AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER COAST GUARD
CALOUNDRA QUEENSLAND FLOTILLA 4

Coast Guard Training 2008

All training in the Caloundra Coast Guard is conducted to a national standard. It is a requirement that all our boats are crewed by members attaining the minimum standard of competency.

This is achieved by using Competency Based Training (CBT) in the theory and practice of maritime skills.

When you first join the Flotilla you will find that there are plenty of people to show you the ropes and help you out.
The training may seem daunting at first but we approach it in a simple step by step fashion.
We normally conduct theoretical training on Tuesday evenings between 1900 and 2100.
Practical training is done on our vessels after you have been assigned to a crew.

INDUCTION TRAINING:

New members of the Flotilla are given a basic course on what we are about in three modules:
Aims and Objectives - an awareness and knowledge of the structure of the Association.
Safety Induction - awareness of safety procedures around our building and boats.
Seamanship Induction - provides theoretical knowledge for the new member to participate as an observer during Training and Operations aboard our Rescue Vessels.

COMPETENT CREW:

This is the first level of theoretical and practical training in Marine Rescue Operation and comprises nine modules of various maritime and emergency skills including First Aid Training.
Upon successful completion of this course, members are deemed competent to work on the boats under supervision and to participate in the full operational duties of the Flotilla.
A Certificate of Achievement is awarded and the course is usually completed within 12 months.

RESTRICTED COXSWAIN:

On completion of a further nine modules encompassing navigation, boat handling skills, radio and emergency procedures a Restricted Coxswain will be responsible for supervising the crew under the direction of the vessel skipper. In addition, the Restricted Coxswain may command the vessels for training purposes after showing competency in boat handling.

COXSWAIN - CERTIFICATE 2:

This is the final hurdle to becoming a fully fledged skipper in the flotilla.
It includes training in navigation, Search and Rescue and the use of radar and GPS.