As I now understand it, once you fulfill your Basic Qualification (no sweat) and interview, you can take the oath and begin the Boating Skills and Seamanship course to qualify as a Boat Crewmember. If you don't want to wait for the next training session, the BS&S is on the CG and CGAUX websites and you just schedule an exam with your Training Officer. Been told you must have your Flotilla Number (official member) before you can download the BS&S course. My Flotilla will also allow OJT during patrols (I'm being scheduled for a midwatch in Long Beach) while studying the BS&S. Most of this stuff we'll sail right thru (pun intended).
BTW, what was your rating on your old tin can? I was both brown and black shoe during my 11 years.
I was GMG3 (passed GMG2 but would have had to extend enlistment 30 more days to accept it, the 1 year from time of rank rule, chose not to since I was a "kiddie cruiser", i.e. enlist at 17, get out 1 day before 21st bithday)
Some old pics of me from the Navy PS I stood many a helmsman watch and could steer a ship with the best of them,
knew how to do that before I ever learned how to drive a car. LOL
PS No one up here allowed in Coast Guard Auxiliary meetings on base without Coast Guard Auxiliary photo ID,
but Tue AM I am going to a breakfast meeting at a restaurant with members.