So I got to ask for some feed back, I'm a BM1 with no OOD and no 41/47 letter. I did two 210's, now I'm leaving a "Sector" PRI 5 and not sure what to hope for. I really want to get to a SB station on the west coast from CA to WA, it doesn't matter.
I joined the CG to Drive 47's but I haven't been given the chance. Boot Camp I got a 210, "A" school I got a 210' then I left there PRI3 and got my last pick, MAA @ Sector.
I just made BM1 with 5 years in (I know). Do I just face the sea on a 210', 270' or 378 and hope for an 87' after or can I get to a station, get the HWX Coxswain and stay locked in. I've got to put some turns on my future.
I ask the folks around here and they all have different opinions, I need facts, I need to be told what to do. Just a baby with the coast guard holding my candy. I WANT TO DRIVE 47'S

There's no question, go to a station. It shouldn't be hard to get, just put nothing but on your eresume, regardless of location. Put your concerns and career intentions in your comments, specifically your need for standard boat quals. I think the detailers will recognize that's what you need. You advanced to first on what I assume is a QMOW letter and maybe a cutter boat/OTH qual and now you're behind the curve. If you did ask for anything afloat go for a 110, where you'll have a chance for DWO. But if I were you I'd tell the detailer I'll take any station anywhere. There should be plenty available to you on the shopping list.

Say hello to the big blue ocean.........good luck Boats

No offense but you would be a burden to a small boat station with zero small boat experience as a BM1. In the BM1 position you are expected to be the senior coxn not the break in. Even worse is to be looking at WA/OR surf units. Your jumping in the deep end.

quote:

Originally posted by 8460954:
No offense but you would be a burden to a small boat station with zero small boat experience as a BM1. In the BM1 position you are expected to be the senior coxn not the break in. Even worse is to be looking at WA/OR surf units. Your jumping in the deep end.

I see your point, but in his defense, if he doesn't get it now then when will he? A little late, but gotta get the ball rolling sometime.

Boats,
First I understand your frustration, sometimes the priority's can be shot in the foot. Second beware what you ask for if you put a Sector MAA job on your E-resume, you can't be upset you got it! You asked for it in the first place and not many BM's put MAA jobs on their e-resume for a reason!
Now to get to the 47 desires, it's a great boat and I love driving them. Have you contacted the AO about getting into the Surfman Program? It's a great way to get into the 47 fleet and not many people take advantage of it. It may be your best shot at getting to that 47 station you're trying to get. It's at least worth a shot, the worst the AO could say is no. It won't be easy with no small boat experience in your pocket, but if you really want to drive 47's and hit the surf then go for it. And never go out of rate again.
BMC

Again I stand by my statement a BM1 at a surf station is there to stand the Surfman duty. Not to take al the time to become it filling the position that needs to be filled by somone that can stand the duty. Surf stations are always short of certified surfman and sending someone there without even a basic coxn letter is being set up to fail.

Have you attempted to gain any experience on local small boats (if there are any)?

If you have, make sure the AO knows that since you have been in the MAA at Sector 'X' you have attempted to make yourself more valuable to the CG by doing some training with local stations.

As somebody said before you ask for the MAA job on your e-resume so dont complain that you got it. I have these questions for you in response to your previous e-resume.
1. How many picks did you put in for.
2. Did you limit yourself to one area.

Dont limit yourself to one area. Put in your e-resume and put in as many BM1 Small Boat Station picks as you can. Work on your Coxswain stuff and you'll be getting on track.

8460954: Thats an unfair statement to this BM1. In my view a person who does not want to do the job or be at a unit is a burden to that unit. Not a person coming in regardless of certification/qualifications and is willing to put in the effort to get the job done.
But, being as you are afaird to put your name on your statement, it really doesnt matter what you think. Stand behind your statements on here by putting your real name instead of hiding behind an anonymous profile.

8460954, that is a B.S. statement! IF you have been to a WA/OR/CA Surf Station then you would know that this happens all the time.
A BM1 can and has gone to a Surf Unit and done just fine. I have a BM1 at my unit now that had only seen a 47' MLB in pictures, and showed up and is now 47' Heavy Weather Coxswain, and is working on Surfman. He will succeed. It can be done.
If someone has come into the CG and made BM1 in 5 years. I think it goes to show that the individual can study, learn, and accomplish the goal.
If you are going to start telling people this line of crap, go away. The surf community does not need this crap being told to people that want to come and do the job!

BM1 sharrison2010, put all the 47 Surf Units on your e-resume. If its open, list it. If you really want it, then go get it!

BM1 Surfman sends............

Well lets see since I think you asked? I have been at several stationed at several of the WA OR surf stations 18 years now in a surfman billet. Perhaps Chetco has enough Surfman that it can afford to take on the training of someone in a first class roll that has not even been u/w on the boat. I can say one thing for certain that I dont see him comming to my unit I am already dealing with first class that came only have a coxn letter let alone no letter at all.

8460954: Come out from behind the profile. You stand up to one reply but not mine. You talk about all your experience, but how can we believe what you post with no way to verify it.

quote:

Originally posted by 8460954:
Well lets see since I think you asked? I have been at several stationed at several of the WA OR surf stations 18 years now in a surfman billet. Perhaps Chetco has enough Surfman that it can afford to take on the training of someone in a first class roll that has not even been u/w on the boat. I can say one thing for certain that I dont see him comming to my unit I am already dealing with first class that came only have a coxn letter let alone no letter at all.

Learn how to spell!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I was due to transfer from my first unit (cutter) I had everything completed to put my name on the first class list. I called the detailer to discuss what my options were if I was a first and second class transferring out. He told me that as a prior QM I needed station experience and it didn't matter if I was a second or a first. So, he gave me a station with a 47' and 41'. The deal was if I transferred as a 1st I would spend two years there and as a 2nd I would spend four. Low and behold I put my name on the list and in two weeks I was a first and transferred a month later. Once at the station the powers that be re-structured the station from one 1st class to four so I ended up doing the full four years. I took the same amount of time as everyone else in getting my coxswain letters.
Don't let anyone tell you it is not possible. E-mail, CALL the detailer and get some advice. If you really want to drive a 47' don't limit yourself to a surf station or West coast. On your E-resume list all units with a 47' and go from there. Do not pay attention to guys who say it can't be done or shouldn't because you would be a burden.
Best of luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BigWaveRider,

I want to thank you all for replying to my post. It truly shows that the Coast Guard listens to the deck plates. I understand that I would be a burden to a Surf station if I got one; I know the process of qualification is long and no one wants to wait for the "new guy" to get qualified. I don't want to upset the SURFMAN by my next statement so please don't take it wrong way. When I was on a cutter, I loved to get people right out of boot camp that didn't know a thing about shipboard life, you see I was confident as a BM underway, I could do UNREPS and I could stand watches and I knew the SHIP. It was my pleasure to show someone how to do the job, the job that I was confident and qualified for.
To the BM1 stationed in OR. Would you rather take a BM1 that was qualified, thought he new everything about 47s, only to find out he hasn't driven in 8 years because he's been underway trying to get his sea time for advancement, and have to train him all over. Or get fresh meat, someone that admits to no knowledge of 47's and train him based on YOUR expertise, and mold him to become a coxswain at your helm?

After seeing the list of jobs my hope of getting a station on the west coast is fading fast. But I will list all that are open and hope that my fellow BMs will give me a chance to become a SURFMAN.

I did list the job that I'm currently at, MAA Sector. I have found it very rewarding for my family and I. I have made the ball games, birthdays and Christmas every year. I also had time to study for the SWE. This has all come to an end; it's time for me to do the JOB I signed up for.
Any, ANY advice you could give will be much appreciated.

V/R
Sean A Harrison

You have to take into account all the restructuring that has gone on in the rate over the last couple of years. What was once a coveted position as a first class has turned into yesteryears second class jobs. When I went to my first small boat station years ago the third classes ran the show as far as CXN and OOD were concerned and the seconds were there to mentor them and bring their knowledge further along. Now it's as if we have shifted one position back and the seconds are doing what the thirds used to do and the first classes what the seconds used to do. It's the new CG where juniority reigns supreme, and before anybody gets all teed up over that statement realize that I fall under that genra as well. I made first class in 4 and a half years and have been plugging along ever sense. I have gotten as qualified as I possibly could by pushing myself on a daily basis. I felt the same way on the 210' I'm currently on when I PCS'd in 2005. "Am I going to be a burden on the unit", "I've never been on a big white before," etc... I kept my head high and learned as much as I could as fast as I could, always searching for the next qualification. Now I'm just as qualified as any JO or Chief on the boat and will be leaving with more qualifications and experience than I had ever thought I would get coming here. Also, you have to remember that the CG knows about the "problem" of juniority, it has been made very clear to commands across the board that over the next few years they are going to have to invest time and energy in junior personnel filling senior billets. I'm also willing to bet that anyone who wants to complain about it probably wasn't complaining when the flood gates opened on advancements and they went aong for the ride. And if they didn't go along for the ride, boo hoo, soo sad, guess they had different priorities.

quote:

Originally posted by 8460954:
Well lets see since I think you asked? I have been at several stationed at several of the WA OR surf stations 18 years now in a surfman billet. Perhaps Chetco has enough Surfman that it can afford to take on the training of someone in a first class roll that has not even been u/w on the boat. I can say one thing for certain that I dont see him comming to my unit I am already dealing with first class that came only have a coxn letter let alone no letter at all.

Well partner you are what gives Surfman a bad name. I can pretty much tell by your postings that you have the attitude of being better than everyone else at your Station, or this board since you hide behind the anonymous profile. I would feel sorry for anyone entering the PSP who had to come to your Station, I highly doubt that you could muster the leadership required to train anyone.

Surfman #172 sends

BMCM,
Pretty big rocks to be throwing. My response was to that of having no knowledege of the Surfman program. The question still remains at a unit that is billeted for only five surfman and is required to maintain two ready boats all winter long how is this person that is taking a Surfman postion with now qual what so ever going to be able to fill his billet. How would that also be fair to the other surfman stationed there that will have to stand not only there duty but that of the unqualified BM1. At best the qualifed people if the other four are certified will be forced to stand port and starboard with no leave all winter. More likely they will spend quite a bit of time port and report. Again why suggest that somone jump into the deep end of the pool before they learn to swim. There are pleanty of non surf units to cut your teeth at.

I guess thats why an BM1 thats not a Heavy Weather Coxn is not even eligible for the PSP.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 8460954,

I am fairly certain that BMCM Bradley can throw some very big stones in which ever direction he may want to.

8460954, you need to go back and read the PSP.

quote:

ELIGIBILITY. The PSP consists of three training levels: (1) entry, (2) intermediate, and (3) advanced. All Boatswains' Mate Third Class (BM3) and Boatswain’s Mate Strikers (SNBM) are eligible to enter the PSP at level (1). BM3s are eligible to enter the PSP at level (2), and BM2s and BM1s are eligible to enter the PSP at level (2) or (3) if prerequisites listed in table (1) are met. Members that do not meet the prerequisites may apply as alternates.

So 8460954, your statement that a BM1 that’s not Hvy Wx is not eligible is incorrect.

So far in discussing this issue, you have shown me that you would not be willing to train a BM1 if they came to your unit.
Sorry to say but that's your job! Who do you think is going to take over when the current "certified" surfman either move out of the billet, or advance out of the position. I know it’s a big word but its called attrition.
I would be more than willing to take on another BM1 at our unit (though, I am not the OiC), I have spoken to him on this and he agrees with me.
For your information, Chetco currently has 4 certified Surfman. 2 of them are standing duty at Station Chetco River, and 2 are standing duty at the Rogue River SARDET. So, when you ask who is going to take over........I am hoping that our unit qualifies 1 or both of our Hvy Wx Coxswains this winter. Have I taken leave this summer? Nope. I have lost more than a years worth of leave in the past 13 years. Do I mind? Yes, but, I have a job to do. And that is to be on that bar when the conditions warrant for the safety of the boating public and the commercial fleet. The end. That is my job. That bar.
The situation you describe of having 4 Surfman and standing port & starboard, or port & report....well, it comes with the job. It happens. For those people that don't like the duty Surfman stand, then they can get out of the program. I don't know of any surf unit in D13 that only has 4 surfman with a full time 2 boat requirement. Granted, there may be one out there, but I find it very hard to believe. I am open to being proven wrong though.

BM1 Harrison, I encourage you to fill your e-resume with MLB units. Talk to your detailer, apply for the PSP. What can they tell you? No? Push the hand of the CG to get yourself at a MLB unit. There are numerous jobs out there. Remember, a billet is just a number. I have a BM1 Surfman here that is in a BM2 billet. It happens. It doesn't change his qualification at all. He is still a BM1 surfman.

For those of you who don't have the knowledge of the PSP, go get it. If you are a supervisor, you made need to know about it.
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 16114.35 PROSPECTIVE SURFMAN PROGRAM


Lasetly..............

SURFMAN CREED

I will to the best of my ability, pursue each

mission with the commitment, compassion,

and courage inherent in the title

"SURFMAN".

I will endeavor to reinforce the worldwide

reputation of our forefathers in the

Lifeboat Community.

I will maintain a guardian's eye on my crew

at all times, and keep a cool, yet

deliberate, hand on the throttle.

I will give of myself and my knowledge as

those who gave to me; so as the line

of Coast Guard Surfman will live forever

I will ensure that my supervisors rest easy

with the knowledge that I am at the

helm, no matter what the conditions.

I will never unnecessarily jeopardize myself,

my boat, or my crew; but will do so freely

to rescue those in peril.

I will strive with dedication and determination

to bring credit upon Coast Guard Surfmen

past and future.

quote:

and BM2s and BM1s are eligible to enter the PSP at level (2) or (3) if prerequisites listed in table (1) are met. Members that do not meet the prerequisites may apply as alternates.

Does not meet the prerequisites of table one NOT A COXSWAIN

We have all lost leave myself about 12 days this year and about that for the last several years. Do I mind, not really things tend to work out. Should we look for ways to avoid this most definatly. As others have stated he chose to go to the MAA job and should have been looking more toward his future This includes as others have pointed out trying to go to a near by unit and get some type of qual.