RBS Directorate Commodore Warren McAdams announced there is a new device that can be earned by Auxiliarists who participate in the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program. The device will be awarded to those Auxiliarists who support the programs and activities within or related to the RBS program.

Background:

The Act of September 30, 1944, Chapter 453, 58 Stat. 759 stated, “The primary purpose of the establishment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was to indoctrinate all owners and operators of small craft in safety requirements in the operation and navigation of small craft.

A secondary purpose of the institution of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was to utilize the Auxiliary craft and personnel, after suitable training and indoctrination in carrying out certain duties of the Coast Guard with particular inference to those concerned with the safety of navigation.”

During the years since the establishment of the Auxiliary, Auxiliarists have devoted countless hours in support of this primary purpose with the only visual recognition (ribbons) being of their qualifications in public education (PE), vessel safety checks (VSC) and/or the recreational boating safety visitation program (RBSVP).

In support of the secondary purpose there have not only been qualification (ribbons) but devices to recognize their qualifications and support. Auxiliary activity in the various RBS programs/missions are recognized annually with personnel performance awards but there is no recognition for those members that consistently provide broad based support for the primary purpose of the establishment of the Auxilairy.