Incident Management Division
Environmental Protection and Response

Working with the Incident Management Division (IMD), Auxiliarists can protect the marine environment in Puget Sound by helping prevent pollution incidents and assisting the with Coast Guard response when pollution does occur.

Auxiliarists augment Sector Seattle personnel in the following environmental programs:

Operation Trash Compactor (OTC)   In recent months, Sector Seattle has responded to several recent oil spills from derelict, abandoned, or neglected vessels in its AOR. Therefore Sector has asked the Auxiliary to assist it in evaluating and monitoring those vessels in the future, visiting them by water. This is planned to be a permanent, ongoing part of Auxiliary OPs tasking within the Sector Seattle AOR, including portions that operate under orders from Group Port Angeles. (More...) To participate in OTC, contact your FSO-OP or SO-OP.

Oil Spill Observers   By taking IMD’s Oil Spill Observer 101 course, Auxiliarists become qualified to be called for initial evaluation of oil spill reports. Auxiliarists can make on-scene reports to the Coast Guard, helping them determine the extent of response necessary. To become an oil spill observer, click on the “Training” link above and look for upcoming Oil Spill Observer 101 classes, or email SS-POC-IMD@auxd13nasupport.org to schedule training in your area.

Pollution Investigator Assistant  Auxiliarists can become qualified Pollution Investigator Assistants (Auxiliary Trident qualification AUX-ED), which enables them to accompany and assist Coast Guard personnel on oil spill responses. More information on Pollution Investigator Assistant training.