comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 1 – Mission Authorization
B.6.a. Coxswain
Authority
The Coxswain has the authority to direct all boat and crew activities
during the mission and modify planned missions to provide for the safety
of the boat and the crew. All crewmembers must be aware of the
Coxswain’s identity and authority. Successful completion of the
assigned mission or the safety of the crew and boat may be jeopardized
by a crewmember that does not know who is in command or fails to
recognize the Coxswain’s authority and act accordingly. The
Coxswain’s authority is independent of rank and/or seniority in relation
to any other person onboard the boat.
Coxswains may only be relieved of their duties by the unit CO/OIC or
XO/XPO. For a specific mission, the senior officer present as specified
in Reference (i), Section 5-1-8c, may relieve a Coxswain.
For exam ple: At the scene of a distress situation, a Coxswain may be
directed to take action or be relieved of responsibilities by the senior
officer present. The senior officer must make his or her authority known
and th e Coxswain should immediately take actions as directed and notify
the chain of command when the situation permits.
B.6.b. Coxswain
Responsibilities
The Coxswain is responsible for the safe, orderly, efficient, and effective
performance of the boat, crew and passengers during the entire mission.
This responsibility exists from the time the Coxswain first steps onboard
the boat with intent to get underway, until leaving it following
completion of the mission. The Coxswain shall ensure all personnel
onboard the boat fully understand their responsibilities and obligations,
as a crew and individually, while the boat is underway. Authority and
responsibilities of the Coxswain are contained in Reference (i).
Among the roles / responsibilities that the Coxswain shall assign to his
crew prior to getting underway is lookout. While every crewmember on
the boat is considered a lookout, with the responsibility to observe the
environment and to report notable circumstances to the Coxswain. The
cosxswain shall designate a primary lookout.
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