Commandant
2100 Second Street, S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Staff Symbol: G-OCS
Phone: (202) 267-1313
Fax: (202) 267-4593
COMDTINST 1650.7
JAN 23, 2003
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 1650.7
Subj:
JOSHUA JAMES 'KEEPER' AWARD
Ref:
(a) Boat Crew Qualification Guide - Volume II - Coxswain, COMDTINST M16114.11 (series)
(b) Boat Crew Qualification Guide - Volume V - Surfman, COMDTINST Ml6114.14 (series)
(c) Coast Guard Medals and Awards Manual, COMDINST M1650.25 (series)
1. PURPOSE. This instruction establishes policies, procedures, and standards for the administration of
the Joshua James Keeper Award.
2. ACTION. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics commands,
commanding officers of headquarters units, assistant commandants for directorates, Chief Counsel,
and special staff offices at Headquarters shall ensure that the provisions of this directive are
followed. Internet Release Authorized.
3.
DIRECTIVE AFFECTED. None.
4. BACKGROUND. The Joshua James Keeper Award is hereby established to honor longevity and
outstanding performance in Coast Guard boat operations. The award's namesake, `Captain Joshua
James', is the most celebrated lifesaver in Coast Guard history with 626 lives saved. Only those who
exemplified the finest traits of maritime professionalism and leadership, like Joshua James, were
appointed as station keepers. The Joshua James Keeper Award winner will hold the distinction until
retirement, released from active duty, or upon display of unsatisfactory performance or conduct. One
officer or enlisted member will hold the award.
5. DESCRIPTION. The award is a large bronze and wooden display plaque, which depicts Joshua
James and an original lifeboat. This plaque will be kept on permanent display at the Hull Lifesaving
Museum in Hull, Massachusetts, and display the names of all award winners. Duplicates will be
DISTRIBUTION SDL No. 140
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NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION:
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