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Hot Weather
Summer Heat Advisory & Procedures
Due to hot weather combined with high humidity in Greater Washington D.C. area during
summer months, members involved in outdoor missions (patrols, VE, PA,
etc.) need to guard against heat related illnesses by knowing, understanding & practicing:
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Procedures for recognizing & treating hot weather related illnesses
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Procedures on how to prevent heat exhaustion & other heat related illnesses
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TCT principle concerning team roles & responsibilities in observing, evaluating & communicating team member
behavior, performance & fitness to serve
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Proper wearing of “Hot Weather Uniforms” as described in
Auxiliary Manual, Chapter 10
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Heightened vigilance on need to replace fluids & early signs of
dehydration or heat exhaustion
Our members are our most important asset for without them there would be
no USCG Auxiliary
Please take care of your members & ensure that your members take care of
themselves!
Hot Weather Procedure PDF Document
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Cold Weather (see also Seasonal Ice)
Reference:
Rescue & Survival Guide - COMDTINST 10470.10F
Requirements for Auxiliary Coxswains & Crew members
who go on cold-weather patrols (patrols conducted during times when water
& air temperatures are below
60 degrees or when Coast Guard is required to wear anti-exposure coveralls (known as "mustangs"
&
dry suits).
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All coxswains & 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.
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Anti-exposure coveralls or dry suit worn by personnel must be
inspected & certified as properly maintained.
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Patrol orders will only be issued to Coxswains & Crew who (1) meet cold-weather
training requirement & (2) have appropriate & properly maintained cold-weather
PPE in their possession. There will be no exceptions.
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Station serving as OPCON will have final say on what PPE (mustangs, dry suits, etc.)
must be worn.
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Coxswains are to call Station serving as OPCON prior to getting underway to
confirm what PPE is required & then ensure all involved personnel
fully comply with specified requirement.
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If any member of a scheduled patrol does not have required cold-weather gear (PPE)
& cold-weather
training, individual will be removed from patrol or 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.
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Review and comply with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements specified
in
COMDTINST 10470.10F
combined water
& air temperature chart.
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For water temperatures 50 deg F & below
or combined water & 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 & watch cap
(MSD900_Guide)
must be used.
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Although Dry Suites & 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.
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All personnel should wear approved & properly secured PPE or Lifejackets
when transitioning from shore to a vessel, vessel to shore or vessel to vessel.
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If a crew member becomes exhausted or ineffective, immediately stop mission,
render aid to crew member, call station to advise them of situation & request permission to
secure from mission.
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All personnel should drink plenty of liquids irrespective of perceived inconvenience
associated with going to bathroom. Any exertion in a DRY SUITE
or MSD900 can cause wearer to sweat profusely &
lose large volumes of water which in turn can lead to rapid onset of exhaustion.
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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 &
cumbersome gear.
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All personnel should maintain heightened awareness & exercise care to protect
against impact of Windchill
which can be significant on board a moving vessel.
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Additional information on this topic can be found in the
Rescue and Survival Guide - COMDTINST 10470.10F
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If you are unsure about any 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 or provide appropriate training.
Cold Weather Procedure PDF Document
Seasonal Ice (see also Cold Weather)
Reference:
MSSB01-10 Seasonal Ice Procedure
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When ice is present vessels must have an adequate propulsion system meeting minimum
horsepower requirements imposed by Captain of the Port (COTP), & be able to maneuver
un-assisted through ice without needing to stop, back-off & ram ice.
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When ice is present in C&D canal, navigational restrictions will be coordinated with Sector
Delaware Bay based on shared jurisdiction over this waterway.
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Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure moorings are adequate.
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Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times.
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Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
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Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup & precautions should be
taken to ensure that sea chests are kept clear.
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COTP Baltimore may establish additional requirements for specific geographic areas of
COTP Zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.
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Refer to
Fifth District Ice Reporting Website
or call Sector Baltimore lce Line (410) 576-2682 for information regarding ice
operations within Baltimore COTP Zone.
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