Cutterman insignia


The cutterman insignia is a device awarded by the United States Coast Guard to represent service aboard a Coast Guard cutter. The pin is awarded on a temporary basis after six months of sea time, qualification in required watch stations, successful completion of an oral or written board, and receiving a recommendation from their unit's commanding officer. Temporary insignias may be worn while attached to a cutter, but must be removed upon permanently transferring to a non-afloat unit. The award becomes permanent after 5 years of cumulative sea time in the Coast Guard.
On 18 October 1974, the Office of Personnel promulgated the Coast Guard Cutterman Insignia program, to “recognize the contributions and qualifications of our personnel.” The version awarded to officers is gold-toned, while the version awarded to enlisted members is pewter-toned.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary also issues a version of the cutterman insignia to represent service serving a Coast Guard cutter provided they meet the criteria provided by the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard. The insignia design is identical in size and form to the cutterman insignia. A pewter auxiliary emblem is superimposed in the center of the bronze-tone stylized waves.