Shipmates,
Brian Rollins, FC73, has posted an excellent review of the customs and courtesies expected of our members when boarding or leaving a U.S. Naval or U.S. Coast Guard Vessel in uniform.
June 3rd marks the beginning of Fleet Week in Portland Oregon. Most of us are quite comfortable when it comes to operating on our small boats, but may have become rusty when it comes to protocol for the larger ships that will arrive in port. For this reason, I think it's a good time to review protocol for any members who may find themselves on any of the ships during the festival or down at the sea wall.
BOARDING AND LEAVING A NAVAL VESSEL 101
When you are in uniform and boarding any ship and the national ensign is flying, you halt at the gangway, face aft, and salute the ensign.
You then turn to the OOD (Officer of the deck), salute and say, “I request permission to come aboard, sir/ma’am.” You should then add the purpose of your visit: “to tour the ship”.
When you leave a ship, the order of saluting is reversed. You salute the OOD first and say, “I request permission to leave the ship, sir/ma’am.” After receiving permission, you then face and salute the ensign (if it is flying) and depart.
When boarding a ship in civilian attire and the national ensign is flying, you will halt at the gangway, at attention, and face aft (No salute is rendered because you are not in uniform). You then turn to the OOD at attention and say, “I request permission to come aboard, sir/ma’am.” along with the purpose of your visit. The OOD will then say, “Permission granted” or “Permission not granted.”
When you are leaving a ship in civilian attire, the procedure is reversed. You stand at attention in front of the OOD first and say, “I request permission to leave the ship, sir/ma’am.” After receiving permission, you then stand at attention facing the ensign (if it is flying) and depart (Again, no salute because you are not in uniform).
SALUTING:
Members should render a salute to any officer of equal or higher rankwhen wearing their cover outdoors. It is customary to hold the salute until it is returned or until the officer has past.
Staff officers who wear officer insignia should be prepared to return salutes rendered by junior officers or enlisted.
Salutes should be rendered smartly. Look the individual whom you are saluting in the eye when rending the salute. This is usually accompanied by a "Good afternoon/evening Sir/Ma'am".
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Go out and have a good time, but please ensure you are in proper uniform. Remember that your conduct and appearance reflect not only on yourselves, but also your unit and the Coast Guard as a whole.
Semper Paratus!
Brian Rollins
Commander, FL-73
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
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