ALCOAST 174/19 - MAY 2019 COMDT EARLY ACTION ITEM (EAI) FOR MARINE INSPECTOR PERFORMANCE SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE (MIPSA)

united states coast guard

R 211625 MAY 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//FC-C/CG-7/CG-5P/CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05350//
ALCOAST 174/19
COMDTNOTE 5350
SUBJ:  COMDT EARLY ACTION ITEM (EAI) FOR MARINE INSPECTOR PERFORMANCE SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE (MIPSA)
1. We have a unique opportunity to comprehensively assess how we can improve Marine Inspector
consistency and proficiency. The Commandant identified development of a Marine Inspector
Performance Support Architecture (MIPSA) as an Early Action Item (EAI). FORCECOM, COMDTs (CG-5P),
(CG-7), (CG-1) and the entire Marine Inspector community are working together to conduct this
two-year-long extensive analysis and development effort supporting the Marine Inspections mission.
2. We are taking a systematic approach to align performance requirements, performance support,
workforce structures, and individual and environmental factors so that they come together where
and when needed to complete missions. The MIPSA will be the foundation for a sustainable and
proficient marine inspection workforce to ensure consistent application and enforcement of safety
and security standards onboard commercial vessels and increase our oversight of third party
organizations. We will define job requirements and develop rigorous and standardized performance
support to create an occupational foundation and developmental roadmap for all Marine Inspectors.
3. The project team has been working for several months to document all Marine Inspections
tasks– new, previously undocumented tasks and updating existing tasks. These tasks are being
validated by subject matter experts and accomplished performers.
4. We need the whole Marine Inspector community and unit commanders personally, actively involved.
We are about to start a series of site visits to interview and observe Marine Inspectors in the
field and those in leadership positions at a wide variety of locations. While we cannot visit
every unit, we will also send an online survey to every Marine Inspector. We urge your candid
participation so the project team can collect data regarding the world of Marine Inspections work,
training opportunities, ascension paths, and environmental factors. We will also work with the
Chiefs, Inspections Division and Marine Inspector Training Officers to gather input regarding task
lists and contribute locally-developed training, job aids, SOPs, decision aids, applications, or
other documents, programs, or processes that optimize Marine Inspector performance. Please email
these to the MIPSA team or upload them to the Portal site.
5. With the tasks and data we gather along with other concurrent efforts by FORCECOM, COMDTs
(CG-5P), (CG-6), and (CG-7), we will be rolling out performance support well beyond simply
"better training.” We’re also rolling out performance support aids such as #CGHowTo videos, apps
and decision aids like TugSafe, audits, and workforce development structures.
6. We thank all of our Coast Guard members who will support the MIPSA project. This is your
chance to influence change. Spread the word!
7. Further information regarding the MIPSA project can be found on our Portal site at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/forcecom/Training/MIPSA. Questions and input should be directed
to the MIPSA project team at: MIPSA@uscg.mil.
8. RDML B. K. Penoyer, FC-C, RDML M. P. Ryan, COMDT (CG-7), RADM J. P. Nadeau, COMDT (CG-5P),
and RDML M. W. Sibley, Acting COMDT (CG-1), send.
9. Internet release is authorized.