[CHDIRAUX-L] Navigation Rules Requirement -031/07

[Chief Director of the Auxiliary Announcement List]

To:   ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: Navigation Rules Requirement -031/07


1.     We have been working to resolve an item that was discussed during
NACON.  The issue is the Navigation Rules exam requirement for coxswains and
PWC operators.  

2.     In January when the new Boat Crew Training Manual was promulgated
AUXDATA was set up to monitor this qualification in a calendar year.  Some
regions are already requiring taking the exam on the fifth year anniversary
date, while others use the end of calendar date in AUXDATA and allow it to
run to the end of the fifth calendar year.  If it were allowed to run to the
end of a calendar year a coxswain could go nearly 6 years without taking the
exam, if it were taken early on in the year.  

3.     Currently the wording to the requirement is open to a bit of
interpretation. You felt it could be read either way (every five years from
the date the test was last successfully taken or December 31 of the fifth
year like other annual requirements). It currently reads:

Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual, Chapter 5 A.6. Five Year Requirements 

* Coxswains and PWC operators must pass an open book Auxiliary Navigation
Rules examination at least every five years with a minimum score of 90
percent.

* Members failing to complete the open book exam within the five year period
are considered lapsed and must retake the exam and achieve a minimum score
of 90 percent to regain certification and receive orders.

4.     To clarify, standardize, and bring this requirement in line with
active duty the verbiage is changed to:

Auxiliary Boat Crew Training Manual, Chapter 5 A.6. Five Year Requirements 

* Coxswains and PWC operators must pass an open book Auxiliary Navigation
Rules examination within five years from the date of successful completion
of the previous exam.  A passing score for this requirement is 90 percent or
greater.  Members failing to complete the open book exam within the five
year period are considered lapsed and must retake the exam in order to
regain certification and receive orders.  


5.     This change will take effect beginning January 1, 2008. AUXDATA will
be modified to track the date of exam vice the default of 31DEC and put a
member in REYR if the test has lapsed. Some regions will be impacted more
than others due to your varying active boating seasons but all regions will
have members due in Jan-Apr who will be thinking they have all year to take
the test. 

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interested parties abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.
All information contained herein and linked is OFFICIAL policy and
information.

7.     Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

8.     CG-5421, sends