The Coast Guardsman's Manual, 12th edition

by Phillip Null

First published in 1952, the Coast Guardsman’s Manual remains the basic training manual for entry-level personnel at enlisted and officer training schools and has long been a part of the professional and personal libraries of Coast Guardsmen, Auxiliarists, and mariners of every type and flag.  The twelfth edition brings new information, photos, and illustrations to fully describe the missions, organization, history, and equipment of today’s Coast Guard. The book is fully updated to include new coverage on the organization and operation of predominant unit types for cutters, boat stations, air stations, and sectors. Aids to Navigation mission such as servicing floating and fixed aids have also been added. Seamanship content has been expanded to cover the latest advances in electronic navigation, search and rescue procedures, stern launch and recovery for cutter boats, weight handling, and common knots used by all working at sea. Coverage on service history with emphasis on the diversity of missions and heroes has also been expanded in this twelfth edition. 
 
From survival at sea to detailed specifications of the Coast Guard’s fleet of cutters, boats, and aircraft, this manual is an indispensable guide to the world’s best Coast Guard and serves to inform new recruits, to refresh those who have made the service a career, and to aid all who go to the sea. 

688 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2026