The Auxiliary Mid-Level Officer Course (AMLOC) [AUX-05A] is the Coast Guard Senior Leadership Principles and Skills (SLPS) Course adapted for the volunteer Auxiliary environment, and is taught by Coast Guard trained instructors.
Uniform: Tropical Blue. Room: Legacy South 2
Tues - Thurs 0800 - 1700

Auxiliary Public Affairs Course (AUX-12)
Currently at capacity.
Contact DCOS Price at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
Uniform: Tropical Blue. Room: Legacy South 3
Tues 1300-1700 Wed - Thurs 0800 - 1700 Fri 0800-1130

Uniform: Tropical Blue
The district meeting is an excellent opportunity to engage with the leadership and members of your district, stay informed on important updates, and participate in discussions that shape the future of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Whether you’re a seasoned member or attending for the first time, this meeting provides a chance to network, share ideas, and strengthen collaboration across flotillas and divisions.
Room: Salon 2

Carlos Arenas, DSO-CS
The class presents the knowledge elements and provides participants with the opportunity to
demonstrate skills needed to be certified as a Telecommunications Operator in the Southeast
District. The course follows the outline of the Telecommunications Operator Professional
Qualification Standard. The course is an intense 8-hour session split over two days (Saturday and
Sunday) with a partial PQS review. (8 hours)
Room: Symposium East Sat & Sun

John Frassanito, DSO-NS & Tony Hooper, ADSO-NS
Members certified as Aids to Navigation Verifier – with PQS (AV-PQS) are authorized to verify
PATON (Class I, Class II, and Class III private aids), survey bridges, and submit updates to
Charts and Nautical Publications. This course will walk you through the PQS and prepare you
for the practical elements required to become qualified as an AV-PQS.
Visit https://www.se-nav-systems.org/ for more information. (8 hours)
Room: Symposium West

Michael Distefano
Pre-Registration Required
This class prepares you to provide proper care for life-threatening illnesses or injuries until
professional emergency medical care is available. The skills taught in this course include one- and
two-rescuer CPR for adults, use of automated external defibrillators, assisting choking victims,
and responding to a person in shock. The first aid skills taught include bleeding control and
responding to medical emergencies. Participants will receive the American Safety and Health
Institute Basic CPR and First Aid Card upon successful completion of the class. (3 hours)

Paul Piepoli, Counterintelligence Agent

This session provides Auxiliary leaders and members with an in-depth overview of counter-
intelligence considerations relevant to the Southeast maritime operating environment.

Participants will gain insight into the types of threats that impact Coast Guard and Auxiliary
missions and learn how counter-intelligence awareness directly supports operational readiness
and mission success. (1 hour)
Room: Forum East 4

Mary Patton, DSO-PA

The PA Specialist Program offers a pathway to skills development by blending formal and on-the-
job training. Candidates are certified through AUXPA3 [Entry Level], AUXPA2 [Intermediate
Level] and AUXPA1 [Senior Level] levels using the Performance Qualification System (PQS).
Each candidate completes a series of tasks for print and broadcast media, photography, public
appearances, video, static displays, and exhibits. Come learn about this exciting program and have
your questions answered! (1 hour)

Gary Kessler, DVC-YV
This session will provide a broad, high-level overview of cybersecurity, the maritime
transportation system (MTS), and aspects of cybersecurity that are unique in the MTS. This is
planned as a non-technical talk to introduce terms and concepts, and to help Auxiliarists understand
the role of USCG and CGAUX in the cyber domain. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 1

Grace Hirigoyen, ADSO-AS
This course introduces Auxiliarists to the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s AUXSCOUT initiative and
provides a step‐by‐step guide for establishing and supporting a Sea Scout unit within their local
community. Participants will learn the organizational structure of Sea Scouting, the roles and
responsibilities of Auxiliary partners, and the requirements for chartering, staffing, and
sustaining a successful youth maritime program. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 2

Sean Hunt, DSO-PE
This session will address the strategies and challenges of promoting and delivering public
education products in the digital age. While legacy types of advertising need not be abandoned,
they are no longer sufficient in and of themselves to compete with today’s commercial vendors.
The active use of electronic modalities, including websites and social media, must be considered
to be successful. In addition, the format in which we deliver courses, whether it be in person or
virtual, will be discussed, especially in the context of the safe boating course. Lessons learned
from flotillas throughout the district will be shared. In short, is it time for you to jump start your
Public Education program? In this interactive session, participants will be encouraged to share
what has worked and not worked in their efforts to successfully grow their programs. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 1

Scott Szczepaniak, Southeast District Boating Safety Specialist
This session will focus on tactical strategies to genuinely influence and change on-the-water boater
behavior. Discover how to leverage broad-spectrum feedback to improve your outreach, promote
crucial situational awareness ("Slow down—pay attention!"), and tackle the unique challenges of
encouraging PFD usage. We will conclude with high-impact best practices for engaging the public
at boat shows, followed by a dedicated Q&A. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 2

Matt Copeland, ADSO-MS
Previously known as Auxiliary Assistant Pollution Responder, this session will provide an overview of the
certification process, including the prerequisites and training necessary to complete the PQS. Auxiliarists
attending will come away with an understanding of the many areas they can get involved and functions
they can perform once they complete this certification. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 3

Gary Kessler, DVC-YV
Spoofing and jamming of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and Automatic Identification
System (AIS) messages can have devastating effects. This talk will describe incidents of GPS and
AIS interference, geopolitical implications, and impacts on USCG. (2 hours)
Room: Legacy North 1

Jeff Barnes, ADSO-EM
Previously known as “Part A”, these PQS tasks apply to all USCG ICS positions and are
incorporated as a mandatory requirement for all USCG ICS qualifications. Students will gain an
understanding on how to prepare for duty, how to manage themselves and others, and how to work
with others in stressful environments. (2 hours)

COMO Martin Goodwin & DCOS Murray Price
This informal session provides an opportunity to meet your Southeast District leadership team to discuss issues, ask questions, and get informed about upcoming programs and initiatives. (1 hour)
Room: Forum East 4

Mary Patton, DSO-PA
This photography course is titled, Photography—Auxiliary Style or How to Make Your News
Releases and Newsletters POP! Ideal for Public Affairs Specialists, and any Auxiliarist who
contributes imagery for newsletters, social media, or official reports, this course equips participants
with the skills needed to produce clear, compelling, and compliant photographs that strengthen the
Auxiliary’s public image and support mission storytelling across the maritime community. It
covers taking colorful, clear photos that showcase the Auxiliary’s missions and tell the Auxiliary
story. (1 hour)
Room: Salon 3

Peter Pawlus, ADSO-CS
Join us as we explore the Southeast District Web Properties and discuss both self-sourced commercial and AUX provided website options for Flotillas. We'll share effective strategies to optimize the impact of your Flotilla website!
Room: Legacy North 2

Bill Ballard, D-AA-DAC
A general briefing on what the Help Desk is (and what it’s not); overview of what is needed for
various categories; best practices for submitting Help Desk tickets; and an overview of certification
and reward requirements. Each portion will include current guidance on when to send in a ticket
and when to allow the system time to complete an action. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 2

This session will explore legal issues for flotillas, including discipline, solicited and unsolicited
gifts, contracts, corporations, conduct, and more. Participants will have opportunities to address
legal questions pertaining to Auxiliary activities. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 3

LCDR Tuxhorn & BOSN Blount
Join us for a question-and-answer session with our Director of Auxiliary LCDR Tuxhorn and
Operations Training Officer BOSN Blount. (1 hour)
Room: Forum East 4

Nichole Betterson, DDC-L
Learn practical strategies for using social media to increase public awareness, strengthen
community engagement, and promote recreational boating safety. This session will cover
effective content, platform-specific messaging, visual storytelling, consistent posting, branding,
privacy, accessibility, and operational security. (1 hour)
Room: Salon 3

Bill Ballard, D-AA-DAC
This session will cover all aspects of the Auxiliary awards nomination, writing, and approval
process. It will discuss the various awards available to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and
the eligibility criteria for those awards. Specific attention will be paid to the various forms required
for submission of an award nomination, including techniques for drafting the citations. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 2

DCOS Murray Price
This class introduces Auxiliarists to the core duties, communication protocols, and operational
expectations of a Station Watchstander at a U.S. Coast Guard small boat station. Participants gain
a clear understanding of how the Auxiliary supports active-duty crews by maintaining situational
awareness, managing radio and phone communications, documenting operational activity, and
reinforcing the station’s readiness posture. (1 hour)

Cristina Cuervo; Scott Szczepaniak, Southeast District Boating Safety Specialist
After a devastating boating accident near Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay claimed the life of her
friend Lucy Fernandez and left her friend Katy Puig with life-altering injuries, Cristina Cuervo
resolved to transform personal loss into purposeful action.
In this compelling session, Cristina will share the independent research that inspired the
development of a boat-to-boat proximity alert system designed to help reduce preventable
collisions caused by operator inattention. Drawing from her analysis of Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission boating accident data, she will explain how engineering, GPS
technology, and long-range radio communication can work together to improve situational
awareness and promote safer decision-making on the water.
Attendees will learn about Cristina's journey from identifying patterns in boating accident data to
designing a practical technology-based solution that addresses one of Florida's leading
contributing factors in boating accidents. Her presentation demonstrates how research, innovation,
and community advocacy can come together to strengthen boating safety education and help
prevent future tragedies. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 3

Alvaro Ferrando
This orientation course provides Coast Guard Auxiliarists with a foundational understanding of
Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) operations and the role of the UPV Examiner in supporting
Coast Guard marine safety missions. The course introduces the standards, procedures, and
documentation required to conduct UPV examinations, emphasizing risk reduction, compliance,
and safe operations for vessels carrying six or fewer passengers for hire. (3 hours)
Room: Legacy South 3

William Hanlon; Anthony Wong, VCDR-17
This course introduces Auxiliarists to FEMA’s Geospatial Damage Assessment Program,
providing a clear understanding of how geospatial tools, imagery analysis, and structured data
collection support national disaster response and recovery operations. Participants will learn the
fundamentals of geospatial assessment workflows, including pre‐ and post‐incident imagery
comparison, damage classification standards, and the integration of field‐collected data with
FEMA’s enterprise mapping platforms. (1 hour)
Room: Forum East 2

Peter Pawlus, ADSO-CS
Ok, reports are hard. Did you know AUDATA II has pre-made reports you can personalize and re-use? Join us as we share strategies to leverage and personalize Quick Stop Reports for AUX leadership offices.
Room: Salon 3

William Saltenberger, DSO-MS
MSAM is one of the two Auxiliary only Marine Safety certifications. With the revisions made in 2023
and further revised in 2025, pursuit of this certification became much more complicated for both
Auxiliarists pursuing this certification and those serving as mentors/verifying officers. This session will
walk you through the PQS and the steps that must be completed before the oral board is scheduled. For
those considering pursuing this Marine Safety certification, this course will take the guess work out of the
process, offer tips, and answer many questions. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 1

Greg Hendricks, ASC-SECJAX; Chris Juall, ASC-SECSP
Effectively Working with Sector & Your OIA: Attendees will gain a strong appreciation on how
to coordinate Auxiliary direct assistance to meet active-duty needs, and how to maintain a strong
working relationship with your local OIA and Sector. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 2

Dorothy Riley, DSO-PB & R. Michael Stringer, ADSO-PB
Creating a unit publication can be a rewarding experience. To begin, you'll need to understand
the key components of a publication, including the masthead, article presentation, image positioning, and photo captions. The publications program presents an exciting opportunity to be
part of the team that tells the story of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Together, we can effectively communicate our mission and achievements to our members. (1
hour)
Room: Legacy South 1

Bill Ballard, D-AA-DAC
A general briefing on what the Help Desk is (and what it’s not); overview of what is needed for various categories; best practices for submitting Help Desk tickets; and an overview of certification and award requirements. Each portion will include current guidance on when to send in a ticket and when to allow the system time to complete an action. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 2

Jaden Duff, AUP Florida Institute of Technology
This session introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its emerging role in supporting Coast
Guard Auxiliary operations. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of AI concepts, practical
applications, and how AI is being integrated to enhance member support, knowledge
management, and operational efficiency within the district. Participants will leave with a clearer
understanding of how AI can empower Auxiliarists at every level and how to begin using the
District AI Assistant in their own roles. (1 hour)
Room: Forum East 4

Chris Juall, DSO-OP
The AOR Gap Coverage Program: Discover how the Auxiliary strategically steps up to enhance
Search and Rescue (SAR) response times. We will discuss actionable opportunities for Auxiliarists
to augment active-duty units, fill critical coverage gaps, and directly improve mission outcomes
when every second counts. The Operational Excellence Program: Learn the standards, mindsets,
and best practices that define peak performance. We will explore how to cultivate high-level
proficiency in our crews, maintain superior asset readiness, and execute missions with precision.
(1 hour)
Room: Salon 3

Ed Pratt, ASC-SECKW & David Green, ADSO-MS
Introduction to Marine Safety and Environmental Protection (IMSEP) is one of two basic
courses required for almost all Marine Safety certifications and therefore a must for any
Auxiliarist interested in pursuing Marine Safety. Also, any Auxiliarist pursuing the AUXOP
designation may be interested in attending this course as IMSEP counts for 2 of 3 required
elective credits. The IMSEP exam is not an easy exam and this course will prepare attendees to
take the IMSEP exam by providing an exam overview, guidance and tips. Auxiliarists who
complete this course should be well prepared to complete the IMSEP exam on their first attempt.
(1 hour)
Legacy North 1

Nichole Betterson, DDC-L
Learn practical strategies for using social media to increase public awareness, strengthen
community engagement, and promote recreational boating safety. This session will cover
effective content, platform-specific messaging, visual storytelling, consistent posting, branding,
privacy, accessibility, and operational security. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 2

Pattie McGowan, DSO-VE
This course provides Auxiliarists with a comprehensive update on the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Vessel Examination Program, highlighting recent policy changes, revised best practices, and
emerging trends in recreational boating safety. Participants will review updates to VSC
requirements, national directives, form changes, and program performance expectations, ensuring
all examiners remain aligned with current Coast Guard standards. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy South 1

Bill Ballard, D-AA-DAC
This session will cover all aspects of the Auxiliary awards nomination, writing, and approval process. It will discuss the various awards available to members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the eligibility criteria for those awards. Specific attention will be paid to the various forms required for submission of an award nomination, including techniques for drafting the citations. (1 hour)
Room: Salon 3

Kevin Wilcox, DSO-IS
This workshop is for current Information Services officers and members who want to know more about being a future IS officer. This workshop will offer tips and tools to help IS officers do their job and will include roundtable discussions on problems and concerns applicable to all IS officers.
(1 hour)
Room: Forum East 2

Julie Bouchard, DSO-SR
Whether you are a new member or a seasoned Auxiliarist, there is always something new to
discover. Think you know what the Auxiliary does? You may be surprised. Explore the many
missions, qualifications, leadership opportunities, and training resources available throughout the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Learn where to find the information you need, discover new ways to
serve, and chart your own Auxiliary journey as you become not just qualified, but proficient, in
supporting the Coast Guard, your community, and our nation. (1 hour)

Bryan Bowie, DSO-PV
This course delivers a comprehensive update on the Coast Guard Auxiliary Program Visitation
(PV) Program, ensuring current and prospective Program Visitors remain aligned with the latest
national policies, outreach strategies, and safety communication standards. Participants will
review recent changes to PV requirements, reporting procedures, and educational materials,along with updated expectations for engaging marine businesses and strengthening partnerships
within the recreational boating community. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 1

Natalie Bunting, ASC-Miami; William Ballard, D-AD; Charlene Dykman, DCDR-3
BQ2-90 is the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s New Member Training Program. The name of the
program is also the objective: helping new members achieve Basically Qualified (BQ) status
within 90 days or less. FORCECOM and the Human Resources Directorate have presented this
streamlined training program to give new members a clearer, more organized path through the
early training, administrative actions, and resources needed to become active, informed, and
mission-ready Auxiliarists. This session will describe this program and how you can apply it in
your units. (1 hour)
Room: Legacy North 2

Doug Armstrong, DDC-R
This session will provide an overview of current Response Directorate priorities, policy changes,
training initiatives, and operational developments. Participants will receive updates on surface
operations, aviation, communications, emergency management, and other response programs,
along with information to help units strengthen readiness, qualifications, and mission support.. (1
hour)
Room: Legacy South 2

Instructor Development Course (PQS)
Karen Miller, DSO-MT; Greg Fonzeno, DIR-Ed; Ramiro Antorcha, ADSO-MT; Anna Scott, FC; Larry Cook, SO-MT
Ready to become a certified Coast Guard Auxiliary instructor? This blended-learning course prepares members to confidently teach Auxiliary and Public Education courses using proven adult learning principles and effective presentation techniques. Three mandatory online, virtual evening sessions (August 25, August 31, and September 8) provide the foundation before D-TRAIN. During the Sunday session, participants will deliver a short instructional presentation, receive individualized coaching, and complete one-on-one Instructor Qualification PQS sign-offs with experienced mentors. After successfully completing the PQS requirements at D-TRAIN, members return to their flotillas to complete the final student teaching requirement for certification. (6 hours)

David Green, ADSO-MS
This Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course provides U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary personnel with the foundational knowledge and operational competencies required to
safely recognize, evaluate, and respond to hazardous materials incidents in accordance with 29 CFR
1910.120 and Coast Guard response doctrine. This course is designed to support Auxiliary members
engaged in operational missions alongside the Coast Guard and independently where hazardous materials
exposure is a potential risk. HAZWOPER Awareness and/or Operations Level training is required or
strongly recommended for Auxiliary members participating in the following mission areas and
qualifications: Surface Operations, Air Operations, Marine Safety & Environmental Protection, Operational
Support and Incident Response. (4 hours)

Kevin Wilcox, DSO-IS
This is the RM/TCT annual refresher class required to maintain currency in several Auxiliary
qualifications and serve in elected office. (3 hours)

COMO Martin Goodwin & COMO John Holmes
Designed for senior district leaders, this symposium will provide the essential information, tools,
and resources needed to lead the district effectively. Topics will include leadership
responsibilities, district governance, communication, decision-making, staff coordination,
performance management, and available administrative support. Newly elected district leaders
are strongly encouraged to attend. (3 hour)
Room: Forum East 4

Grilled Flank Steak (marinated flank steak served with a sherry mushroom sauce), includes salad, vegetable, and dessert

Dutch Sandwich Plate
Two half sandwiches (roasted turkey breast and Virginia ham) served on bakery fresh rolls, with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Served with macaroni salad and dessert.

Chicken Piccata (chicken breast sauteed with lemon butter caper sauce), includes salad, vegetable, and dessert.

Salmon in Boursin Cream Sauce, includes salad, vegetable, and dessert

Southwestern Buffet with black bean and roasted corn salad, mixed greens, grilled chicken, yellow rice, sweet plantains, and assorted desserts.