Light Station Boston, Little Brewster Island

as of 14 February 2008

Overview

Auxiliary Watchstanders are volunteers of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who are Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualified and Boston Light Historical Interpreter Qualified having offered to assist with Watchstanding (Assistant Lighthouse Keeping) duties at Boston Light. Auxiliarists participate in this program being fully cognizant of the issuing of

non-reimbursable orders for travel and food. Training occurs from Wed-Sun or Sun-Wed, 24-hours a day, staying overnight on the island. Once qualified, scheduling options are Wed-Sun, Sun-Wed, Sun-Sun, or Wed-Wed.

This is a very unique Auxiliary activity in that it is the one and only remaining U.S. Coast Guard Light Station staffed in the United States. It has been mandated by a 1989 Congressional Law to remain staffed because of its historical significance in being the first light station to be established in the nation (1716). As Auxiliarists, we are privileged to have the opportunity to be stewards of this national landmark.

Little Brewster Island is located approximately 10-miles east of down-town Boston and 1-mile off of the Town of Hull, MA. Transportation to the island is from C.G. Station Pt. Allerton in Hull. Driving from Boston to Hull takes approximately 45-minute.

Objective for Training Auxiliary Watchstanders

To establish a cadre of trained volunteers to stand watches (Assistant Lighthouse Keeping) with another qualified Watchstander for the following schedule: Wed-Sun, Sun-Wed, Wed-Wed, or Sun-Sun.

Expectations of Watchstanders

The primary responsibility of the Auxiliary Lighthouse Assistant Keeper is to provide a Coast Guard “presence”, ensuring the safe operation of Little Brewster Island remaining “situationally aware” throughout the watch. Routine of the day includes making daily rounds, checking the optic mechanism to ensure proper functioning, and recording on-scene weather for NOAA. Occasionally, “trouble shooting” problem is needed on when something goes array. The ability to coherently describe the situation to the Keeper for her to notify appropriate Coast Guard authority, and refraining to attempt fixing the problem without permission are two important considerations. Refer to the Watchstander Qualification Checklist for further details.

Requisites to be an Auxiliary Assistant Keeper

- qualified crew member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and maintaining the qualification for as many years as participating in the Watchstander Program

- qualified Interpreter (tour guide) for Little Brewster Island

- submit an application to the Keeper followed by an interview

- dependable and committed to fulfilling scheduled Watchstander duty knowing this commitment determines the success of the program

- willingness to invest in the specified uniform

- willingness to participate in the program without reimbursement for transportation or food (i.e., bringing your own food)

- available for training for a minimum of two training duties (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sun) (overnight, 24-hours a day)

- once qualified, available for a minimum of one Watchstander duty per year (although two duties are preferred) Sun-Wed, Wed-Sun, Wed-Wed, or Sun-Sun

- being flexible when the duty is delayed or extended due to adverse weather conditions preventing safe access or departure from the island

- willingness to bring sufficient food for the duration of the duty (this is a 1 ½ acre island without access to grocery stores or fast food establishments, i.e., no pizza deliveries)

- committed to developing appropriate/effective interpersonal skills for interacting with the cadre of Auxiliary Assistant Keepers, Interpreters from AUX, FBHI, and NPS, active duty, and for the diverse population that will be visiting the island

- ability for good judgement, such as:

- decision making with co-Watchstanders (i.e., refraining from taking action outside of routine tasks and operations without consulting the Keeper or other Watchstander(s) on duty)

- knowing personal limitations and seeking appropriate advise and consultations

- communicating pertinent information to the Keeper and updates of situations

- providing clearly written summary of what transpired during the watch to be left for the on-coming Assistant Keepers and Keeper

- ability to climb the 100 foot tower twice a day

- ability to access the island via climbing the vertical ladder affixed to the face of the concrete pier (10 foot height at low tide) when the seasonal dock is not in place

- ability to lift and activate 50 lb. fire extinguishers and 5 gal water bottles

- willingness to be mentored

- willingness to be transported to Boston Light via an Auxiliary vessel from Hull, MA (an approximate 45 minute drive from Boston) during the visitors season and by a Coast Guard vessel off season. Note: off season requires the wearing of a dry suit – the Coast Guard makes no exceptions.

- committed to acquiring working knowledge, skill, and competencies with the items listed on the Watchstander Qualification Checklist

- ability and willingness to take pride in keeping the interior of the house consistently in “presentable” order for unanticipated visits from the Coast Guard, media, and special guests.

- an intention to schedule Assistant Keeper duty at least one month (4 weeks) ahead of time, if not earlier

- willingness to attend Boston Light Augmentation’s annual required “Update” (workshop)

Qualification Process

An application is to be submitted to the Keeper followed by an interview to provide the opportunity for prospective candidates and the Keeper to discuss the Watchstander Program expectations to ensure all are on the “same page”.

A Check-list similar to that used with the Boat Crew Qualification Program is used for qualifying Watchstanders (Auxiliarists as Assistant Lighthouse Keepers). The two training sessions (Wed-Sun or Sun-Wed) are to be scheduled a minimum of two weeks between the two whenever possible. During the training, the trainee works with a mentor in performing the items on the “checklist”, asking questions and practice performing the tasks. Generally, the second session is not scheduled until the first has been completed to ensure the candidate’s compatibility with the program.

Upon completion of all the items on the Qualifying Checklist, the candidate and Keeper perform a final review as an opportunity to clarify any concerns, issues, or questions. There may be instances where the candidate or Keeper requests a third or fourth training session if more time is needed to build competency levels. The candidate has two years to qualify once the process has begun. Competency of skill level, “people skills”, and commitment to the program are of highest priority.

At the conclusion of the review process, if competency levels are deemed sufficient by the candidate and Keeper, both sign the Qualifying Checklist signifying the successful completion of the program. The Assistant Keeper Qualifying Certificate will be presented at the annual “Boston Light Appreciation Day” usually held in October at the transition from “on season” (tour season) and “off season”.

Keeper’s House Amenities

Kitchen: pots, pans, silverware, 4 burner stove with oven, microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, water cooler. Living Room: entertainment center with satellite TV, and stereo. Reading materials: paperback novels, Coast Guard related journals and magazines. Second floor: a full bath and three bedrooms with double beds. Provisions: sheets, blankets, towels, and pillows, paper towels, trash bags, and toilet paper.

Inquiries: for more information and questions contact:

Sally Snowman,

U.S. Coast Guard Civilian Keeper

Phone: 508-746-5993

Cell: 617-833-0603

Fax: 508-746-8097

Email: s.snowmanph.d@att.net