ALAUX 018/26
Subj: TEMPORARY WAIVER FOR FEMA INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) COURSES DURING DHS SHUTDOWN
1. Due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapse, the FEMA Independent Study (IS) online system is paused. This notice provides a temporary waiver for completing the required IS courses. Auxiliarists who have met all other requirements for a qualification or leadership position will be granted a provisional waiver.
2. This waiver applies to all Auxiliarists who have completed all training requirements except for the following FEMA IS courses: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800. This includes Auxiliarists in training for specific qualifications and those who require these courses for elected office eligibility.
3. During the shutdown, eligible members will have their qualifications or leadership positions granted provisionally in AUXDATA II, even without the required IS course completions. Once the FEMA IS program is restored, a notification will be sent out. From that date, Auxiliarists will have 90 calendar days to complete the required online courses. Failure to complete the courses within this 90-day window will result in placement into REYR (Required Yearly) status in AUXDATA II and loss of elected office eligibility.
4. There is an alternative option. If you have the opportunity to take your state’s IS course from a FEMA-certified instructor, the completion certificate will be accepted. Such certificates must be submitted through your normal Chain of Leadership and Management (COLM) and the completed training will be properly recorded in AUXDATA II.
5. Internet release is authorized.
Sincerely,
Brent R. Schmadeke
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety (CG-BSX)
