State Liaison Officer Course

Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate

Districts Liaison Division

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29 MAR 2023

Introductions

• Robert Musco, Branch Chief Pacific

(AUXOP, PA-1, RBS Device)

• Rodney Janssen, Branch Chief Atlantic South (AUXOP, RBS Device, Trident)
• Rick Young, Division Chief, Districts Liaison

(AUXOP, PA-1, RBS Device)

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Introductions

• Name
• District
• State Liaison Role(s): SLO, LLO, DSO-SL?
• How long have you had this responsibility?
• What do you do or have previously done outside of the Auxiliary?

Icebreaker

• State two facts about yourself
• State one lie about yourself
• Make your page into a paper airplane and fly it to the front of the room

Supplemental Materials

• Our two-day schedule
• The SLO Guide
• The SLO job description
• Day 1 PowerPoints
• Day 2 PowerPoints
• Sample of SLO quarterly report

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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

AMERICA’S VOLUNTEER

LIFE SAVERS

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• Reducing loss of life and injuries thus reducing SAR
• SARs cost $40-120k per hour

LIFE SAVERS

�What we do and how we do it?�We are . . .

• Collaborators

• Listeners

• Lifesavers

• Conduits

• Leaders

• Mentors

• Trainers

• Servants

Course Objectives

• Identify continuing and emerging challenges
• Explore the many facets of the SLO position and inherent complexities
• Examine approaches to building and maintaining these relationships
• Construct a mechanism for sharing best practices
• Understand how to use Districts Liaison resources to advance SLO effectiveness

Course Guidelines

• This is an interactive course. You will likely learn as much from your peers as from the course leaders
• The relationships developed or maintained here should become part of your ongoing network
• Ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question
• Do not pass judgement on a colleagues’ questions or comments
• Stay on topic. We have a parking lot for other issues

State Liaison Course��DAY ONE

Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate

Districts Liaison Division

Day 1: Morning Schedule

Branch Chiefs (BCx-BD)�Districts Liaison

• Maintain working relationships with SLOs including regular interaction through any appointed DSO-SLs.
• Identify issues that inhibit the smooth operation of the SLO

program as outlined in the State Liaison Guide

• Solicit and analyze SLO quarterly reports; forward these to the DVC-BD.
• Work with the DSO-SLs to perform an annual performance review of all SLOs. If a District does not have a DSO-SL, the Regional Branch Chief will work directly with the District’s DCO or DCOS to conduct reviews.

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Division Chief (DVC-BD) �Districts Liaison

• The DVC-BD provides assistance to Coast Guard units, Auxiliary national directorates and Auxiliary district organizations in their efforts to promote and support recreational boating safety programs.
• The DVC-BD has overall responsibility for the Division and has direct responsibility for the development and maintenance of liaisons with state boating authorities.

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DSO-SL Job Descriptions:�Organization

• Representative of the DCO and authorized to visit flotillas and divisions
• Coordinate with DSOs for PE, VE, AN and PA
• Work closely with DCO, DCOS, DIRAUX, SLOs and LLOs
• Represent the DCO in dealings with SLOs and LLOs
• Maintain contact with respective RBS Outreach Branch Chief

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DSO-SL Job Descriptions:�Reports

• Communicate _______ in writing to the district _______ on activities and communications of SLOs
• Communicate _______ in writing to the district board on successful and deficient areas and those needed improvement
• Serve as a report conduit between SLOs and RBS BCs

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DSO-SL Job Descriptions:�Duties

• Establish goals and objectives plus plans to achieve them. Maintain periodic review and provide monthly reports to the district board
• Request ADSOs be appointed where needed and be responsible for their performance
• Be familiar with various publications and directives regarding legislative issues
• Upon receipt of newsletters, bulletins, and correspondence from national authorities provide copies or excerpts to affected flotillas and divisions as may impact their responsibilities

DSO-SL Job Descriptions:�Duties - 2

• Perform all of the duties of an SLO if the SLO cannot or fails to perform as required
• Conduct and/or assist workshops and training as necessary to assure that district policy is followed
• Attend DCDR meeting as requested
• Attend all meetings of the district board and district staff
• Prepare articles for district publications to pass information of a general nature to district members

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BREAKOUT SESSION No. 1

• What are the leading challenges that you face in your district and what has been the conversation?
• Are there individuals or organizations that are their root cause? If so, how?

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LEGAL BASIS FOR STATE LIAISION OUTREACH (for you)

�State Liaison Officer Program

• Established by provisions of 14 USC §141 and 46 USC 46 U.S. Code § 13102 §13109
• Authorize the Coast Guard to help the State in its recreational boating program
• Get them to help us promoting our RBS Programs and Support Missions

�State Liaison Officer Program

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The State Liaison Officer (DSO-SL) helps extend this authority to the Auxiliary, so that it may maintain a close relationship with the state Boating Law Administrator and his or her staff, with semi-annual meetings or better;

• Report on state issues or points of concern to the DIRAUX, District Commodore, and other relevant Coast Guard and Auxiliary officials, as directed;

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�State Liaison Officer Program

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• Remain current on relevant Federal, state, and local legislation, and review and report on pending legislation that may affect any Auxiliary program.
• Publicize legislative issues of interest via district and division publications, public affairs, and communications services officers.

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�State Liaison Officer Program

The SLO Program facilitates Auxiliary use to supplement State efforts in

• search and rescue,
• safety and regatta
• patrols,
• Public Education, Vessel Safety Checks,
• verification of State maintained AtoN’s
• Environmental requests and other areas of RBS.

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UNITED STATES CODE (USC)

• The United States Code contains the general and permanent laws of the United States, arranged into 54 broad titles according to subject matter.
• The organization of the USC was originally established by Congress in 1926 with the enactment of the Act of June 30, 1926, chapter 712.
• Since then, 27 of the titles, referred to as positive law titles, have been restated and enacted into law by Congress as titles of USC and published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Day 1: Afternoon Schedule

14 USC Part 1 Chapter 7 Section 141 �Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions

(a) The Coast Guard may, when so requested by proper authority:

• Utilize its personnel and facilities (including members of the Auxiliary and facilities governed under chapter 23) to assist any Federal agency, State, Territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia,
• To perform any activity for which such personnel and facilities are especially qualified.

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14 USC Part 1 Chapter 7 Section 141 �Cooperation with other agencies, States, territories, and political subdivisions

(b) The Coast Guard, with the consent of the head of the agency concerned,

• May avail itself of such officers and employees, advice, information, and facilities of any Federal agency, State, Territory, possession, or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia as may be helpful in the performance of its duties.
• Re-embursment for expenditures are possible

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46 U.S. Code § 13102 – �State Recreational Boating Safety Programs

1. To encourage greater State participation and uniformity in boating safety efforts, and particularly to permit the States to assume the greater share of
• Boating safety education,
• Assistance, and
• enforcement activities,

The Secretary shall carry out a national recreational boating safety program

46 U.S. Code § 13102 – �State Recreational Boating Safety Programs

(b) The Secretary shall establish guidelines and standards for the program.

The Secretary shall consider, among other things, factors affecting recreational boating safety by:

• Overcrowding and congestion of waterways

• The increasing number of recreational vessels operating on those waterways and their geographic distribution,

• Availability and geographic distribution of recreational boating facilities in and among applying States,

• State marine casualty and fatality statistics for recreational vessels;

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46 U.S. Code § 13109 – �Consultation, Cooperation, and Regulation

(a) In carrying out responsibilities under this chapter, the Secretary may consult with

• State and local governments,
• Public and private agencies, organizations and committees,
• Private industry
• Other persons having an interest in boating safety.

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46 U.S. Code § 13109 �Consultation, Cooperation, and Regulation

(b) The Secretary may advise, assist, and cooperate with the States and other interested public and private agencies in:

• Planning, developing, and carrying out boating safety programs.
• Ensure the fullest cooperation between the State and United States Government authorities in promoting boating safety by making agreements and other arrangements with States when possible.
• Make available, on request of a State, the services of members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to assist States in promoting boating safety on State waters.

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National Boating Safety �Advisory Committee (NBSAC)

• The law requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard by delegation, to consult with the Committee in prescribing Federal regulations, and regarding other major boating safety matters;
• The Committee has consistently provided invaluable advice to the Coast Guard on a broad range of boating safety matters.

NBSAC

• NBSAC typically holds two meetings a year. Meetings are open to the public, and meeting times, location and agenda are published in the Federal Register; 
• The Director of Inspections & Compliance (CG-5PC) in Coast Guard Headquarters is the Council's Sponsor;
• The Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (CG-BSX) is NBSAC's Designated Federal Officer (DFO).

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RELATIONSHIPS�Internal, External and Partners

SLO Relationships

District Commodore

BLA₁

BLA₂

BLA_n

LLO₁

LLO₂

LLO_n

RBS

Specialist

SLO₁

SLO₂

SLO_n

BC-BDx

District

States

National

DDC-P

DSO-SL

SLO RELATIONSHIPS

• Close relationship with BLA and their staff by meeting with the BLA at least semi-annually, potentially more frequently with appropriate staff;
• Having working relationships with district, division and regional RBSS officers;
• Work with the DSO-SL and the DCO (via the DDC-P) on strategies to meet Auxiliary and State RBS objectives;
• Regularly consult with the BA-ETR (Directorate E) on regulatory changes;
• Develop an ongoing relationship with the BC-BDx.

(But this is where it just begins….☺)

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RELATIONSHIPS - INTERNAL

• Liaison Officer, State – SLO/DSO
• Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, USCG (civ)
• Staff Office, District, State Liaison – DSO-SL
• Legal Staff Officer, District – DSO – LP
• Liaison Legislative Officer, State – LLO or SLLO
• Chief Counsel, Auxiliary - ANACO-CC

RELATIONSHIPS - INTERNAL

• District Liaison Legislative Representative DLLR*
• Directorate Chief – Prevention, District - DDC-P
• Chief of Staff, District - DCOS
• Commodore, District – DCO
• Branch Assistant – Requirements Education Directorate Regulatory - BA-ETR
• National Legislative Liaison Committee (NLLC)

RELATIONSHIPS - INTERNAL

Branch Chief, Regional RBS Outreach Directorate, District Liaison

• Division Chief, District Liaison – DVC-BD
• Director Recreational Boating Safety Outreach
• Division and Flotilla Commanders Branch Assistant – Requirements Education Directorate Regulatory - BA-ETR
• National Legislative Liaison Committee (NLLC)

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RELATIONSHIPS - �OTHER DIRECTORATES

• P – Navigation and Marine Safety
• A – Public Affairs – Relations
• E – Education, Public, Aux and Active
• V – Partner Visitation and Vessel Exams
• R – Air, Communications, Ops

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“PAVER”

RELATIONSHIPS - RBSS

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• The SLO must be “in step” with the RBSS. The tasks performed by the RBSS have important consequences (including funding) for all stakeholders.
• Does your RBSS know the extent of the Auxiliary mission platforms?

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RELATIONSHIPS - RBSS

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• SLO’s should communicate regularly with the RBSS to develop a thorough understanding of Coast Guard and Auxiliary goals; this will aid in developing a unified approach to RBS efforts.

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RELATIONSHIPS - EXTERNAL

• BLA’s and Staff
• Elected officials of the States
• RBSS, District GS-13
• Boating Safety Partners

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BREAKOUT SESSION No. 2

• As a DSO-SL or SLO:
• Who do you report to?
• What are the SL goals for 2023?
• How frequent is your district’s contact with the BLA? With the RBSS?
• To what extent would you like more support from RBS National Staff?

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PARTNERS

PARTNERS

• NASBLA
• Water Sports Industry Assoc
• Nat’l Park Service
• USGS Geological Service; Nat’l Water System
• CG AuxA
• International Boating and Safety Summit
• National Safe Boating Council, INC. Since 1958

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PARTNERS

• NOAA
• US Power Squadron
• Boat US Foundation
• National Water Safety Congress
• Life Jacket Association
• US Sailing

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PARTNERS

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• Water Sports Foundation
• American White Water
• The Corps Foundation,
• Water Solutions Group, INC
• Sea Tow Foundation
• Water Sports Foundation
• Spirit of America, Youth Boating Education

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RELATIONSHIPS�BLA Meetings

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• The SLO shall maintain a close relationship with the BLA and his/her staff and shall
• Confer with the BLA at least monthly, possibly in company with the Coast Guard RBS Specialist and if possible, the DCO.

RELATIONSHIPS�BLA Meetings

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• These meetings may be held at a at a regional or district BLA workshop.
• It may be possible to get on the agenda of such events, so as to present to the workshop, the advantages of using Coast Guard and Auxiliary RBS assets and programs.

RELATIONSHIPS�BLA Meetings

• If the BLA is not available, the SLO should have another contact to work with regarding the state’s activities.
• If the SLO is not able to contact the BLA after several attempts, the SLO should follow the chain of leadership for assistance.

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QUESTION?

• When you learn of a State makes a new requirement and you as SLO learn of this, how is it communicated and to whom?
• By keeping abreast of such state changes the SLO should inquire about any anticipated changes that a state may make to the PE requirement. All new changes should be communicated to the District and National PE Directorate.

We are PAVER’s

RELATIONSHIPS�AUXILIARY DIRECTORATES

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• P – Navigation and Marine Safety
• A – Public Affairs – Relations
• V – Partner Visitation and Vessel Exams
• E – Education, Public, Aux and Active
• R – Air, Communications, Ops

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“PAVER”

LEADERSHIP ROLES

District Commodores (DCO)

• Responsible for supporting this program by appointing an Auxiliarist from each State in the district/region in close coordination with the:

• DIRUX

• State BLA

• Division Chief of RBS Outreach Directorate Districts Liaison Division.

• The selected Auxiliarist must be capable of effective communications with elected and appointed officials regarding State boating law issues.

District Commodores (DCO)

• DCO’s should review annually the performance of the SLO in consultation with the DSO-SL and the Regional Branch Chief, Districts Liaison Division, RBS Outreach Directorate.
• At the District’s annual planning meeting, DCO’s are encouraged to consider RBS goals that involve state partnerships as a key asset.
• It is recommended that the DSO-SL and/or SLOs be included in planning discussions.

State Liaison Officers

QUALIFICATIONS

• Be an ambassador for the Auxiliary
• Adhere to rules of conduct
• Properly wear the uniform
• Possess overall knowledge of Auxiliary and its missions
• Develop an understanding of program concepts, local capabilities and limitations
• The Auxiliarist must be capable of effective communications with elected and appointed officials regarding State boating law issues.

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GUIDANCE

• Guidance and mentoring are available from the DSO-SL if one has been appointed. The DSO-SL position is optional.
• Alternatively, if no DSO-SL has been appointed, the SLO may obtain guidance and mentoring from the RBS Outreach Regional SLO Branch Chief. For the SLO staff listing, refer to the RBS Outreach website or the Auxiliary AUXOFFICER directory.

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WHO’S WHO

• State Liaison Officer
• State Liaison Legislative Officer
• District Liaison Legislative Representative DLLR
• Recreational Boating Safety Specialist
• DDC-Prevention
• DCO
• SLO external relationships
• Best practices (breakout and debrief)

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What do you do?

• State Liaison Officers are responsible for communicating how the state, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCG Auxiliary) may combine their respective assets to significantly enhance RBS mission implementation.
• Be fully apprised of District RBS Goals
• Have full knowledge of District RBSS goals and plans
• Maintain currency in RBS Legislation NASBLA

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SLO Benefits

• Increases, exponentially the RBS Outreach for the Coast Guard and Auxiliary
• Affect laws and safety wherever we may roam
• We save lives
• We Prevent SARs
• We Recruit!

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Auxiliary Manual Section B.13.f

The Auxiliary State Liaison Officer (SLO) Program is established to help the State in its recreational boating program to facilitate Auxiliary use to supplement State efforts such as:

• Search and rescue

• Safety and regatta patrols

• Public education

• Vessel safety checks

• Verification of State maintained AtoNs

DUTIES

Auxiliary Manual Section B.13.f(1)

• DCOs are responsible for supporting this program by appointing an Auxiliarist from each State in the district/region in close coordination with the Director, the State BLA, the District RBS specialist, and the Auxiliary’s Director for RBS Outreach (DIR-B).
• There should be not more than one SLO per state unless State requested. . . The Auxiliarist must be capable of effective communications with elected and appointed officials regarding State boating law issues.

SLO Duties

1. The SLO’s duty is not to interpret Coast Guard policy.
2. Matters in discussion with the BLA not having specific Coast Guard guidance, must be referred to the Director.
3. Participation of the Director or the District RBS Specialist in policy discussions is expected. Submit a letter report after each meeting to the as Government mail and email is authorized.

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SLO Duties (cont.)

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4. Remain current on all Federal, State and Local legislation concerning RBS and the Auxiliary.

5. Review pending legislation for significance.

(The LLC Chairperson and BC-BDx and DSO should be informed immediately of any significant issue(s).

SLO Duties (cont.)

6. Provide input to district and division publications informing the Auxiliary of legislative issues of interest.

7. Arrange and attend an annual meeting between the BLA, Director, DCO and District RBS Specialist. This meeting should be arranged early in the year and should focus on reviewing previous year’s accomplishments and planning for the upcoming year. Coordination of Auxiliary support to State boating safety programs should be emphasized.

SLO Duties (cont.)

8. RBS statistics should be provided quarterly to the BLA (copy the Aux) detailing.

- PE, VSC & PV and PA activities,

- Patrols, and Marine Environmental Missions and

- other boating safety activities performed by the Auxiliary within the state.

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In October, the SLO should provide statistics to the BLA for their end of the year reports to Coast Guard.

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SLO Duties (cont.)

9. The SLO should remain current on changes in Auxiliary and Coast Guard policy and senior leadership that may affect state boating programs

10. Misunderstandings and challenges should be resolved. Establish guidelines for handling state or Auxiliary complaints so that they can be addressed quickly at the lowest level possible.

SLO Duties (cont.)

10. Provide input to District and Division Publications informing the Auxiliary of legislative issues of interest.

11. Arrange and attend an annual meeting between the BLA, Director, DCO and District RBS Specialist. This meeting should be arranged early in the year and should focus on reviewing previous year’s accomplishments and planning for the upcoming year. Coordination of Auxiliary support to State boating safety programs should be emphasized.

SLO Duties (cont.)

12. An SLO also serving as an LLO should send a separate report or updates to the ANACO-CC with copies sent to the Regional Branch Chief and Division Chief of the Districts Liaison Division, RBS Directorate.

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SLO Duties (cont.)

13. The SLO is encouraged to attend regularly scheduled meetings of the state boating advisory council and commissions, as well as public meetings on boating matters.

• Attendance as an SLO will provide an understanding of current and future boating issues. In performing this task, the following guidance must be complied with.
• Attend these meetings in civilian clothes as an interested party only- and not as an official representing the Auxiliary or the Coast Guard.

DSO-SLO Duties�

• The purpose of this office is to promote closer supervision by a knowledgeable DSO and accomplishing better communications between National reporting structure and the Districts and the BLAs
• Trained DSO-SL’s will supervise and train SLOs
• DSOs will perform all duties of the SLOs if SLOs cannot or fails to conduct their duties.
• Liaise closely with PE, VE, MS, Ops, and others who do/may have a program responsibility assocated with the BLAs

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DSO-SLO�

• Utilize your State Boating Agencies as a Force Multiplier for the
• Trained DSO-SLs will supervise and train SLOs
• DSOs will perform all duties of the SLOs if SLOs cannot or fails to conduct their duties.
• Conduct training workshops as needed to insure that District policy is followed in your program.
• Prepare one or more articles for the District publications, to pass information of a general nature or of widespread interest down to member of the Districts

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DSO-SLO�

• Be alert for problems report with supplies from National Supply Center., that affect you AOR. Inform your DDC-P
• Establish Goals and objectives for your AOR and prepare the necessary plans to achieve. Objectives must be measurable and relatable to District Planning Group
• Be fully apprised of District RBS Goals
• Have full knowledge of District RBSS goals and plans

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DSO-SLO�

• Upon receipt of bulletins, newsletters or other correspondence from National authorities, provide copies or excerpts to,
• Division and Flotilla personnel requiring such information in the performance of their duties.
• The purpose of mailings and reports is to ensure the continuity of communications from National to Flotilla levels. Provide copies of all mailings and reports to the Division Board and applicable District and Area counterparts.

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SLO - BLA Meeting Topics - Goals

SLO and BLA Meeting Topics

• Public education topics
• Vessel safety check issues
• Operational concerns
• Public affairs efforts
• Recognition opportunities

Public Education Topics

• Review State’s boating education goals for additional cooperation opportunities
• Request BLA to publicize Auxiliary PE courses
• Encourage State use of NASBLA approved courses
• Obtain or maintain State’s recognition of appropriate Auxiliary PE courses as meeting boater education requirements
• Keep abreast of State changes to the PE requirement

Response

• Identify where Auxiliary patrols are needed on State-owned waters
• Inform the BLA of the request procedures for obtaining Auxiliary patrols on State-owned waters
• Seek BLA assistance for arranging for State areas as communications sites
• Consider use of State-owned moorings by Auxiliary facilities when they are on patrol

Public Affairs

• Encourage joint State-Auxiliary participation at boat shows, marine events, and other RBS public affairs opportunities
• Consider how National Safe Boating Week can be supported jointly.
• Encourage joint State-Auxiliary participation at boat shows, marine events, and other RBS public affairs opportunities
• Explore expanded use of governors’ proclamation?

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Talking Points, BLA

Among other things, factors affecting,

• overcrowding and congestion of waterways, increasing number of recreational vessels operating on those waterways and their geographic distribution
• the availability and geographic distribution of recreational boating facilities in and among applying States,
• State marine casualty and fatality statistics for recreational vessels;

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What are you going to talk about?

• Consult with State and local governments, public and private agencies,
• Organizations and committees,
• Private industry,
• Other persons having an interest in boating safety.

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Vessel Safety Check Topics

• Encourage BLA to schedule VSCs for State vessels annually
• Confirm guidelines for conducting VSCs at State boat launch ramps
• Encourage VSCs be performed on state and local official vessels
• Keep BLA of all know VE days, in advance

Joint Recognition Opportunities

• Work with the BLA to develop recognition opportunities for Auxiliary
• When a state boating official deserves recognition from the Auxiliary or Coast Guard, make the recommendation to the DSO-SL or DCOS.
• Ensure that BLA is invited to appropriate district and Division functions such as a District board meeting or speaking at a banquet

SLO-BLA-RBSS�Goals, Topics & Talking Points

BREAKOUT SESSION No. 3

• What are the relationship best practices that you use?
• Are the specific persons where these are deployed or do they better characterize your leadership style?
• What resources do these require in order to be maintained?

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