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Staff officers are appointed by the Flotilla Commander but in operational matters generally report to the Vice Flotilla Commander. In these substantive areas lines of authority and communication run from the heads of the unit to the staff officers, while functional lines of communication are maintained between the staff officers at one level and the staff officers at the next highest level, e.g., from the FSO/CM (a flotilla position) to the SO/CM (a division position) and from there up to the DSO/CM (a district position). This parallel command and coordination structure is fitting for a volunteer organization like the Auxiliary. To find the name of the incumbent Flotilla 33 staff officer, click here.
Aids to Navigation Officer -- FSO/AN
Responsible for activities dealing with navigation aids, verification of Aids to Navigation, reporting of discrepancies in aids to navigation, chart discrepancies and chart updating information.
Supervises the Academy Introductory Mission program (AIM) and Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP). This includes making visits to high schools to inform as many qualified students as possible about the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Academy, and the Coast Guard AIM Program.
Encourages the establishment of land-based Auxiliary fixed and mobile VHF-FM radio stations and promotes participation in communication drills, including training exercises in search and rescue communications for vessels and aircraft. Works with flotillas to provide qualified Auxiliarists to stand communications watches at Coast Guard Station Milford Haven.
Supervises all financial matters; collects and disburses funds and maintains complete and understandable records of all financial transactions; maintains an annual budget; ensures that annual flotilla audits are performed.
Arranges for and coordinates computer communications systems, including e-mail, Web site development and administration, and other "paperless" forms of communication.
Maintains systems to record member activities in each mission category (Operations, Public Education, Vessel Examinations, Member Training, AIM Project, etc.) and supervises reporting to higher Auxiliary levels while providing feedback to individual members.
Maintains contact with State and local boating authorities on matters related to marine sanitation devices, waterways pollution and the environment; assures the flotillas are informed about and active in pollution abatement programs. Prepares an annual Emergency Response Plan for the flotilla.
Makes courtesy calls on area marine retailers who deal with boaters in order to supply Coast Guard publications and other materials that encourage boating safety.
Maintains an inventory of current Auxiliary forms and literature; assists members in ordering educational materials, uniform items, and consumable supplies.
Promotes the growth of the flotilla by recruiting new members; develops programs and activities to retain current members by enriching their Auxiliary experiences.
Coordinates organized boating activities; schedules safety patrols, regatta patrols, chart updating patrols, support missions, etc. Ensures that such activities are performed in accord with current Coast Guard policies.
Organizes and encourages a continuous program of formal and informal training activities to assure members achieve higher levels of knowledge and expertise about subjects related to Auxiliary programs. Strives to upgrade the qualifications of active members.
Develops and coordinates media activities to obtain favorable and supportive publicity for Auxiliary programs. Organizes speakers' bureaus, etc. Prepares articles and photographs for submission to local newspapers and journals.
Schedules and coordinates public education classes conducted by the flotilla and assures that flotilla instructors are qualified and equipped to teach.
Records and publishes minutes of the flotilla; maintains mailing lists, rosters, and current copies of the flotilla's Standing Rules; maintains the administrative records of the flotilla.
Oversees and coordinates the free Vessel Safety Check program to educate the boating public about required safety equipment. Schedules specific vessel safety check stations and activities.
Perhaps not unique to Flotilla 33 but not a required staff position either. Provides spiritual guidance for members who seek it, and offers the benediction at flotilla events.
Monitors test and examination sessions for flotilla members except those that require a Qualification Examiner, etc. (Incumbent is a vastly experienced past-flotilla commander and Charter Member with more than fifty years experience in the Auxiliary.)
