Risk-Based Decision Making—a tool for effective management

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Original article written by Mr. Joseph Myers, former risk analyst, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards.

The U.S. Coast Guard has always been in the business of managing risks. A formalized approach began in the late 1990s, when the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection published the first edition of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Risk-Based Decision Making Guidelines.*

Risk-Based Decision Making
Risk-based decision making (RBDM) provides a process to ensure that optimal decisions consistent with the goals and perceptions of those involved are reached. It acts as another source of information, supplying not only the optimal solution, but also insight regarding the situation (including uncertainties involved); objectives; tradeoffs; costs and benefits; and the various assumptions, value judgments, and assessments of the stakeholders involved.

RBDM organizes information about the possibility for any unwanted outcome into a broad, orderly structure that helps decision makers make more informed management choices. Risk communication is facilitated throughout the following steps:

• Establish the decision structure.
• Perform the risk assessment.
• Apply the results to risk management decision making.
• Monitor effectiveness through impact assessment.

Risk Assessment
In establishing the decision structure and assessing the risk, the problem must be described, stakeholders identified, options developed, and influencing factors noted. This step generally answers the questions:

• “What can go wrong?” (hazard identification)
• “How bad would it be?” (consequence assessment)
• “How likely is it?” (probability assessment)

Generally, to complete the risk assessment process, a model of “risk” as the product of “consequence” and “probability” is used. The RBDM guidelines outline a hierarchical concept of risk assessment and risk management, pictured here, to ensure that the level of detail and complexity is appropriate for the situation.

Risk Management
At this phase of the process, the decision maker considers what measures can be implemented to reduce risk, then evaluates alternative risk mitigation strategies, selecting preferable countermeasures and implementing them to optimize risk reduction efforts. The risk management approach relies on two models, the mishap causal chain and the risk characteristic triangle.

The causal chain is a description of how mishaps are generated, propagate, and develop. It provides a powerful tool for developing risk management actions through the graphical description of how mishaps develop. Countermeasures for various risks can then be seen as interruptions in the growth of the potential mishap, placing a break between stages. Risk management measures can be introduced at various points along the error chain to interrupt the disaster. The earlier countermeasures are enacted in the error chain, the more effective and efficient they will be.

Three key characteristics of risk considered for management are probability, consequence, and sensitivity. Sensitivity is used as an indicator of the potential efficiency and effectiveness of risk management measures—hazards with high sensitivity are more manageable than those with low. Risk management is applied to the hazard until the sensitivity decreases to a point where further risk management is not attractive as an option. The sensitivity of a risk to these countermeasures is thus an important factor in prioritizing risk management efforts.

The goal is to reduce risks by lowering the probability and/or decreasing the consequence(s) until their sensitivity to risk management is too low. For example, if a risk is considered high due to a high likelihood, then countermeasures must be developed to prevent the mishap from occurring. Tracing back through the causal chain and implementing countermeasures to stop accident precursors might do this. Similarly, if a risk is considered high due to a high consequence, then measures must be developed to minimize the potential effect or mitigate the consequences.

Impact Assessment and Risk Communication
Impact assessment and risk communication are somewhat unique to the risk management process. The impact assessment is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the risk management measures to allow the decision maker to monitor the measures’ effectiveness and improve performance. The goal is to identify if the issue is being addressed and its risks are being reduced adequately.

Because the Coast Guard is also a regulatory agency that deals with the public, risk communication is emphasized heavily in the process to ensure open dialogue, exchanges of information and opinions among individuals, and participation in the process. The intent is to include those affected by the decision as well as those most knowledgable about the issues under consideration. By engaging the stakeholders in the discussion, and using the structured approach of risk assessment and risk management, decisions are more rational and defendable.

About the author:
At the time this article was published, Mr. Joseph Myers was a risk analyst in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards at Coast Guard headquarters. He helped develop the Coast Guard approach to risk-based decision making, and worked to apply risk analysis techniques to myriad issues facing the Coast Guard, including pollution prevention and response, commercial fishing vessel safety, and homeland security issues.

For more information:
*The material in this article was abstracted from the 3rd edition of the U.S. Coast Guard Risk-Based Decision Making Guidelines. Learn more at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5211/risk.asp and download an updated version of the guidelines at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5211/E-Guidelines.asp.

Full article and “Risk Management” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings (click on “Archives” and Spring 2007 edition).

Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp. Online survey available at: http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/survey.asp.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Coast Guard-Approved Training Courses

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine. Original article by Mr. James Cavo, Mariner Training and Assessment Division Chief, U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center.

The Coast Guard approves training of three basic types:

• training that takes the place of a Coast Guard examination for an endorsement to a merchant mariner document;
• training to substitute for a portion of a service requirement to obtain a license or a document;
• training that satisfies a mariner-specific requirement.

Who Provides Coast Guard-Approved Training?
There are currently almost 2,200 approved courses and training programs given by nearly 300 different organizations. These include vessel operators, unions, colleges, high schools, government agencies, charitable organizations, and a host of maritime schools.

How Can I Get My Course or Training Program Approved?
Submit a request for approval to the National Maritime Center that documents the program and the approval requested (see NVIC 5-95). The request should include a complete documentation of the course. We generally respond to all requests within 30 days of receipt.

The course is assessed against the appropriate standard to ensure it is comparable in content and that the material is covered to a similar level. The course evaluation also takes into account the manner in which the training objectives are assessed. Written examinations are reviewed to see if they adequately assess the course material.

If the training is in lieu of a Coast Guard examination, we check to see if the course’s exams are comparable in scope and difficulty. Practical exercises are reviewed to see if there is a specified, objective criterion to assess student performance, and if the practical demonstrations are appropriate to the course.

Finally, we look at the instructors proposed for the course to see if their experience and qualifications are appropriate.

If the course meets all standards, we issue an approval letter and approval certificate. The approval letter identifies the approval given to the course, the location where it can be given, and the instructors who may present it. Currently, both original course approvals and renewals are valid for five years.

What If a Course Is Not Approved?
If we determine we are unable to approve a course, we contact the school, describe the problem, and advise what is needed to remedy it. For more serious deficiencies, we send the school a letter explaining in detail the reasons we cannot approve the course. If appropriate, we include links to applicable policy documents and/or copies of applicable guidelines for the type of course at issue.

What Happens After a Course or Training Program Is Approved?
Schools using a dynamic instruction system design process will be continuously assessing and improving their programs and courses. Any change to an approved course needs to be submitted to the National Maritime Center for evaluation and approval.

Schools also need to routinely obtain reviews and approvals for any new instructors teaching their courses. Finally, the Coast Guard monitors and oversees the training it approves.

Are There Any Options for Approval Besides the Coast Guard?
Yes. For certain types of STCW training, the Coast Guard has authorized several organizations to “accept” training on behalf of the Coast Guard. There are currently three organizations the Coast Guard has approved to act as quality standards systems (QSS): the American Bureau of Shipping, the American Council on Education, and Det Norske Veritas. Training accepted by one of these QSS organizations will carry the same weight and effect as training approved by the Coast Guard.

Common Misconceptions About Course Approval
The Coast Guard Will Only Approve Classroom Courses Given Ashore.
In addition to classroom training, we have approved programs where the training is given entirely aboard commercial vessels, is delivered as computer-based training ashore and aboard ships, or is delivered over the Internet.

Although we do approve distance learning and computer-based training, we have concerns about student identity and the integrity of the training. To assuage these concerns, we require that all assessments (practical and written) be conducted live, at an approved location, and in the presence of an instructor or proctor.

Schools Must Use Coast Guard Examination Questions.
While we allow schools to use questions selected from the Coast Guard’s database of over 25,000 questions used on our merchant marine license examinations, we do not mandate their use.

In fact, we encourage training providers to develop their own questions. If they do, we may even ask permission to use them on our examinations! Schools are not bound to use the multiple choice format we use on our examinations. We permit various other types of questions, including short answers and essays. We will not, however, allow “true/false” questions.

You Must Rigidly Follow Coast Guard Training Models.
Although we have standards for minimum content for specific training, we afford schools discretion in how to present and package training. We look at the total training and determine if the training meets our standards in the aggregate. We also allow some flexibility as to the chronology of the training. We do not require that it be done on consecutive days or in any specific time frame. We do place a reasonable time limit on the time in which the course must be completed.

The Coast Guard Approves Schools to Give “The Test.”
Although the Coast Guard approves courses to substitute for our examinations, we do not approve schools to give license exams. In order to be approved, the training must include a final assessment of whether the student has achieved the same level of knowledge they would demonstrate by passing a Coast Guard exam. Students must take the entire course. Simply taking a test is not permitted.

Similarly, we don’t approve instructors, per se. We are frequently asked “How can I become a Coast Guard-approved instructor?” Since we only approve instructors as part of a specific course at a specific school or training provider, the answer is to either become affiliated with a school having approved courses, or to develop and obtain approval for your own course(s). The approval of the instructor for a course does not authorize the instructor to teach other courses or a similar course at another school.

About the author:
Mr. James D. Cavo is the chief of the National Maritime Center’s mariner training and assessment division. Prior to coming to NMC in 1997, he worked for nine years as a deck officer on U.S. flag oil tankers and for five years as a maritime attorney. He holds licenses as chief mate any gross tons and master 1600 tons. He is a graduate of the S.U.N.Y. Maritime College, Maine Maritime Academy, and the New England School of Law.

For more information:
U.S. Coast Guard
National Maritime Center
100 Forbes Blvd.
Martinsburg, WV 25404
(304) 433-3400
Help Desk: (888) 427-5662
USCG-approved courses:
www.uscg.mil/nmc

Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Auxiliarists of the Regional Examination Centers

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by Mr. Marvin Butcher, Auxiliary Sector Coordinator, Sector Upper Mississippi River, and Auxiliary Branch Chief, Regional Examination Centers, available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


On November 13, 2007, a merchant seaman entered a Regional Examination Center Remote Customer Assistance Office in St. Paul, Minn. He presented an application for renewal of his license.

During his appointment, his application was checked and verified for acceptability; he was fingerprinted; his payment was verified and accepted; his citizenship documents were examined, verified, and copied; and his package was then sent to the REC.

There were no active duty, reserve, or civilian employees of the REC involved in the process, since all members of this customer assistance office are auxiliarists.

Today, Coast Guard Auxiliarists provide support to the mariner licensing and documentation program and are actively engaged in doing so at many RECs, filling various functions.

The Regional Examination Center Remote Customer Assistance Office
One of the most exciting and important projects the auxiliary has become involved in is an offshoot of direct support to the Regional Examination Centers—the Regional Examination Center Remote Customer Assistance Office (RCAO) project, which was designed to reduce merchant seamen’s travel costs and decrease document turnaround time.

In August 2006, the chief of the REC monitoring unit in St. Louis requested auxiliary assistance to provide remote customer assistance. Numerous auxiliarists volunteered to work in this special pilot program, which was implemented over a period of 14 months.

Considering that the entire project was established and run by auxiliarists, who are by definition volunteers, this is a remarkable achievement. While each RCAO is open only two days per month, in the first year of operation, the offices processed:

· Branson, Mo., 32 merchant mariners;
· Kansas City, Mo., 27;
· Denver, Colo., 18;
· St. Paul, Minn., 48.

Remote Customer Assistance Offices
For appointments at any Remote Customer Assistance Office, call REC St. Louis at (314) 269-2504.

· Remote Customer Assistance Office
2720 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Branson, MO 65616
Open on the first and third Wednesday of each month

· Remote Customer Assistance Office
7355 W. 88th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80021
Open on the second and fourth Thursday of each month

· Remote Customer Assistance Office
6228 NW Barry Road and I-29
Kansas City, MO 64154
Open on the second Wednesday and third Thursday of each month

· Remote Customer Assistance Office
Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55111
Open on the second Tuesday and third Thursday of each month

About the author:
Mr. Marvin Butcher served 27 years in the U.S. Navy, where he commanded several warships before retiring at the rank of captain. He then served as a merchant marine ship’s master of a U.S. Navy special mission ship. Mr. Butcher was named the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist of the Year for 2006 and is currently the branch chief for regional examination centers.

For more information:
Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Finding Mariner Licensing and Documentation Information Online

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by LT Hilary Stickle, Records Management Branch Chief, U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


NMC Website
The primary website hosts the majority of information mariners need. Here you will find the information mariners use when submitting applications for merchant mariner documents. On the left side of this webpage, you will see the website menu bar, which provides a list of broad information topics that can be found on the site.

At the bottom of each page, you will see items to assist users, such as the NMC contact e-mail addresses, including IASKNMC@uscg.mil for mariner application questions, and the NMC help desk phone number: 888-427-5662.

Homeport
Homeport is the U.S. Coast Guard portal to information covering Coast Guard missions. To access merchant mariner information, click on the “merchant mariners” button on the menu bar.

The major difference between Homeport and the NMC website is that Homeport provides greater information security. For this reason, mariners can use Homeport to check their application status online. It also provides access to the new sea service calculator, which will assist mariners in determining if they meet renewal sea service requirements.

Coast Guard Listserve
The NMC uses the Coast Guard listserve to notify the maritime community when there is new or updated content posted on the NMC website.

About the author:
LT Hilary Stickle has served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 28 years. Rising through the ranks, she began her career as a seaman radioman at Communications Station Boston, Mass. LT Stickle has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, management, and development, and a master’s degree in strategic leadership. She earned her commission in 2000, beginning her second Coast Guard career. In the summer of 2007, she assumed the records management branch chief position at the NMC.

Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Your Opinion Matters

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by CDR Craig S. Swirbliss, Chief, Operations and Oversight Division, U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


The Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD) program continually strives to understand the needs of its customers. The challenge is to satisfy the mariner without compromising regulations. The operations and oversight division at the National Maritime Center (NMC) implements mariner satisfaction surveys and coordinates the actions among the regional examination centers (RECs) and appropriate Coast Guard offices.

Responding to the Surveys
When the Coast Guard receives mariner feedback, our first priority is to identify any problems or complaints regarding the local REC, the NMC, or the program as a whole and quickly address these complaints.

Regardless of the source, all complaints and concerns will be entered into the system and dealt with in a timely manner. By observing specific complaints over time, we are able to identify trends and respond by changing processes or policy to address them.

Analyzing the Data
After the NMC addresses immediate issues, staff reviews the survey satisfaction data on a global level to help prioritize projects. The numerical data are analyzed to target REC-specific or program-level improvement opportunities.

What’s Next?
Once we have responded to initial comments and analyzed the data, we will make the data results visible and available to the Coast Guard staff and to the public. We have a Coast Guard listserve where we notify subscribers of news regarding our process. We will relay the survey results to our mariner customers via this listserve or publish the results on the website.

About the author:
CDR Swirbliss manages ongoing improvements to the mariner credential production process and coordinates the efforts of the 17 RECs. He previously served as REC chief in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. He is a Coast Guard Academy graduate and holds master’s degrees in management and industrial and operations engineering.

For more information:
Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Top Reasons Why CG Licensing Applications are Delayed

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by Ms. Tina Bassett, Chief, Mariner Evaluations Division, U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


Sea service. Remember to submit the service in the appropriate format (on the CG-719S, discharge certificates, or on company letterhead). When using the CG-719S, don’t forget to include the vessel owner’s name and the official number or registration. If verifying your own service, don’t forget to include proof of vessel ownership.

DOT/USCG periodic drug test. Applicants can submit drug test results signed by an approved medical review officer or submit proof of enrollment in a drug testing program. Common reasons the Coast Guard may not accept submissions are the wrong test was taken (only the five-panel DOT test is acceptable), the test receipt was submitted but not the signed results, or the drug test program does not meet Coast Guard requirements.

Physical examination. Before leaving the physician’s office, be sure that the physical form is completely filled out. Incomplete examination forms will be returned. Don’t forget to review and sign it.

Application CG-719B. Pay particular attention to the requirements. If a section is optional, the form will state that. All other sections must be completed. The most common missing information is next-of-kin information (name and address are required by law), your address, and signatures where required. Don’t forget that your credentials will be mailed to the address on your application. If you would like your credentials mailed to another address, include a signed request with your application.

Amplifying information from physician. If a potentially disqualifying medical condition exists, an applicant may be required to submit amplifying information to complete the medical evaluation.

About the author:
Tina Bassett graduated Officer Candidate School in 1990 and remains a LCDR in the Coast Guard Reserve. She has worked with Coast Guard marine safety for 15 years, including one year as Juneau REC chief, and holds a master's license and AB unlimited. She holds a BA in anthropology and an MS in quality systems management.

For more information:
For a complete, updated list of “Top 10 reasons why applications are delayed,” see http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ttr.asp.

The Future of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing Program

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by CAPT David C. Stalfort, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center, available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


Aboard M/V Renewed Hope
Malacca Straits, Andaman Sea
August 14, 2015

The liner business today was not what Captain Scott had dreamt of when he chose his sea-going career. In some ways it was harder, lonelier, and more complicated. In other ways, it was a great time to be a U.S. merchant mariner. Captain Scott looked out over the water from the bridge. The traffic in the Malacca Straits always worried him. He preferred to be on the bridge even though the second mate was experienced and had piloted the straits several times.

MM-SEAS Calling
Suddenly, his PDA chimed with a new e-mail. Pulling it from his hip with a quick, downward glance, a sudden anxiety came over him. “How could I have forgotten, again?” he sighed. The e-mail was an auto-generated message from the U.S. Coast Guard’s merchant mariner credentialing program, the Merchant Mariner Secure Electronic Application System, or MM-SEAS. It reminded him that his license was due to expire in two days!

He cursed himself, remembering that a week before, while crossing the Suez Canal bound from Hamburg to Singapore, he had received another reminder e-mail. He remembered thinking, “Oh, I’ll take care of it when we clear the canal. One issue at a time …”

But once the nightmare of the Suez transit was over, he was so relieved that the renewal reminder completely slipped his mind. Over the next few days, the Bab-el-Mandep Straits took all his attention, and once in the open ocean, his mind and efforts were elsewhere.

Now, a week later heading into Singapore, he had still not taken care of it. They had just one day scheduled in port and he knew there would be no extra time. Apart from the normal port work, drills, class, and internal audits were also scheduled.

The captain heard the bridge door creak and saw it was the chief engineer. The chief looked around, cursed the visibility, and said while shaking his head, “What a mess. The traffic’s bad enough out there without the weather making things worse. How’s it going, Captain?”

“Still recovering from the lack of sleep and backlash of work. How are you doing, Chief?”

The chief expressed his concern about his expiring license, trying to figure out how he would go about renewing with all the time planned at sea. The captain told the chief that his own license would expire in two days.

Captain, Have You Lost Your Mind?
Concerned, the chief asked, “What are you going to do during the next PSC document review? I remember hearing about how long USCG takes to issue licenses. Captain, have you lost your mind!?”

Captain Scott laughed and explained that it was no problem, as he could do it online. He told the chief that he was right to worry when talking about the old mariner licensing and documentation program of 10 years ago. “But today, it’s different. It took awhile, but the Coast Guard finally figured out how to do it right.”

Online
The captain called the second mate to keep watch and advised the chief (who had a confused look on his face) to accompany him to the bridge wing as he went about renewing his license from 10,000 miles and one big ocean away from the National Maritime Center in Martinsburg, W.Va.

The captain sat in his chair while the wireless workstation established the Pacific satellite connection. Within moments, he was online. The U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing site was saved in his “favorites.”

The interactive program prompted him to place his right index finger on the biometric scanner located on the screen and hit “SEND” when the print was captured. MM-SEAS instantly and securely verified his identity. His license details then flashed a red banner: “Renewal Due.” He clicked “RENEW” and the initial screen showed him what information was required, what information had already submitted to the NMC, and what information was still missing.

Some of his STCW course renewals had been due when he was last on vacation in Honolulu, so he had taken the opportunity to complete the training. Though he had hard copies of the certificates, the schools also sent the results electronically to the NMC using an automated service within MM-SEAS. The results were validated electronically and his account had already been updated with the STCW refresher course results.

Online Renewal
“What if all of that information wasn’t already in the system?” asked the chief. “That’s the great thing about the program,” the captain said. “I receive periodic e-mails to remind me of my status and what’s still needed. I always know where I stand, and there’s no more guesswork about if and when I’ll receive my renewal.”

The captain continued, “Junior officers can use the online wizards to see what they need for a raise in grade or endorsement. When I applied for my license years ago, I had to read through the application packets and regulations to figure out my options. In the end, I had to go to a Regional Examination Center for help. Not anymore. The website tells you what’s needed as you step through the process. Now, we just visit the RECs for certain examinations and if we need local licenses or pilotage endorsements.”

Remembering the Malacca Straits, Scott knew it was time to complete the transaction and get back to work. The final item on the “to do” list was the question “How would you like to pay?” Scott pulled out a credit card and entered the details. The word “PROCESSING” appeared on the screen and he waited.

In seconds, he was shown his confirmation and receipt with the option to e-mail them to himself. The next screen informed him the process was complete and the IMO database on mariners had been updated with the required information and the bar code on his passport-style combined merchant mariner credential would pass the scan in his next port of call.

“Guess you’re done,” said the chief, turning to leave.

“Not quite yet, Chief.” In bold letters in the middle of the screen was the prompt “Are there any other immediate interested parties who should be informed?” Scott uploaded the e-mails of the agents in the next four ports, the charterers, owners, and the PSC officials in the next two countries, including Singapore, and pressed “SEND.“

Captain Scott now had his renewed license, and all parties were informed. He looked at the chief, who seemed impressed, but not too cheerful. Surprised, the captain asked, “What’s the matter?”

“I gotta go back to my cabin and complete my paperwork for the PSC inspection in Singapore! Maybe one day, PSC inspections will be as easy as renewing a license.”

As they both rose and started their separate ways, the captain strode back to the bridge thinking, “I remember those days …”

About the author:
CAPT David C. Stalfort is the commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center. He and the crew of the NMC are leading the effort to re-engineer the mariner licensing program and achieve the vision described in this article. CAPT Stalfort has worked in the Coast Guard’s marine safety program for 23 years. He also holds a Coast Guard license as a master of steam, motor, or auxiliary sail vessels.

Acknowledgments:
The author would like to thank the senior staff of the NMC, including Mr. Ike Eisentrout, Ms. Tina Bassett, Mr. Jim Cavo, Mr. Jeff Brandt, Mr. Bob Kenney, and CDR Craig Swirbliss, along with Mr. Andrew Lauden and Mr. Jonathan Davis of Quality Management International, Inc., for their contributions to this article and for their efforts to make this vision a reality.

For more information:
Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.

Army MARINERS???

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard “Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council” magazine.

Full article by Major Cheryl A. Fensom (U.S. Army, Ret.), Instructional Systems Specialist, Maritime Training Department, U.S. Army Transportation School, available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008.


The watercraft field stands out among the Army’s military occupational specialties. Soldiers serving in this field are assigned to deck and engineer duties aboard Army vessels, providing waterborne logistics for military operations worldwide. From combat operations to humanitarian missions, the Army’s maritime field has consistently proven its worth and relevance in today’s operational arena.

Soldier-mariners aboard Army vessels perform the same mission-essential tasks as their U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and merchant marine counterparts. U.S. Army maritime occupational specialties include:
· watercraft operator,
· seaman,
· leading seaman,
· boatswain,
· mate,
· watercraft engineer,
· engineman,
· senior engineman,
· junior marine engineer,
· assistant engineer.

At the officer level, the school provides instruction for the specialties:
· marine deck officer,
· marine engineering officer for service aboard class A vessels.

The maritime training campus, located at Fort Eustis, Va., provides this training through coursework, hands-on opportunities, and simulations. Simulated vessels include:
· landing craft utility,
· logistic support vessel,
· large tug.

NMC-approved Courses
Courses are designed to meet the National Maritime Center’s (NMC) guidelines for qualifying training. NMC also granted licensing equivalency for the rating forming part of navigational watch, rating forming part of engineering watch, able seaman with lifeboatman limited, qualified member of the engine department, and first aid and CPR.

Certification and Licensing
All Army mariners must obtain and maintain certification equivalent to their grade and position. Once Army mariners meet the training standard, physical requirements, and pass a test, they are issued marine certificates valid for five years from date of issue. Mariners have a six-month window in which they must recertify by taking an exam for their skill level.

With continued command emphasis within the U.S. Army Transportation School to capitalize on the commonality of the different maritime agencies, soldier-mariners will continue to benefit from a seamless transition from Army maritime training to universally recognized merchant mariner’s credentials.

About the author:
Major (Ret.) Cheryl Fensom served in the U.S. Army as a transportation officer and is currently an instructional systems specialist at the maritime training campus at Fort Eustis, Va. She spearheads the educational programs for Army mariners.

For more information:
U.S. Army Transportation School
705 Read Street
Ft. Eustis, VA 23604
http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/

Full article and 124-page “Focus on the Mariner” edition of USCG Proceedings is available at www.uscg.mil/proceedings/fall2008. Subscribe online at www.uscg.mil/proceedings.

Direct requests for print copies of this edition to: HQS-DG-NMCProceedings@uscg.mil.