How Coast Guard Surfmen Train For Massive Waves

Coast Guard Surfmen are an elite group of highly-skilled boat operators, known as coxswain, who specialize in operating boats in surf and heavy weather conditions.
Before candidates can earn this distinguished and historic title, they must complete a rigorous training program that culminates with the Surfman Course held at the National Motor Lifeboat School in Ilwaco, Washington.
We spent multiple days with the most recent Surfman class to give you an inside look at their training. During the course, the students were notified of a potential mariner in distress near their location and quickly, their final day of training turned into a real-life rescue operation!
#coastguard #surf #surfmen #uscg #boat #boating #columbiariver #astoriaoregon

[@RevEricHebert]

The Top Gun of Search and Rescue. Bravo Zulu to all Surfman!

[@MW-on1ft]

The rescue shown in this video happened recently. The man on the power boat had stolen the boat. Obviously he was not an experienced boat operator or of much intelligence and was arrested by law enforcement ashore. Had it not been for our Coasties he most likely would be dead.

[@SuperGoldenv]

Missed that bit out didn’t they.

[@16B9]

The stolen boat ended up being all broken up by the surf and it's parts scattered up and down the beach. I hope the owner had good Marine insurance. Thank you Coast Guard for always going out when everyone else is trying to come in.

[@MW-on1ft]

The Coast Guard was actually out doing training exercises and next to the scene when the incident occured. Had they not already been there it would have likely just been a body recovery. Sorry about the boat owners loss, even with insurance the owner loses.

[@neilsiebenthal9254]

​@@MW-on1ftthe helicopter and rescue swimmer saved the guy. Not the folks on the boat.

[@markazevedo1499]

@@neilsiebenthal9254 The small boat crews were able to get a life vest to the boat operator. So, both the crews on the 47 footers and the helo crew working together to save this individual. This is how the CG operates, everyone works together to get the job done. BTW- This rescue was the first SAR for the rescue swimmer. In an interview with Oregon Live, the swimmer credited the small boats with getting the survivor a life jacket, while the small boat surfmen credited the helo crew with picking the survivor from the water.The rescue swimmer and surfmen are all enlisted personnel and are fairly early in their service. The CG is a small service which carries out a wide range of missions. This demands that everyone works at a high level and takes on responsibility for each situation. Semper Paratus "Always Ready" CGC Yocona 1975-77

[@donh6416]

Local news covered this rescue immediately after it occurred, and it reminded us all that the best train in our backyard. Thank you USCG.

[@Kilroy-was-here]

That was fantastic...just off the coast of Astoria. The Coast guard does Helicopter training practices fairly often in Tillamook bay. Fun to watch when in town

[@mikel5582]

That area has a hellofa backyard. Pretty phonomenal front yard too.

[@endfm]

LOL

[@danielchurchill9004]

As a USN sailor and a guy that loves the ocean I know the coast guard are the best! Thank you!!!

[@bobsmalser8304]

Coasties empower their non-coms better than the other services, and it shows. Well done.

[@patrickmccrann991]

Having served in the Navy for 24 years, I have to question that statement. I witnessed Navy Chiefs conning and standing Officer of the Deck watches, ASW Evaluators, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Air Warfare Coordinators, etc. These are all Officer stations, but can be filled by Senior enlisted personnel if they have the drive to get qualified. OSCS(SW) USN RET'D 1978-2002

[@charleswortz]

@@patrickmccrann991 CG chiefs and first classes do all those as well (minus air warfare, of course)

[@patrickmccrann991]

@@charleswortz Agree. Never argued that point.

[@tc1uscg65]

@@patrickmccrann991 I think it depends on the tasking. Without tug assist, would the CO of a FFG or DDG allow a 1st class much less a chief moor the ship? I watched our QM1 dock our 210 in front of a FFG in Key West once (As a RM3, at special sea detail, I was the starboard bearing taker). We were so close, we had to drop the flag staff on the stern to clear their bow. I'm sure the 6 navy guys who ran to the bow with a fender were waiting for us to hit them. But never happened. The OOD of the Navy ship came over (I remember, I was a RM3 and I was standing the quarterdeck watch. But came over and wanted to "congratulate" the "officer" of pulled off the mooring. I piped the QM1 down to the dock. The Navy guy about sh1t his pants. We wouldn't have tied up so close had the Navy ship not been tied up in our spot. :-0 I was an RM later rate change to TC. We had some Navy types come through or "A" and "C" schools (RM/TC). They were blown away of what we expected our 3rd's to do. Till the mid 90's, the Morse code requirement alone was a killer. And teaching 3rd's and even Chiefs the in's and outs of a full mini-dama suit (Satellite systems) drove home that we expected every operator in radio to be able to fire up any gear in the shack from cold iron to shut down and up keep of said gear. It's not that the Coast Guard is any better senior, it's just we expect MORE out of one person in the same environment. I was driving a 41ft UTB as a E3 and as an E3, I was qualified to take out our 17ft fast response boat and crew of 2. Had I been a SNBM or BM3, I'd be the cox of that 41 expensive hung of aluminum. We are no better then any other enlisted man/woman, but we operate on a smaller scale and are expected to produce results no matter the pay grade. 73's

[@bouffant-girl]

That is one of the many reasons why the United States 🇺🇸 Coast Guard is so selective regarding Enlistment Standards. Because they are the Smallest Branch of the United States 🇺🇸 Arned Forces. A great deal of responsibility and authority has to be delegated to relatively low ranking Commissioned and Non Commissioned Officers! Many people who were unable to meet the stringent Enlistment requirements for the USCG choose to be Hateful ; and Derisive towards Coasties!

[@daveyoder9231]

Dramatic footage, courageous people! USCG awesome!

[@cdrocrossdiscovery]

I was very fortunate to have attended NMLB School. My biggest regret was not attaining Surfman qualification. I loved my career in the Coast Guard.

[@c.shoefish]

A quote from Commander Wilkes, US Navy (ca. 1860) sums it up nicely: “Mere description can give but little idea of the terrors of the bar of the Columbia; all who have seen it have spoken of the wilderness of the ocean and the incessant roar of the waters, representing it as one of the most fearsome sites that can possibly meet the eye of a sailor.”. I was stationed at Cape Disappointment, with BMC Tori Hansen and I've seen how beautiful and just how nasty mother nature can be. That bar will turn on you in seconds. I miss it, but my body doesn't.

[@breadedboy8749]

I went on a fishing charter out of ilwaco, the guide said the water would be like glass, unfortunately it wasn’t, craziest ocean experience of my life

[@c.shoefish]

@@breadedboy8749 yep. It can get wild, quickly.

[@rp1645]

Thank you for showing this hard training. A person that decides to take on the Columbia Bar at the ocean with a vessel better know how to get through it. Also hats off to Columbia River bar Pilots, who transfer to large ships in these Dangerous waters. I wish I had gone in the Coast Guard to go through this life saving service. The CG is the branch of the American military that's "FIRST" mission is "SAVING" Lives. Thank you Coasties.

[@breadedboy8749]

I went fishing out off the Columbia bar, the conditions were unlike anything I’ve ever seen

[@kstan9724]

You folks are BAD ASS!

[@james3282]

Everyone in the US Coast Guard is absolutely awesome and thank you all for your service 😎 🇨🇦 🙏

[@U.S.CoastGuard]

You're welcome!

[@donjones4719]

At the end I thought is was a drill, the last step in training at the end of the course. But no! It was the real thing. The boater was lucky the CG was out there on a training op. Perfect timing for the video crew also, we get to see the power of a wave and how it can overturn a sizable boat like it was a bathtub toy.

[@user-jd8qx8ll7c]

Dramatic footage, courageous people! USCG awesome!. Y'all are badass people! Thanks for your service .

[@michaeltca3103]

The men who designed and built this boat and the men who drive are amazingly skilled and make our country proud!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

and women

[@squid_fish]

Great video and story. Thank you USCG for all you do ❤ 🇺🇸 ❗️

[@psalm9166]

Proud mom of a Coastie!!

[@user-tw4sn5bc8l]

Thank you for your service and dedication! BZ!

[@FlyTyer1948]

Much respect & thank you to the graduates & to all Coast Guard service members.

[@markb448]

Great place! I spent four years stationed there in the late 80's. The 47200 was the first 47 footer we received.

[@joecarlson6428]

I had the honor and privilege to serve in 1977 at Station Yaquina Bay, Newport OR. The 44 ' MLB I was assigned to, 44300, is now In the Columbia Maritime Museum in Coos Bay OR. I had orders for the NMLB school. Instead I accepted an offer to attend OCS. The equipment, boats and training is better. The Pacific is still dangerous. The internal drive and dedication to be the best is still necessary to be a surfman and heavy weather coxswain. Semper Paratus.

[@trentthompson2928]

Holy Crap!!! That looks like the best training and most terrifying experience! Thank You all for your service!!!

[@rjust2297]

Never diminished in my mind outstanding work ladies and gentlemen thank you all for your service ❤️🍀🐕‍🦺

[@browsman2328]

I went to the U.S. Navy photographer’s school in 1970 and we had some Coasties in the school. If I was a young person I would pick the Coast Guard over the Navy. There is a Coast Guard Air Station near where I live in Sacramento. They used to fly C-130s but now they fly C-27s which looks like a baby C-130. I see them flying around and I tell my friends that’s the Coast Guard up there.

[@josephhobbs3009]

As an ex u.s. Coast Guard member formerly stationed at tongue point on the u.s. Coast Guard Cutter Iris,GGwlb3 95! A seagoing buoy tender! I was a aid to navigation specialist better known as an ATON! Spent a lot of time with the boys from Cape Disappointment! And I'm very proud to say that I was part of that group as a specialty navigation Aid liaison for the motor Lifeboat School! I had the incredible Chief McAdams the inventor of the earlier motor Lifeboat and the 44 footer as well! I was proud to serve Underneath Him. Thanks for the video and I'm glad to see why women at the helm! I think they will do an incredible job as a motor surf Men and A coxon! Thanks again you make me proud

[@douglaswesson2458]

My last duty station was the Columbia River light ship back in 1970-71. The bouy tender out of Tongue Point would come and get us when we would rotate off for 2 weeks or compensory leave.

[@OregonDX]

My boy BM2 Kler! Haha Outstanding work guys and gals!

[@phillipa224]

Coast guard hitting the mark on the quality of videos. 😮😮😮😮😮😮 nice work. Tell all the other branches or Gov.

[@ateosedm5690]

Y'all are badass people! Thanks for your service ❤🇺🇸

[@12345fowler]

Love how the skilled CG swimmer ducked in just before the breaking wave rolled over him in that real rescue

[@joshmccoy1522]

My little brother retired from the CG. I need to talk to him some more about what he did. He was on cutters, mostly on the east coast, although he was stationed at Puget Sound at one time.

[@lomiawolfcaller5527]

Love these Coast Guard people - heroes, all.

[@JohnBaxter-kn5zf]

My dad was a Coast Guardsman BM#1 but he was a lighthouse keeper.. I'm chasing his Coast Guard career I know he was a keeper of Mount Desert Rock off downeast Maine at 21..

[@nrolled2888]

Thank you to the people willing to give it all for us. ❤

[@scottcates]

Outstanding work. Thank you for your service.

[@Scottatwater66]

Great video! Thank you all for your service!!

[@JstJacko]

@6:21 we see the boat roll but the rescue swimmer is a good distance off yet. Kinda wish there was some walk-thru so we can see the decisions made in slomo and real time. This stuff's amazing. How pros figure this stuff out and train for it so adaptations and innovations are made easier, is just impressive as hell. I love it.

[@keithfelt6949]

Fish out of ilwaco every year..these people are the saving angels for us. ❤❤❤thank 1000 %.

[@cjclubseltzer]

Even more respect for the coast guard after watching this.

[@markdavis8888]

I'm sure that swimmer's graduation will be remembered. Semper Paratus I worked 30 years as mate the USACE Dredge Yaquina and now that I'm retired I do miss it, but I get to sleep more. semper dormientes

[@davidcarroll8735]

Thank you for all you do!

[@audreymeschkuleit3466]

Bravest of the Brave . Thank you for you're Service.

[@wyattwillis8565]

We are the greatest Coast Guard on the planet Let that sink in

[@KaiTakApproach]

It reminds me of trying to get out to the lineup on a longboard, except this looks fun and getting caught inside sucks.

[@scottgorman7166]

I bet a experienced surfer turned Coast Guard Surfman would be a excellent graduate due to as a surfer your always reading the waves and tides.

[@markadkins9290]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

Incredible!

[@doodleng-lz2pd]

That one thing you don’t want to mess with. Mature Nature!

[@davids7550]

At 0:39 I see the entire fleet of 52's on trailers. Did they get retired? When I worked there, we severely damaged the Triumph and I never saw it run again, although they did get it back in service later. People who worked there later told me it still had torn beams which were never replaced, but nobody subsequent to our crew ever knew how it got damaged. These MLB school buildings are relatively new. The original school was behind the station in an old 2 story building. I worked there in 1974-75 and still feel the aches and pains from that duty. Although it can look like spectacular work, it is like getting in multiple car wrecks every time and will make you old fast. To roll a boat is not considered good form, BTW. Lots of good memories though. A friend of mine, and fellow Coastie, Gary Hudson, wrote a book about an event at the station titled "They Had to Go Out", where many crew and boats were lost. He worked there for many, many years. Gripping book which I understand is required reading there. The guy who took over my job was killed in action a few years later.

[@bouffant-girl]

May the Brave Coastie 🙏 ✨️ 💪 🙌 😌 ♥️ Rest in Glory as One of Many True 👍 🙏 🙌 ❤️ 👏 American Heroes 👏 🙌 👍

[@stuartseldon1737]

We have similar MLBs here in Canada, and I've always wondered if there is another helm inside the cabin. For a boat made for heavy weather, it seems to odd to make the crew work outside in the weather...

[@U.S.CoastGuard]

There is an internal cabin, but the external controls provides much greater visibility, even during heavy weather and surf conditions.

[@bouffant-girl]

The External Controls also separate the Posers from the Real Dealers 😅😊❤😂🎉

[@stuartseldon1737]

@@bouffant-girl LMAO right. And cuts back on needing to laundry.

[@stuartseldon1737]

@@U.S.CoastGuard Gotcha. The guys up here dock right across the harbour from me and I don't think I have ever seen them anywhere other than up on the fly bridge. I know a few of them personally and they're all a little nuts. 🤣 Thanks for your reply and thanks for your good work!

[@bouffant-girl]

@@stuartseldon1737 While reading a great book about The Rescue Warriors of The United States 🇺🇸 Coast Guard, I read that there are times when US Naval Warships attempt to warn US Coast Guard Cutters to avoid Storms that are in their path. Without exception, the Commanding Officers of The US Coast Guard Cutters essentially reply " Thanks for the warning ⚠️ We will tie everything and everyone securely to the Cutter and Proceed with our Patrol 🚓 😀 ❤️ 😊 💙 Course. Call us if you need any help!

[@1lloydca]

Always amazing, every time I see it!

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

Love the Coasties. Had friends plucked from the drink by them before and they're all professionals. Just make sure you have your fire extinguisher! :P

[@michaelchamberlain4618]

Love you guys I learned up on lake Superior during storms it's fun to me.

[@bonacker9762]

Some of the best people on this planet. They go where no others will. I fight fire and they keep "Davey Jones", in his locker....

[@chiefsnarlsnortz1610]

RDC, USCG, Retired in ‘98! I always heard: We’re the best on the planet! Other countries apply to “Our” school! No mention, hmmm 😢? Excellent video I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks! Semper Paratus BZ & Well Done! Salute 🫡

[@tedgale1079]

6:20 the student's got to witness a real BA in action.

[@user-rx5cr5ho9z]

The best of the best!

[@tc1uscg65]

@7:19. Also VERY important to trust your gear (and your boat).

[@dennisthompson9420]

Much respect for the coast guard.

[@MrBobconner1952]

Awesome people - USCG rocks

[@briancummings9122]

God bless the men women of the CG

[@originalmacefit]

Much respect!

[@IcePonyGoddess]

That's amazing!

[@12longbow]

Was this Cape Disappointment? It looks familiar I went there as a Sea Cadet I remember it was during the summer and rescuing boats and having to tow them in. One of the fun things we did was put on the survival suits and hit the surf.

[@randyhunt3809]

Yes it is

[@douglaswesson2458]

Lol, that brings back memories from 1969-70 when I was in Group Coos Bay. Back then the 44 footer were the workhorses, the 52 footer was the Cadillac and we were still using the 36 footers. I really didn't like doing boat calls in the 36, especially in bad weather.

[@treywest268]

The fellow that gets rescued at about the 6m20s mark had stolen the boat. I am glad he was arrested. Thank you USCG!

[@gpslightlock1422]

I spent 50 years boating and wish I would have seen this decades ago.

[@StopLookandListenwithSamantha]

Wow great and interesting content, video quality and editing

[@madeleenrobbertse698]

Just love this

[@richardl.rowejr.2801]

Very Interesting!!, & Very Good!!❤

[@richardl.rowejr.2801]

& Very Good Training!!😮

[@ComradeNerd]

People: "Man, being in the Coast Guard must suck." The Coast Guard: [Surfs a 30 foot wave in a boat while White Snake is blasting in the background] "YEE HAW 🤠"

[@carlhicksjr8401]

So, Army veteran here. I grew up in the PNW and there are whole towns out here where every single person is related to somebody pulled out of the drink by the Coasties. Now I'm like any veteran... I have my share of jokes about the other services, but I have a lot of respect for the USCG. Those guys go out in weather that'd make Santa Claus stay home.

[@longrider42]

Funny, I knew from the thumb nail that the Columbia River Bar was the culprit. I used to go to the Oregon Coast about every 2 years, and I've seen the Bar, from far off. Yes, Coast Guard are the hardest working branch of the military and get the least attention.

[@arcanondrum6543]

While the movie was terrible, I very highly recommend the non-fiction book _"The Perfect Storm"_ by Sebastian Junger. One experienced CG Diver was never found after rescuing the souls from a boat in that storm. The book is VERY well written. It has detailed information about some of the rescues but especially about the storm itself. The book came out after I had stopped weekend sailing OPB's but I knew without benefit of external proof that it was time to quit. I wasn't getting much real experience and those I sailed with kept demonstrating a lack of respect for the Ocean and Weather.

[@sMVshortMusicVideos]

Amazing.

[@edwardolaie]

Incredible ❤

[@bouffant-girl]

Props to The United States 🇺🇸 Coast Guard. My stomach is flipping 😫😅😂just watching these American Heroes training in those Rescue Motorboats

[@shakenama]

Just curious - on a 44mlb there was a clear view for the Coxn for any MOB pickups (whether port or starboard) - How is the view for the Coxn on a port side pickup as the wheel is on the starboard side? Or do you train to pick up preferably on the starboard side?

[@wjewell7464]

i so wanted to do this!! maybe in another life! Bm2 Station NY, which was the total opposite of this! lol

[@Raykenn1]

What a fantastic service, almost always underestimated and able to provide peak performance as the norm. Definitely not your typical service members.

[@d.b.1176]

Hell of a day at sea yo

[@WalterCruz-USA]

Number 1 USA.🇺🇲🦅⚡️⚡️💀

[@dakogitlog]

God Bless America..God Bless The United States Coast Gurad........Thank you for your service............

[@billybobkingston5604]

Respect from Ireland, live by the sea and it can get a bit rough

[@erichammond9308]

Former crewman and Coxswain (Station Ocracoke NC 1986 - 1990) and I don't recall their being a uniform pin specifically for surfman (just the coxswain pin). Apparently there is one now? When did they authorize a surfman pin for wear on the uniform? (Or should I say "re-authorize", since it's basically the old lifesaving service surfman pin)

[@samuelpankonien4084]

I've had my far share of surf stations as a bm. It's not easy by far. It is a crazy time

[@mikekellum6238]

“ Boat driver?” We were Coxswains in my time.

[@markazevedo1499]

Semper paratus from an old Astoria Coastie. Cutter Yocona 1975-77.

[@jaymills1200]

Can reserves become surfman as well?

[@Mainely_Sota]

This is so bad ass

[@jeffmilroy9345]

20 foot breaking surf? I rode 21' seas at full throttle SAR sortie on 41375 (west side of Lake Michigan). The 44' motor surfboats were all assigned to the east side. I always wondered up til then why the 41footers had hand rails screwed to the bottom of the cabin ceiling. Now I know.

[@Headhunter_212]

Just watched a video on the boat itself. A lot of the same footage. Stay safe Suerfmen.

[@USN-LT-Lee]

Ok but we want a video of Station Chicago

[@U.S.CoastGuard]

We'll reach out to the local Public Affairs office in D9!

[@davemuckeye]

What’s the make and model of the boats used…??

[@Keith2657]

Coxswains are trained. Snipes are born. Been there done that.

[@42WasTheAnswer]

One of my only regrets in life, is I wasted six years with the navy, when I really wish I thought to join your family instead. Thanks for all you do.

[@raptorx4724]

All boat should be demanded by law to have this flip right back up feature.

[@ryanstewart1521]

I think in their training they should have to roll the boat with everyone tethered to it, would be really fun! But I’m just a crazy surfer, lol…

[@thatdudebreaksryandecker5206]

Actually started to operate the 47 at the age of 14 😂😂

[@natehamt]

Semper Paratus!!!

[@KMT15]

I don’t understand why they operate the boat on the bridge instead of the lower helm?

[@bouffant-girl]

It separates the Wheat From The Chaff, if you know what I mean. Feel free to Google it. Plus, if you vomit 🤢, the cabin of the Motor Rescue Boat 🚢 does not Stink, and You Will know that your particular talents and abilities will be better utilized in another Role in the United States 🇺🇸 Coast Guard

[@thatwhit1]

Surf person!

[@wipatriot510]

You can have the best engineered boat in the world, but it isn't worth a darn without a good crew and a great coxswain...