Program Visitor

The purpose of the Program Visitor mission is to integrate existing Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) programs into a focused boating safety initiative which will increase the delivery of the RBS messages in an efficient and concentrated manner.

The Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program is a public outreach program in support of the US Coast Guard's recreational boating safety mission. The purpose of the RBSVP is to promote safe boating for the recreational boating public through the aid of local businesses, offices and marine dealerships.

There are approximately 80 million boaters in the United States. Great strides toward an ultimate goal of safe and enjoyable recreational boating can be made by making safety and related boating information available wherever the general public shops, passes by, or waits. This is achieved by a partnership between Program Visitors (PV), an ambassador from the Auxiliary who is visible source of information for federal, state and local boating safety requirements and education, and the Program Partner, any community business or facility that will allow the PV to place a literature display rack. Examples could include: marine dealers, plumbing shops, hardware stores, vessel rental agencies, vessel repair agencies, marinas, canvas or sail makers, hospital emergency or other waiting rooms, and doctor's offices.

The program can be very enjoyable if you like going about in the community and chatting with folks about boating.

How Do I Become a Qualified Program Visitor?

The member must be at least Basically Qualified (BQ) or be in Applicant Pending Status (AP) and have passed a basic boating safety course.

Study the Vessel Safety Check Manual (COMDTINST M16796.8). It is recommended that members also take the Vessel Examiner workshop.

Study the RBSVP Manual (M16796.3C).

Pass the open book RBSVP Test via the National Testing Center. The online exam contains 30 questions and trainees have a 3 hour (180 minute) time limit once they start the exam. Students are required to achieve a minimum score of 90% in order to pass. NOTE: MDV = Marine Dealer Visitor.

Conduct two (2) visits under supervision by a qualified Program Visitor.

Complete your paperwork - have your mentor (the qualified Program Visitor who supervised your two required visits) complete and sign the Program Visitor Initial Qualification application form found in the back of the RBSPV Manual. Next have your Flotilla Commander or Vice Flotilla Commander complete and sign the form. Keep a copy for your records and then have your FC or VFC submit a request for your PV qualification on the 9th Western District web site: http://www.cgaux9wr.com/programs/is/qualific.ation-form.php.

How Do I Maintain My Certification?

Annual Certification Procedures: To remain certified, Program Visitors must complete four (4) RBSVP visits each calendar year.

Re-certification Procedures: If a Program Visitor fails to perform the annual certification procedures during a year, they must complete two (2) satisfactory visits under the supervision of a certified Program Visitor. The certified Program Visitor receives the credit for the re-certifying visits. After completing the re-certifying visits, the Program Visitor must then complete an additional four (4) more visits to meet the requirements for that year.

If more than five (5) years has elapsed since the loss of certification, the member must re-qualify following the same process as a new Program Visitor.