcement” should be defined as clearly and unambiguously as possible. However, the dynamic nature of Auxiliary operations and the need to amend operations policy suggest that the Auxiliary manual, not the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), is the best place to define “law enforcement operations.” The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring that Auxiliary operations are conducted safely and within the bounds of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary's authority. The scope and nature of Auxiliary operations are constantly evolving, sometimes rapidly. Missions which would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, such as port security and air intercept training, are now part of everyday Auxiliary operations. In addition, new operational restrictions sometimes come into place very quickly. In 2001, the Auxiliary suffered an aviation mishap with the loss of two lives. To minimize the chance of future mishaps, the Coast Guard and Auxiliary adopted new restrictions for Auxiliary aviation missions within weeks of the mishap. Because of the dynamic nature of Coast Guard and Auxiliary operations and the need for the rules governing operations to be responsive, the proper place to define “direct law enforcement” is the Start Printed Page 3472Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual (COMDTINST M16798.3(series)), not the CFR.
We received one comment requesting clarification of the term “personal property of the Auxiliary”, particularly as it relates to licensing and insurance. “Personal property of the Auxiliary” is property that is owned by or under the administrative control of an Auxiliary unit and used for Auxiliary purposes. Coast Guard policy in this area is set out in the Auxiliary Manual, ALCOAST 600/05, and other Coast Guard Directives. The CFR is not the appropriate venue for addressing this matter because the rules about property owned by the Auxiliary are a matter of agency management and not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. Therefore, we will not be incorporating the relevant Coast Guard policies into this final rule.
Two commenters expressed concern that Auxiliary membership should not be open to persons under the age of 17. Current regulations restrict Auxiliary membership to persons 17 years of age or older. The Coast Guard does not anticipate opening membership in the Auxiliary to persons under the age of 17. We proposed to remove that restriction from the CFR because minimum age for membership is a matter best addressed in Coast Guard policy. Detailed criteria for Auxiliary membership are set out in the Auxiliary Manual. This regulation change will not change the membership requirements in Section 3.A of the Auxiliary Manual.
One commenter encouraged the Coast Guard to reimburse members for travel expenses and per diem. The Coast Guard supports the maximum reimbursement allowed by law and appropriations. This final rule does not change the travel and per diem reimbursement policies of the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard received two comments about compensation for an Auxiliarist who is injured or dies in the line of duty. One commenter noted that compensation for injury or death in the line of duty should be the same as for active duty members. This final rule continues the Coast Guard policy of providing the maximum compensation allowed by law for Auxiliary members who die or are injured in the line of duty. Another commenter suggested that the final rule specify the grade and step at which auxiliary members are compensated for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Paragraph 5.K.6.a. of the Auxiliary Manual and 14 U.S.C. 707(a) provide that members who are injured or die in the performance of duty are compensated at a rate equal to the minimum rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS-9 of the General Schedule. The Coast Guard believes this policy addresses the commenter's concern without changing the regulation.
We received two comments about membership requirements. One commenter noted that the requirements for Auxiliary membership should not be more stringent than those for membership in the active duty Coast Guard. The Coast Guard agrees. Requirements for Auxiliary membership are driven by operational need and are not more stringent than for membership in the active duty Coast Guard. One commenter requested that the Coast Guard consider admitting members who have a reenlistment code of “RE-4” (not eligible to reenlist). This is a policy set out in paragraph 3.A.6.g of the Auxiliary Manual, and this rulemaking does not change that policy.
One commenter suggested that the regulations on eligibility for membership include a caveat that Auxiliary membership does not entitle a permanent resident alien to expedited naturalization processing. The Coast Guard disagrees that a caveat is necessary. The commenter's concern is already addressed by 14 U.S.C. 893, which provides that Auxiliary membership does not entitle a person to additional rights or benefits except as provided by law.
One commenter expressed support for Auxiliary members acting as docents and tour guides for the Coast Guard and other federal and state property. The Coast Guard agrees. This mission has long been considered an authorized Auxiliary activity.
The Coast Guard is also making a limited number of changes to the proposed regulatory text.
The Coast Guard is making three changes to proposed § 5.40. First, the Coast Guard is amending § 5.40(a) to clarify that the regulations are a restatement of policy already established by Coast Guard directives. Second, the Coast Guard is amending § 5.40(b)(2) to include a description of the markings authorized on vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, and radio stations, which are personal property of the Auxiliary. These markings are already authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard Heraldry Manual (COMDTINST M5200.14 (series)) and paragraph 3.F.1 of the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual. The third change is to § 5.40(b) (and in §§ 5.45, 5.46, and 5.47, which mirror the language of § 5.40). This change clarifies the rules regarding the required display of the National Ensign, the patrol sign, the patrol ensign, and the Coast Guard ensign on vessels which have been accepted as facilities. The proposed rule required that these markings be displayed when the vessel was “assigned to Coast Guard duty.” The final rule requires these markings be displayed when the vessel is “on patrol.” A strict reading of the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual could lead a member to believe that a vessel is “assigned to duty” (and must display the national ensign) as soon as written orders are issued, which is not the intent of this rule. The final rule requires display of the required markings when a vessel is on patrol, which is defined in the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual as the time from getting underway until return to the dock or launch ramp.
The Coast Guard corrected a description in § 5.44 regarding the Auxiliary facility decal, which described the slash as rising toward the hoist. A decal does not usually hang from a hoist, so the Coast Guard changed the description of the Auxiliary facility decal to read “rising toward the viewer's right.” There is no substantive difference in the appearance of the decal and this change will not impact the observer.
The Coast Guard is changing the definition of the term “vessel” in 33 CFR 5.1 to conform to the definition in the Inland Navigation Rules, 33 CFR 83.03(a). Prior to this final rule, 33 CFR 1.05 defined vessel as “a motorboat or yacht.” This final rule expands the definition of vessel to include small craft such as kayaks, canoes, and personal watercraft. These small craft are already being used in support of Auxiliary missions. All vessels under the current regulations will continue to meet the definition of vessel in this final rule.
The Coast Guard is amending the definition of the term “motorboat” in 33 CFR 5.1 to include vessels longer than 65 feet. This change allows (but does not require) the Coast Guard to accept as a facility a motorboat longer than 65 feet. All vessels meeting the definition of motorboat in the current regulations will still be considered vessels under the new rule.
The Coast Guard is amending proposed §§ 5.12 and 5.14. The purpose of this change is to clarify the proposed rule related to Auxiliary organization, including offices, titles, designations, and qualifications as ordered by the Commandant. Auxiliary members may wear the uniforms, uniform insignia, and awards that they are authorized to wear, but Auxiliary uniform insignia are Start Printed Page 3473a separate system from the insignia associated with military rank. This change is a clarification of the proposed regulatory text and reflects a long-standing policy.
The Coast Guard is making these changes to §§ 5.01 5.12, 5.14, 5.40, 5.44, 5.45, 5.46, and 5.47 without further notice and opportunity to comment because these changes are within the scope of the NPRM. All of subpart E of the proposed 33 CFR part 5 is a restatement of policy which already exists in the Heraldry Manual and the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual and was proposed in the NPRM. The changes to the definitions in § 5.1 and the rules for uniforms and insignia in §§ 5.12 and 5.14 are in sections where changes were proposed in the NPRM. Furthermore, these changes do not change the effect of the rule proposed in the NPRM.
In addition to revisions discussed above, this final rule changes two sections of the proposed rule for clarity. Because these changes only clarify existing or proposed text and will have no substantive effect on the public, notice and comment procedures are unnecessary. Therefore, the Coast Guard finds good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553 for forgoing an NPRM with respect to these administrative changes. These changes are described below.
In § 5.30(b)(3), the paragraph heading of the proposed rule referred to the status of “Public vessels,” when the section applies to vessels, aircraft, and radio stations which are owned by, in the custody of, or under the administrative jurisdiction of the Auxiliary. This section interprets 14 U.S.C. 827, 828 and 829, which provide protection against third-party damage claims to Auxiliary facilities and equipment. The paragraph heading of the final rule was revised to accurately reflect the scope of the statutory protection.
Section 5.36(a) deals with the loan of vessels, aircraft, radio stations, motorized vehicles, trailers, and other equipment. The words “aircraft, radio station, motorized vehicle, and other equipment” were left out of the fourth sentence and are added in the final rule.
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. Below, we summarize our analyses based on these statutes or Executive Orders.
This final rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the final rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2013 (78 FR 27321). We received no public comments that change the substance of the requirements or the regulatory analysis embedded in that published NPRM, nor any specifics to that regulatory analysis. Therefore, we adopt the NPRM regulatory analysis as final without any changes. The NPRM regulatory analysis is replicated here for the final rule.
The final rule conforms regulatory language to statutes, codifies many existing practices, clarifies procedures, increases procedural flexibility for the Coast Guard and Auxiliarists, increases overall efficiency in the process, and re-organizes content to improve clarity. There are no costs to either the federal government or the private sector associated with these proposed changes.
This final rule applies to members and prospective members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and people and companies that interact with the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is a Congressionally-chartered component of the Coast Guard made up of uniformed volunteers. Auxiliary units (“flotillas”) are neither corporations nor charities and often encounter administrative trouble with banks, insurance companies, and businesses. This rulemaking clarifies for the public the nature, organization, and purpose of the Auxiliary, and conforms the regulatory language to the Auxiliary statutes, as amended by legislative changes. Many of these changes are already reflected in Coast Guard policies and manuals. For example, the financial aspects of these regulations, such as reimbursement of expenses, including the Standard Auxiliary Maintenance Allowance (SAMA), incorporate already existing practices and authorities, as detailed in the Auxiliary Manual, chapter 9 and the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual, chapter 3 and section B-2.
These changes update our regulations to capture our current practices regarding reimbursement of Auxiliary facility expenses and maintenance costs. The payment of death gratuities to the representatives of Auxiliarists who die in the performance of duty while assigned to duty is currently funded pursuant to legislative authorization and supported by Commandant policy (COMDTINST 12550.21A, CG Death Gratuity Payment), enabling Auxiliarists to be regarded as Coast Guard employees for the purpose of death gratuity payments.
The primary benefit of this final rule is to conform regulatory language to the legislative changes described in section III, Background. This rulemaking makes it easier and more efficient for Auxiliarists to interact with banks, insurance agents, and the Coast Guard. Banks help process reimbursements (via direct deposit) for operations and other missions requiring Auxiliarists to incur an initial expense from their personal funds. Insurance agents' relationships are also important, as Auxiliarists may be reimbursed for damages to their vessels when those vessels are engaged in waterborne or airborne operational patrols.
We have classified the proposed changes into categories, as listed in Table 1. There are no costs associated with the changes.Start Printed Page 3474
Table 1—33 CFR Part 5 Categories and Discussion of Changes
§ 5.1 Revise section None—Administrative revisions made consistent with statutory changes Revises the definition of “Act” to “Auxiliary Act” and to include recent statutory amendments, including the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 (Pub L. 104-324), the 2002 amendment contained in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-295), the 2004 amendment contained in the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-293), the 2006 amendments contained in the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-241) and the 2012 amendments contained the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-213). Added parts or completed definitions for “Personal property of the Auxiliary” and “Direct law enforcement”. Amended definition for “Facility or facilities”, “radio station”, “vessel”, “motorboat”, and “Secretary”.
§ 5.7 Revise section None Describes Commandant's authority to redelegate to the Auxiliary and existing delegations.
§ 5.9 Revise section None—Reorganization and revision to reflect current practice Existing contents covered in new § 5.10. New content establishes various Coast Guard directives and publications as appropriate references. Provides details of Auxiliary activities through Source 1: Auxiliary Manual and Source 2: Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual.
§ 5.10 Add section None—Removes Barrier to Entry New content moved from § 5.9 and revised. Eliminates minimum age and ownership requirements to remove unnecessary barriers to entry into Auxiliary. Reflects recent legislative change that authorizes eligibility for Auxiliary members to include United States nationals and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
§ 5.13 Revise section None—Reorganization Existing content covered by § 5.10 and published in the Auxiliary Manual, Chapter 3A. New content moved with minor edits from § 5.23.
§ 5.14 Add section None—Reorganization New content moved from § 5.61—Uniforms and § 5.63—Insignia and combined. See Source 1 for additional background.
§ 5.18 Add section None—Clarification of Current Practice Added to clarify the benefits paid in case of injury or death while assigned to duty. In general, these benefits are currently covered in AFC-08 account for civilian pay. Procedures already in place. See Source 1, Chapter 5 Section K: Claims, Injury, or Death while Assigned to Duty and K.6.: Death of an Auxiliarist while Assigned to Duty. No new cost to the Coast Guard or Auxiliary as this is current practice.
§ 5.20 Add section None—Reorganization, revisions to reflect current practice Moved from § 5.31. The Coast Guard amends this section to remove the word “specific”. It also implements current policy on exclusion from law enforcement responsibilities and authority of Auxiliarists and recognition that status and authority of Auxiliarists in various duty assignments may be limited compared to their Coast Guard counterparts.
§ 5.22 Add section None—Reorganization Existing content moved to § 5.12. New content moved from § 5.27 and 5.29 with minimal edits.
§ 5.24 Add section None—Current practice Added to include information about procedures for assignment to duty of Auxiliarists and their facilities. This section codifies the language in the Auxiliary Manual.
§ 5.30 Add section None—Clarification of current practice New section with clarification of facilities' duty status. Clarification of facilities' liability status, in accordance with 14 U.S.C. 821(d)(2). New section to clarify expense reimbursement using concepts from current § 5.49.
§ 5.34 Add section None—Clarification of current practice consistent with statute This section is added to address offers of use personal property of the Auxiliary, pursuant to 14 U.S.C. 821. Incorporates provisions of § 5.41.
§ 5.42 Add section None—Clarification of current practice Content moved from § 5.47. Prescribes the use of the Auxiliary ensign in accordance with Auxiliary policy.
§ 5.43 Revise section None—Current practice Existing content moved to § 5.30. Codifies the description of the Auxiliary mark from the Auxiliary Manual.
§ 5.46 Add section None—Clarification of current practice Added to address the proper use of the Auxiliary patrol ensign. Moved part of § 5.48 to this location.
§ 5.47 Revise section None—Reorganization and Current practice Existing content moved to §§ 5.40, 5.41, and 5.42. Codifies the display of the Coast Guard ensign as described in Auxiliary policy.
§ 5.48 Revise section None—Reorganization and clarification of current practice Existing content moved to §§ 5.40 and 5.46. New content added to address the additional markings of Auxiliary aircraft and reflect the allowance for Auxiliary aircraft to display the Auxiliary facility decal.
Remove § 5.59 None—Reorganization Moved to § 5.18(b) and (c) and revised.
Remove § 5.65 None—Current Practice Internal policy in Auxiliary Manual Chapter 11, and in Coast Guard Medals and Awards Manual, COMDTINST M1650.25. See also 14 U.S.C. 502.
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, we have considered whether this final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. This rule imposes no direct costs; consequently, there are no impacts on small entities to consider. Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121, we offered to assist small entities Start Printed Page 3476in understanding this rule so that they could better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 (“Federalism”) if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132 and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132. This rule revises and reorganizes Coast Guard regulations governing the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The rule is an exercise of authority specifically granted to the Coast Guard in chapters 23 and 25 of Title 14 (Coast Guard), U.S.C., and is a matter of internal administration. It does not prevent states from establishing local law enforcement, public safety, or response capabilities. Therefore, this rule does not have implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132.
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD (National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Policy For Considering Environmental Impacts Manual), which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f, and have concluded that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the operation and administration of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and falls under section 2.B.2, figure 2-1, paragraphs (34)(a), (b), (c), and (d) of the Instruction. These paragraphs exempt regulations which are editorial or procedural, concern internal agency functions or organization, concern the training and qualifying of maritime personnel, and concern the inspection of vessels, respectively. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard revises 33 CFR part 5 to read as follows:
Offices, titles, designations, qualifications, and recognition.
Start Printed Page 3477 Subpart C—Activities, Operations, and Training
Auxiliary patrol ensign.
(c) For all Auxiliary units, the Unit Leader is the person authorized to exercise the authority set forth in § 5.7 on behalf of his or her unit, and may delegate that authority.
(7) Enter into cooperative agreements and grant agreements with the Coast Guard and other Federal, State, or municipal agencies.Start Printed Page 3478
Further guidance on Auxiliary missions and activities may be found in Coast Guard directives and publications, including the Auxiliary Manual (Commandant Instruction M16790.1(series)) and the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual (Commandant Instruction M16798.3(series)). Those directives and publications can be found online at http://www.uscg.mil/​auxiliary/​publications/​comdtinst/​.
(a) The Commandant will prescribe, through the Coast Guard Auxiliary directives referenced in § 5.9, the type of training, qualifications, and examinations required before a member of the Auxiliary will be deemed qualified to perform certain duties, and will prescribe the circumstances and manner in which members of the Auxiliary will be authorized to perform regular and emergency duties.
(a) Members of the Auxiliary wishing to offer vessels, aircraft, radio stations, motorized vehicles, trailers, or other equipment for use as a facility must follow the procedures set forth in the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual referenced in § 5.9.
(a) Auxiliary units wishing to offer personal property of the Auxiliary (usually unit-owned property) for use as a facility must follow the procedures set forth in the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual referenced in § 5.9.
(a) This subpart describes the design and display of distinctive markings used by Auxiliary vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, radio stations, and other equipment. These markings are established in the directives referenced in § 5.9 and the U.S. Coast Guard Heraldry Manual (COMDTINST M5200.14(series)).
(b) Auxiliary markings on vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, radio stations and other equipment. (1) Vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, radio stations, and other equipment which are owned by Auxiliary members, or are personal property of the Auxiliary, or are otherwise affiliated with the Auxiliary may display the Auxiliary emblem (§ 5.41), the Auxiliary ensign (§ 5.42), and/or the Auxiliary mark (§ 5.43).
(3) Vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, radio stations, and other equipment which have been accepted as facilities shall display the Auxiliary facility decal (§ 5.44).
(4) Vessels that have been accepted as facilities and are on patrol, whether or not they are underway, shall display the Start Printed Page 3480National Ensign, the patrol sign (§ 5.45) and either the patrol ensign (§ 5.46) or the Coast Guard ensign (§ 5.47) as appropriate and able.
(a) Description. The Auxiliary mark consists of a broad diagonal blue stripe followed (to the left or aft) by two narrow stripes—first a white stripe, and then a red stripe. The Auxiliary emblem, as described in § 5.41, is centered in the diagonal blue stripe.
(b) Display. Vessels, aircraft, motorized vehicles, trailers, radio stations and other equipment accepted for use by the Coast Guard must display the Auxiliary facility decal as authorized in the Auxiliary Operations Policy Manual referenced in § 5.9.
(b) Aircraft which are accepted as facilities may be marked with the Auxiliary mark (§ 5.43) and/or the word “RESCUE” on the underside of the wing or fuselage for easier identification from the ground.
[FR Doc. 2015-01045 Filed 1-22-15; 8:45 am]