Coast Guard Auxiliary member Tom Murphy paddles through the surf near Ilwaco, Wash. Official U.S. Coast Guard photo.

SEATTLE - A local Coast Guard Auxiliarist has become the first Oregonian to qualify as a paddle craft operator for the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Pacific Northwest.

Thomas Murphy of South Beach, Ore., a member of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 54, demonstrated knowledge of navigation, seamanship, and communication as well as skills specific to kayak handling, maneuvers, and rescues to earn the qualification.

Murphy is also an American Canoe Association nationally certified coastal kayak instructor.

Non-motorized boats, like the one operated by Murphy, provide the Coast Guard Auxiliary the ability to promote their primary mission of boater safety and education in a previously untapped community of boaters.

During 2006 there were 18 people killed while operating non-motorized boats in Pacific Northwest waters.

Auxiliary Paddle Craft Operators can provide safety patrols at paddle craft events and on small lakes where powerboats are not allowed.