The Coxswain Insignia is a qualification device of the United States Coast Guard which is issued to enlisted personnel who qualify as a coxswain. The Coxswain on a Coast Guard Small Boat is in charge of the vessel and all personnel on board. Coxswains, while underway, operate without regard to rank or seniority. A Coxswain in the Coast Guard has a responsibility that is normally only undertaken by officers in other branches of the military.