Questions and Answers

Q – What is an Interpreter?

A – One who translates a language in to another language. See: “What does an Interpreter do” – Click Here

Q – Why do we need Interpreters?

A – Not everyone speaks or uses English as their basic language. The Coast Guard needs to be able to clearly communicate with individuals or groups that don’t speak English. Professional Interpreters are very costly, not familiar with CG terminology and not always ready or qualified to assist. That is where the Auxiliary Interpreters come to the “rescue”. We are Always Ready to assist when and where needed.

Q – Where does the Coast Guard use Interpreters?

A – Here are a few examples of successful Interpreter missions:

• Air Medevac
• Boarding Team
• Cutter Deployments
• Communications Watch Standing
• Foreign VIP Tours
• Foreign SAR Training Events
• Foreign MSO Training Events
• Foreign Border Guard Training
• Basic Emergency Spanish Training at CG Units
• Translations of CG documents, foreign speeches, media articles
• Translations of MSO Guidelines
• Translations of Incident Investigating Documents
• Foreign Conferences
• Many other authorized CG missions

To view photos and a Presentation – Click Here (1.98mb download)

Q – Who can qualify for the USCG Auxiliary Interpreter Corps?

A – Any member of the USCG Auxiliary who speaks a foreign language in addition to English may submit an Application either on line or by mail. 

For on line Application: Click here

To download an Application (to send by US mail): Click here

Q – How does an Interpreter qualify?

A – An Application will be reviewed by the Interpreter Corps staff and, if acceptable, will be forwarded to an appointed Language Qualification Examiner (LQE) for competency level testing. After successful feedback from the LQE the Application will be further processed, acknowledged and the information is entered in the Interpreter Corps database.

Q – What is the meaning of Competency Level?

A – The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Interpreter Corps has Competency Levels

Level “A” fluently reads, writes, speaks and understands a foreign language in addition to English.

Level “B” speaks and understands a foreign language in addition to English, but does not necessarily fluently read or write in any language.

Q – Who appoints the Language Qualification Examiners?

A – The Division Chief (DVC) of the Interpreter Corps appoints any member of the Interpreter Corps who has a proven track record in a specific foreign language and who is willing to perform competency level testing.

Q – Is there a mission category for Interpreter service?

A – Mission “60A Interpreter Assistance” is the applicable category to enter on Form-7030 ACTIVITY REPORT – MISSION.

Q – How do you find Interpreters?

A – It all starts at the Flotilla level. If you know a fellow member who speaks other languages in your Flotilla, we recommend you encourage this member join the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps. This program can be used as a recruiting tool for Flotillas. Here is another mission that can excite those with linguistic skills, to join the Auxiliary!

Q – Why are more Interpreters needed?

A – The main reason is that now, as part of the Department of Homeland Security the CG needs to increase its Interpreter assets. The CG Auxiliary can serve as a force multiplier. The Coast Guard has gained confidence in our linguistic skills and the Interpreter Corps. They have already increased their usage, and with our merge into the Department of Homeland Security, we can expect more diverse utilization (from both the Coast Guard as well as other agencies within the Department). It is very important that we keep up with the increasing demand for qualified Interpreters.

Q – How does the Coast Guard find and contact our Volunteer Interpreters?

A – We maintain an Interpreter Corps database on the CG Intranet and on the Internet. Coast Guard units can access this database via uscg.mil server without requiring a special password. Those accessing the database from the Internet require a special password. 

This user-friendly database can be searched by the Interpreter’s name, or language, or language by city and/or state or national. CG units normally contact Interpreters directly for routine missions. In some special cases CG units contact the Division Chief for recommendations.

Q – How often is the Interpreter Corps database updated?

A – Almost daily. New data and changes are entered as received. We encourage all Interpreters to submit updates when their status and/or address, phone, fax, or Email address change. We receive no data from AUXDATA, so we can only enter information that we receive directly from Interpreters.

Q – What are the benefits for Interpreters?

A – First and foremost is to serve this country and its Coast Guard. With service comes pride. Many Interpreters get to travel under reimbursable Coast Guard orders. Many Interpreters receive recognition and awards for their superior performance of duty. The biggest reward is satisfaction.

Q – Is there a qualification ribbon or device for Interpreters?

A – At the moment we are authorized to issue photo ID Cards. However, we have proposed to authorize the Operations Program Ribbon or Star for each foreign language.

NOTE: We strongly encourage feedback from CG units that have used our Volunteer Interpreters.

Additional questions my be directed to Klaus G.E. Baumann, N-IId kbaumann5@comcast.net