FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

(We highly recommend you read the FAQs thoroughly.)

 

The FAQs here are from the "Welcome Aboard" document (downloadable version right of the screen. 
 

 

 

IMPORTANT: Download the "Code of Conduct" and "Standing Order" (below). Cadet must read, initial, date and bring both to training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Q: I am rusty with the entire enrollment process and ensuring my cadet is prepared for advanced training. Please help.

A: No problem. Just read the FAQs below, download the "Welcome Aboard" document (look right of screen), and if all else fails, you can contact the commanding officer (better known as the Commanding Officer Training Contingent (COTC)). Click here

 

2.

Q: Who can attend POLA?

A:  Click here to forward to read requirements.

 

3.

Q: How do I enroll?

A: Visit "Enroll" section of this website. Click here

 

4.

Q: Where and how do I get to the training location?

A: Training location is at

 

USCG Training Center Petaluma

599 Tomales Rd

Petaluma, CA 

Click here

 

Do not make travel arrangements until you have verified with your acceptance into POLA.  Purchase of refundable tickets is highly recommended.  Cadets traveling by commercial carrier need to inform the COTC.  Complete the Travel Information form below.

 

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

 

When traveling by commercial carriers, cadets must wear civilian clothes. Cadets will change into working uniform after arrival at TRACEN.

 

Take the Sonoma County Airport Express service from SFO to Petaluma Fairgrounds. NSCC Staff to provide transportation from Petaluma Fairgrounds to Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) at 11:30. 

 

Sonoma County Airport Express schedule Click here. Board the bus at Lower Level (outside Baggage Claim area) in the center island at the pillars marked "Airporters."

 

One way $34 Student Fare with Student ID. NSCC does not qualify for a Military discount.

 

 

Travel by Automobile

IMPORTANT: Provide all the name(s) of the passenger(s) in your vehicle to the COTC by completing the online Travel Information form here.

 

Drivers must show a current driver's license, proof of insurance and car registration for access to TRACEN.  All passengers must show valid government issued ID.  Foreign Nationals will require additional identification.  Please contact COTC via email for further.

 

Directions

• Petaluma is located about 40 miles North of San Francisco and 20 miles South of Santa Rosa.

• Take Highway 101 to Petaluma

• Exit at East Washington Street

• Head west on East Washington Street about 10 miles to Tomales Road. (Note: East Washington Street becomes Bodega Avenue after it passes through Petaluma.)

• A sign is posted at the intersection of Bodega Avenue and Tomales Road with the words "Coast Guard Training Center" and an arrow indicating the correct direction.

• Turn left on Tomales Road. Proceed about one mile to a flashing amber light.

• Turn left (at the light) into the Training Center entrance.

 

Detailed information on where to go on-base Click here

 

5.

Q: What should I pack?

A: Only what is listed on the sea bag packing list. Click here for seabag list. Pack no more and no less. 

 

6.

Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?

A: Cadets will sleep in dorm-style rooms. Each room contains two to four twin size beds.  Cadets should bring sleeping bags. Cadets may bring flatbed sheets to cover their beds.

 

7.

Q: What are the reporting requirements?

A:

• Cadets must report between 10:00-12:00 hours (noon) on July 12, 2018, in NWUs or working uniform. Cadets traveling by commercial carrier will change on arrival at TRACEN.

• ALL Sea Cadet flash, rates, nametapes, uniform items must be present, complete, and correct.

• Cadets MUST have USN Sea Cadet ID on their persons at all times.

• Cadets must be appropriately groomed with haircuts conforming to NSCC standards. Cadets may not report in without the proper haircut. Haircuts will not be provided at the training.

• Cadets must present their service record as provided by their home unit. Service records shall contain:

  • Signed orders, signed and completed NSCC Training Check-off List (NSCTNG O13 - Click here for a copy), and valid NSCC ID.

  • Swim certification Click here

  • As applicable, a current Supplemental Health History form (NSCADM 001 PAGES 7/8 Click here for a copy).

  • As applicable current Request for Accommodation form (NSCADM 001 PAGES 5/6 Click here for a copy).

• For your convenience, download the Reporting Requirements Checklist for parents Click here.

 

8.

Q: Can my cadet bring medicine?

A: 

 

• This is a medically friendly training. COTC must provide prior approval.

• Cadets WILL NOT SELF-MEDICATE.

• ALL medications WILL be controlled through the Training Contingent Officers, per the SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH HISTORY form uploaded to Magellan with the NSCTNG001 pages 7/8. An advanced discussion with the COTC must be conducted before acceptance and the administration of medicines. (Click here  for a copy of form NSCTNG001)

• All original completed, current, and signed Medical History Supplemental, Authorization, Consent, and Release forms MUST be in the service jacket.

• All medications must be in their original labeled container. Do not consolidate or mix medications to reduce space. Since staff will be dispensing medications, it is imperative they are in their original labeled container so we positively know what we are dispensing. Discontinued use of medication during training is not advised.

• Any allergies, especially food or insect, need to be declared and documented.

• Wearing medical alert bracelets is permissible.

• Cadets bringing inhalers or EpiPens will keep them on their person at all times.

• The final determination of participation in training due to medical condition lies with the COTC, based on NSCC Regulations.

 

9.

Q: How do I communicate with or visit my cadet?

A:

To create and maintain the most productive military environment needed for a successful training, it is necessary to generally isolate trainees from outside influences that may prove distracting. To this end, it is essential for parents, family,

friends to understand:

• Visits from parents, relatives, and friends will not be allowed.

• Visits from home unit staff not attached to the training will not be allowed unless arranged in advance with the COTC.

• Trainees are not allowed to place or receive phone calls.

• Cell phones will be confiscated when first reporting in and returned at the end of training.

• In the event of a family emergency: parents are to contact the unit Commanding Officer. The unit CO will then contact the Training Contingent. If there is an emergency involving a cadet, the COTC or Training Contingent will contact the parents and unit CO.

• The training contingent and cadets will be happy to see you when dropping off and on graduation day.

 

10.

Q: Can my cadet bring a cell phone?

A: Yes they can bring a cell phone, but they cannot use it during training. Phones will be checked-in and secured until after training.  See FAQ 9.

 

11.

Q: Will my cadet need spending money?

A: Cadets may bring a small amount of spending money in addition to any required for transportation.  Cadets will be responsible for their own money.

 

12.

Q: My cadet has dietary restrictions.

A: Please contact the COTC to make arrangements. Click here

 

13.

Q: When is graduation?

A:  FRI 20 JUL. Schedule below:

1015 Guest Arrivals

1030 Graduation Ceremony

1130 Secure from Ceremony

1130 – 1230 Pickup Service Records and Seabags

 

Access to the base: IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please send any additional names to POLA to ensure access to 

Passengers 15 years old and above require a photo ID.

 

14.

Q: Where is graduation?

A: Parade Grounds (Helicopter Pad/Parking Lot B). Click on the map below. Once past the gate, continue drive on Pennsylvania until you see the large parking lot next to baseball field on driver's side. Pass the parking lot and turn left at the first left into the parking lot.