Auxiliary Instructor Qualification Program

IT, Auxiliary instructor, and MI, Master Instructor, are qualifications within the Coast Guard Auxiliary which allow the member to participate as an instructor in member training and our public education programs. The properly trained and qualified instructor is the heart of the Auxiliary's education effort. Auxiliary instructors impart knowledge and skills that reduce risk to life and limb. Thus the instructor is an important element in the task of increasing boating safety. One does not need a degree in education to become an Auxiliary instructor.

For anyone to teach effectively, the person must know the subject thoroughly, both in theory and practical application, and be skilled in methods of presenting that knowledge. Therefore a certain amount of training is necessary. The properly prepared instructor can effectively transfer specialized knowledge to groups of varying size, age, and widely differing backgrounds.

At present, there are two levels of qualification: Instructor (IT), and Master Instructor (Ml). Both can teach Auxiliary public education courses and member training sessions. In addition, the MI serves as a prime mentor in qualifying new instructors, improving the skills of current instructors, qualifying new Master Instructors, and assisting in the New Member Program.

Chapter 4 - Methods of Instruction