The AUXSCOUT SOP states: For any mission involving an Auxiliary facility carrying Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders who are not enrolled in the Auxiliary, the Auxiliary mission leader shall ensure the order issuing authority is aware that the facility will be carrying them as guests (e.g., names and number of Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders aboard). Does the order issuing authority only need to be aware that the facility will be carrying Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders as guests?

The intent of the SOP is to assure that when a request for orders is submitted the OIA is aware that the facility will be carrying Sea Scouts and/or Sea Scout leaders. It is always within the prerogative of the OIA to issue or decline to issue orders for the operation of a facility and guests may not come aboard an OPFAC under orders unless OIA has granted permission for that guest to be aboard, and all guests’ names and other information has been recorded as required by the Operations Policy Manual, COMDTINST M16798.3E, Chapter 4, paragraph E.18. If the Sea Scouts do not have life jackets, they should be lent appropriate PPE for the duration of the patrol.