1820. Coast Guard Embroidered Surfman Insignia by Vanguard.
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1820. Coast Guard Embroidered Surfman Insignia by Vanguard.
1820. Coast Guard Embroidered Surfman Insignia by Vanguard. New stock in original packaging. Embroidered in white on blue rip stop. The Surfman Badge is issued to enlisted Coast Guard personnel who qualify as Coxswains authorized to operate surf boats in heavy surf. Surf boats are designed to operate under extreme weather and sea conditions. To be awarded the Surfman Badge, a service member must train in actual surf and breaking bar conditions, accumulate a minimum amount of hours operating in these conditions, while conducting practical exercises and undergoing a rigorous underway check ride as well as an oral review board. The Surfman Badge is senior to the Coxswain Badge, and Coast Guard regulations do not permit the simultaneous wear of both badges. [from Coast Guard Criteria] Although Surfmen are required at just 20 of Coast Guard boat stations, the extremely challenging training and dangerous working conditions makes keeping the billets manned an uphill battle. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that only Boatswain’s Mates are eligible for entry into the Prospective Surfman Program (PSP) the Coast Guard uses to identify and choose those Boatswain’s Mates (BMs) who have a good chance of completing the rigorous training regimen. Surfman qualification can be completed only at a Surf Station or at the National Motor Lifeboat School. Surf Stations are located where surf higher than eight feet takes place on at least ten percent of the days each year; of the 20 Surf Stations, 15 are found on the West coast. (M). $19 each.