The Surfman Badge is a military badge of the United States Coast Guard, issued to enlisted or officer personnel who qualify as Coxswains authorized to operate surf boats in heavy surf. Those so qualified are referred to as surfmen, a term that was originally used by the United States Life-Saving Service, one of the predecessors to the Coast Guard.
Surfman Badge
Surfmen was the terminology used to describe members of the United States Lifesaving Service. It is also currently the highest qualification in the United States Coast Guard for small boat operations. Coast Guard Surfmen are rated to operate the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat in its most extreme operating conditions after undergoing training at the National Motor Lifeboat School.
Surfman insignia used by United States Coast Guard, consisting of a pewter-toned life buoy crossed by two oars.
Surfman Howard Daniel Browning of Station Narrangansett Pier in winter uniform, c. 1909
Image: Water survival training at Barnegat Light, NJ 110818 F CA540 329
Image: USCG motor lifeboat crosses the bar, at Bodego Bay (090912 G 002)