The Director plays a very important roll during all Coastie presentations. The person who fills this position should have a warm, friendly personality and be able to interact positively with children and adults. This person should also have a great deal of patience and be able to keep track of everything that is going on around Coastie. He/she must be in a proper, clean uniform and be neatly groomed at all times since he/she is representing the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary when performing with Coastie.The Director is the communications link between Coastie and the children since many talk very softly and cannot be heard by the Operator over Coastie's built in microphone. The Director may have to repeat what the children have said or simply make sure that the children are the proper distance from Coastie's microphone.The Director is also responsible for Coastie's safety. Small children are inquisitive and like to touch things. The Director must make sure that children do not touch Coastie's eyes or eyelids, lean on the microphone, or be in a position where they may damage Coastie. Additionally, the Director must make sure that the children are not in a position where they may get hurt by Coastie if he moves suddenly.The Director should remain close to Coastie's bow at all times. In this position he/she is ready to maintain control if the remote control system is overridden by stray radio frequencies. This is the easiest position to be in to protect Coastie and the children. The Director must know where the main power switch is if it becomes necessary to shut Coastie down quickly.The Director is also Coastie's guide in congested areas like boat shows or any event where the Operator has difficulty seeing Coastie because of large crowds. He/she may need to operate the CD remote and select appropriate music for Coastie to play and dance to and must insure that Coastie has room to turn in and move back and forth safely. Additionally, the Director must check the main battery power during long periods of use and return Coastie to his maintenance area for battery changes before all power is depleted.The Director must interact with Coastie and his audience to maintain interest and communications by prompting questions like, "What do you wear when you go boating?", sharing names with Coastie, and talking to Coastie as if he were real and alive. He/she may be required to help smaller children retrieve trading cards from Coastie's smoke stack.

The Director should not be "on duty" (performing out in front with Coastie) for more than 90 minutes at a time. After that period he/she should take a 45-60 minute break before resuming the Director duties. This schedule may require that two or more Directors be available at public appearances. Remember, both the Director and Coastie are in the public spotlight when performing. Positive representation is very important to the Coastie program image, the Auxiliary, and the Coast Guard.