COAST GUARD AUXILIARY MARINE SAFETY TRAINING (TRIDENT)

The Coast Guard’s Auxiliary Marine Safety insignia, colloquially referred to as the “Trident,” is almost identical to the device established by the Coast Guard in November, 2000 to recognize the accomplishments of personnel who had undergone extensive training in and acquired specific qualifications for Marine Safety. Although the Marine Safety Training Ribbon is not required for wear while working toward Trident qualification, all the courses needed to be completed in order for wear authorization are also part of the Trident qualification program.

The Auxiliary Marine Safety Training (MST) program differs somewhat from the Coast Guard’s in that the Auxiliary’s mission, even in Marine Safety, is not as broad as in its parent organization. Because the Auxiliary is designed to complement and augment the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary’s MST varies from Sector to Sector based upon the needs of the Coast Guard in that area. Consequently, certain types of Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) will not be available for Auxiliarists to pursue if there is no need for that type of skill or function in their Sector.

Auxiliarists must receive the approval of their Sector command before they can begin working toward achieving appropriate PQS and undertake the other training and work necessary to earn the Auxiliary Marine Safety insignia. To earn the Auxiliary Trident, Auxiliary members must complete the following courses and or PQS:
 

In addition, Auxiliarists must perform at least 96 hours of Marine Safety Program activity every year for at least five years. Thankfully, the five years do not have to be consecutive, nor is there a time limit on completing the requisite courses and PQS.