Marine Patrol Officer 2nd Coxswain

Second in command, generally the tactics officer who can take control of the vessel if necessary. Specifically, responsible for communications, tactical decisions, safe handling and deployment of vessel stopping equipment.

• Use a variety of communication methods, VHF radio, loud hailer, signs, blue lights and hand signals to effectively communicate with and give direction to the subject and to provide evidence of the subject’s failure to comply with directions.
• Operate the vessel in relation to speed and manoeuvring in a manner that is consistent with achieving operational objectives whilst having appropriate regard to the wellbeing of persons on board to ensure the safe and successful outcome of operational objectives.
• Deploy various vessel-stopping options in a safe and controlled manner to stop a vessel which is refusing to stop or to prevent a moving vessel from running to achieve the overall aims of the security operation.
• Assess prevailing conditions to determine the safest speed and course to safely and effectively move crew and equipment between the Police boat and static vessels or structure ladders in a variety of conditions.
• Apply specific waterborne procedures and policies to detain, arrest and transport persons from a vessel or waterside structure to land, identifying and mitigating the risks of prisoner handling aboard vessels to prevent injury to detainees or officers involved.

Prior Education and Experience:

• As a minimum, hold a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Level 2 Powerboat Certificate with skills commercially endorsed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). All Certificates and Licences of Competency or Service are to be appropriate to the type of vessel in which they are used (in accordance with PCB3).
• All crew helming on Police vessels must be able to demonstrate competency in Police Boat Handling in line with the ‘Practice Advice for Tactics and Procedures Used in Marine Policing’.
• Holds a valid RYA Powerboat Level 2 or Helmsman Certificate.
• Holds a RYA Basic Sea Survival Certificate.
• Holds a Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate.
• In date police First Aid certificate.
• A fully operational Marine Officer.

Skills:

• Able to identify key stakeholders, understand their roles, and to take appropriate steps to understand and respond to their needs and concerns.
• Able to seek out and identify a range of information to identify patterns, trends and options, to solve multifaceted and complex problems.
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely to crew, passengers and shore personnel at all times, including during operations.
• Skilled in delegating to crew, monitoring performance, assessing progress, identifying emerging risks, issues and opportunities, and taking corrective steps as required to ensure that the right results are achieved.
• Able to motivate a team and create strong engagement of individuals with the operational plan.
• Able to identify exceptional situations that merit recognition and to take appropriate action.
• Able to identify situations that require disciplinary action and to respond appropriately.
• Able to write concise reports or other documents.
• Skilled in the use of use standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
• Able to use resources efficiently in own role and to comply with financial rules and procedures.

• Police Coxswains must complete a minimum 30 days a year on a Police Vessel to maintain their MCA endorsement.
• No Marine Police Officer can have more than 6 months (183 days) of continued inactivity within their defined role.
• Every Marine Police Officer must annually complete a minimum of 2 days CPD training in Marine Police Tactics relevant to their role.
• Complete the Police Marine Officer Demonstration of Water Competence annually.

Not applicable.

Marine Patrol Officer Coxswain.