Membership requirements

The SL Coast Guard is a very serious group that has brought real life purpose, missions and goals into Second Life®. We uphold our values, traditions and mannerisms to the same as those of various professional organizations located in the real world. We pride ourselves in our conduct and professionalism and expect any current or prospective member to live up to our standards of conduct as well.

Basic requirements to apply:

1.   Have been a Second Life® Resident for a period of no less than 180 days (6 months). (Based on Profile)

2.   Have a clean record with Linden Labs® and Second Life®.

3.   Complete an application and submit same for consideration.

4.   No other membership with any "Coast Guard" or “Search and Rescue” (SAR) type groups that has not been approved by the SLCG Commandant.

5.   Read and agree to all group policies.

Basic requirements to remain a member:

1.   Remain familiar with and follow all policies and directives as they may apply.

2.   Complete at least 1 water patrol in RP Status per week and complete/post the required patrol report in the forums.

3.   Maintain a professional demeanor any time you wear our uniform, group tag or utilizing SLCG equipment or property.

4.  No membership in any "Coast Guard" or “Search and Rescue” (SAR) group other than the SL Coast Guard, that has not been approved by the SLCG Commandant.

5.   Log into the forums at least once per week.

What can get you ejected from the group:

1.   Bringing discredit to the group by your actions (This includes AR’s, Suspensions, banning from LL as well from residents, wrongful conduct with other groups, etc). 

2.   Violation of the groups EEOC and/or harassment polices.

3.  False claims of real-life Military service/awards.

4.   Membership in any other "Coast Guard" or Search and Rescue type of groups that have not been approved by the SLCG Commandant.

5.   Unauthorized use of SLCG equipment, uniforms, Logo’s, textures or property.

Resignations:

Members who resign from the group should understand that once you have resigned you forfeit your previous billet and rank. Returning members may be rejoined at a rank/billet other than what was previously held. Authority to approve return to active membership is granted with the SLCG Commandant.

Discharged/Ejected/Removed:

Any member that is discharged, ejected or removed from the SL Coast Guard will not be eligible to rejoin said group for any reason unless approved by the SLCG Commandant.

Members rights and expectations

1.   Since being founded in 2005 the SL Coast Guard has established itself as a premiere group within the virtual world of Second Life® and the safe boating community. In addition our group’s values and mission goals lead to support of the Open Seas Project within Second Life®. The SL Coast Guard has worked hard for a reputation that is hard to match by other like minded groups.

2.   With the strong growth rates which this group enjoys it has become necessary for us to makes changes to the way we operate. The need for Regulations, Policies, Rules and statements have become increasingly needed because of this growth.

3.   One of these group polices was seen as extraordinary in a virtual world. A place where sex, violence, abuse and lack of privacy are common place. The SL Coast Guard was one of the very first and remains one of the few groups with active policies against sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse. These group policies are not required, supported nor endorsed by Linden Labs®.

4.  These policies were written with the view that behind every keyboard or microphone there is a real live human being.  Everyone will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, or mental or physical handicap.

5.   It is well known that such issues as abuse, harassment or misconduct will not be tolerated within our group. Even though you may not go to jail or pay a fine, if found guilty it is possible you will lose your membership in this group. These polices apply equally to both the accused as well as the accuser. 

6.   Because of the rules put in place by Linden Labs, it is sometimes difficult to prove allegations of violations of our groups polices. For this reason the following guidelines are in place for this group’s members and applicants.

     a.   All applicants are required to acknowledge having read our groups polices on abuse, harassment and misconduct.

     b.   All members are reminded on occasion of this groups polices and are notified by various means of any changes to this groups polices.

     c.   The group’s founder and/or Commandant will maintain sole responsibility for investigation of and findings of any allegations. 

     d.   Every accused member has the right to be heard and to face his/her accuser in a closed hearing in the Commandant's presence and such other senior officers they deem necessary. 

     e.   All submitted supporting documentation must have the written approval of all involved parties and must not be edited in any form or fashion.

     f.    Unwillingness to submit unedited supporting documentation may force the group’s Commandant to make decisions based on incomplete information. As an accuser or the accused you must be willing to accept this possibility and know that edited documentation will not be accepted.

     g.   Any investigating officer which is appointed by the group’s Commandant is required to remain unbiased, neutral and maintain privacy at all times. 

     h.   The expectation of privacy remains in effect and anyone violating this is subject to automatic removal from this group.

     i.    Any person found guilty of violating group policies and removed from the group because of these policy violations will have no recourse and will not be allowed re entry into the group.

     j.   Any questions or confusion in regards to these guidelines should be directed to the group’s Commandant via your Chain of Command.