ALCOAST 019/23 - JAN 2023 BOAT FORCES UNDERWATER EGRESS TRAINING - FY23 UPDATE

R 181650Z JAN 23 MID200080661904U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 019/23
SSIC 16114
SUBJ: BOAT FORCES UNDERWATER EGRESS TRAINING - FY23 UPDATE
A. U.S. Coast Guard Boat Operations and Training (BOAT)
Manual, Volume II, COMDTINST M16114.33D
B. Boat Crew Qualification Handbook, Vol 1, BQH 16115.1 (series)
1. Purpose: Provide updated policy and guidance to the field due
to the continued closure of the Boat Forces Underwater Egress
Trainer (BF UWET), at Aviation Technical Training Center,
Elizabeth City, NC.
2. Background: Approximately 2000 Boat Forces personnel undergo
training at the BF UWET each year in order to qualify as a Boat Crew
Member per policy contained in REF (A). The loss of this valuable
training facility represents a significant setback to the Boat
Forces community. An alternative training site was utilized
in FY22 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC),
located in Glynco, GA, however FLETC is no longer able to meet our
throughput demands.
3. Action: Until the BF UWET facility at ATTC Elizabeth City is
fully operational again, the following updates to REF (A), part 2,
chapter 1, section B, paragraph 6.a. are implemented effective
immediately:
    a. The successful completion of the UWET requirement for all
boat crew positions is indefinitely deferred.
    b. BM "A" School students will meet Terminal Performance
Objectives for egress through the use of the Shallow Water
Egress Trainer (SWET) chair at TRACEN Yorktown.
    c. MK "A" School students with orders to a Boat Forces unit
will also be able to meet the egress requirement for boat crewman
by successfully passing the SWET chair at TRACEN Yorktown.
4. With the temporary deferment of resident training for this
critical skill, unit CO/OIC's must continue to be diligent ensuring
members possess the knowledge and skills to assume boat crew
qualifications. Specific emphasis should be placed on boat crew
task BCM-02-16-TYPE (Boat Egress Principles and Procedures),
contained in REF (B) when certifying new crewmembers.
5. POC: Mr. Kevin Jones, (202) 372-2459.
6. Ms. Lisa R. Schleder-Kirkpatrick, Acting, Assistant
Commandant for Capability (CG-7), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.