To:   ALAUX
From: CHDIRAUX
Subj: Hypothermia Devices - OPM Change -030/07

1.  CG-5421 noticed the need for a minor change to the OPM concerning
Hypothermia Devices to bring policy more in line with the Rescue and
Survival Manual since cold weather is upon us.

2.  The regulation as it is now written:

Chapter 4.E.15.b Waivers
The OIA may waive the wearing of PFDs with the hypothermia device when the
device is inherently buoyant (17½ pounds of buoyancy) or provides the roper
buoyancy once activated (e.g., an inflatable vest/PFD).

The OIA may waive, on a single sortie basis, the wearing of hypothermia
protective devices in accordance with the Rescue and Survival Systems
Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10 (series), if the degree of risk of hypothermia
is minimal (e.g., non-hazardous, daylight operations in calm water). The
coxswain may request a waiver from the OIA when there is concern about the
adverse effects of "thermal stress". If an OIA waives the wearing of
hypothermia protective devices, Auxiliarists are required to carry them
onboard the facility.

3. The OPM already states that the PFD must be worn with the Dry Suit. The
other devices are inherently buoyant yet the current language requires
DIRAUX to waive the use of PFD's with Mustangs. Currently, DIRAUX can't
waive PFD's with MSD 900/901's (which is optional for active duty). 

4. To have this make more sense, 5421 with the concurrence of the Aux
National Staff makes the following immediate change to bring the OPM more in
line with the Rescue and Survival Manual while still giving the DIRAUX
Office elbow room.

5. Add this to Chapter 4.E.15.a -

"The table (Figure 4-2) reflects the minimum required equipment. Additional
protection may be required by OIA or worn at the crewmembers discretion."

Change Chapter 4.E.15.b - (more in line with the wording in R&S Manual) "The
OIA may waive, on a single sortie basis, the wearing of hypothermia
protective devices in accordance with the Rescue and Survival Systems
Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10 (series), only after a determination that the
risk associated with crew performance degradation, thermal stress, and
environmental considerations are off set by the benefits associated with the
waiver. This waiver provision is provided to ensure the OIA has optimal
flexibility in mission planning. However, the waiver provision is not
authorization to justify granting blanket waivers as standard operating
procedure. If an OIA waives the wearing of hypothermia protective devices,
Auxiliarists are still required to carry them onboard the facility.

Coxswains shall ensure all personnel including scheduled passengers don
hypothermia protective devices when the conditions considered for granting
the waiver are exceeded."

6. This change will be in the next revision of the OPM.