ALCOAST 258/19 - AUG 2019 MARINE INDUSTRY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

R 080854 AUG 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-7//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01520//
ALCOAST 258/19
COMDTNOTE 1520
SUBJ: MARINE INDUSTRY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
A. MARINE INDUSTRY TRAINING PROGRAM, COMDTINST 1500.4 (series)
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 12 APR/ALCGPSC 039/19
C. ACTIVE DUTY OFFICER POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION APPLICATION PROCESS
GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2020
D. ACTIVE DUTY ENLISTED POSTGRADUATE AND ADVANCED EDUCATIONAPPLICATION PROCESS
GUIDE FOR ASSIGNMENT YEAR 2020
1. Eligible officers and Marine Science Technicians (MSTs) are strongly
encouraged to apply for the Marine Industry Training Program. This program is a
specialized training program outlined in REF (A) that allows Coast Guard members to
conduct internships with maritime industry organizations and associations, similar
to participation in a fast track junior executive training program. Marine Industry
Training Program selectees will be chosen this Fall by a selection panel to
participate in one of five sub-programs: Merchant Marine Industry Training (MMIT),
Investigations Industry Training (IIT), Port Safety and Security Industry Training
(PSSIT), Marine Environmental Protection Industry Training (MEPIT), and Waterways
Management Industry Training (WWMIT).
2. Industry training is accomplished through short-term (4-6 months) or one-year
internships. Short-term internships are conducted during the April to September
timeframe in conjunction with the transfer season. One-year internships are
conducted from June to June. Operational demands, such as contingency operations or
individual circumstances, may make it difficult for some members to conduct their
industry training in the traditional timeframe. In such instances, requests for
alternative schedules may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Internships are
usually conducted in the region of the follow-on assignment and will directly
support the stated objectives of the sub-program assigned.
3. All candidates must be active duty O2-O4 and MSTs E5 above the cut for E6, as
well as E6, and E7, or reservists on Extended Active Duty as detailed in paragraph
11 of REF (B). All candidates must be tour complete in Assignment Year 2020 (AY20).
Due to the availability of staff and field unit follow-on assignments, individuals
presently at both field and staff units may apply.
4. MMIT is available to experienced officers with vessel inspection competencies.
MMIT participants study the impacts of prevention policy and learn how to create
mutually beneficial solutions to Coast Guard and marine industry challenges. MMIT
participants have conducted their training with the following industry groups:
ocean shipping, offshore oil industry, Great Lakes shipping, inland and offshore
towing, shipyards, tank ship/barge operators, LNG and chemical transporters, small
passenger vessel operators, and cruise ship lines. Ideal MMIT applicants have at
least three years of Prevention Operations experience and have been assigned the
Vessel Inspections (CG-OAP11) Officer Specialty Code (OSC). Specific interest in
all areas of vessel inspection for the offshore oil industry, new technologies
affecting energy exploration, and vessel propulsion systems will be the preferred
areas when evaluating applicants for training during this MMIT cycle.
5. IIT is available to experienced Investigating Officers. IIT participants
broaden their professional experience and knowledge through extensive insight and
exposure into the work of other investigative entities, as well as merchant vessel
and marine industry operations. IIT participants have participated in ship rider
programs and performed shoreside industry training with such organizations as the
National Transportation Safety Board, Department of Justice, State Pilot
Associations, Port Authorities, shipping companies, and marine insurers. Ideal IIT
applicants have at least three years of Prevention Operations experience and have
been assigned the Marine Investigations (CG-OAP12) OSC.
6. PSSIT is available to officers and MSTs. PSSIT participants expand their
knowledge of commercial port and facility operations. PSSIT participants
concentrate on port safety and/or security issues such as the Maritime
Transportation Security Act, facility safety permitting and compliance, and
containerized or explosive handling operations. PSSIT participants have
concentrated on liquefied natural gas facility permitting and operations,
safety and security at major Port Authorities and complexes, cruise terminal
security, and cyber security initiatives. Ideal officer PSSIT applicants have at
least three years of Prevention Operations experience and have been assigned the
Facility Inspector competency. Ideal enlisted PSSIT applicants have at least six
years of operational experience, have been assigned the Facility Inspector
competency, and are authorized to wear the temporary or permanent Marine Safety
Insignia.
7. MEPIT is available to experienced officers and MSTs with marine environmental
response and protection backgrounds. MEPIT participants gain insight into domestic
and international pollution preparedness, response, and mitigation operations from
a federal, state, and industry perspective. MEPIT participants have focused their
industry training in oil spill removal, contingency planning, national-level
organizational policy making, and emergency management. Training opportunities have
included various oil spill removal organizations, the American Petroleum Institute,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Bureau of Safety and
Environmental Enforcement, and companies within the oil and salvage industries.
Ideal officer MEPIT applicants have at least three years of Response Operations
experience and have been assigned the CG-OAR15 (Marine Environmental Response) OSC.
Ideal enlisted MEPIT applicants have at least six years of operational experience
and have been assigned either the Federal On-Scene Coordinator's Representative or
National Strike Force Response Supervisor competency.
8. WWMIT is available to officers and MSTs. WWMIT participants expand their
knowledge of the Marine Transportation System, including waterways, ports, and
intermodal connections from an industry and port stakeholder perspective. WWMIT
participants are expected to network and cultivate partnerships to address
WWM-related issues, balance economic considerations with safe practices, and share
opportunities and best practices with public and private entities to create
mutually beneficial solutions. WWMIT participants can expect to conduct their
training with Port Authorities, State Pilot Associations, Marine Exchanges,
energy/oil industries, towing vessel companies, ferry vessel operators, major
shipping companies, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and local government
offices. Ideal officer WWMIT applicants have at least three years of Operations
Ashore-Prevention experience or Operations Afloat-Prevention experience (Aids to
Navigation or Ice Operations). Ideal enlisted WWMIT applicants have at least six
years of operational experience, have been assigned the Waterways Management
Representative competency, and are authorized to wear the temporary or permanent
Marine Safety Insignia.
9. Selection to fill one-year and short-term internships will be made during the
selection panel. The breakdown of industry training quotas is as follows, with all
positions designated for officers unless otherwise stated:
    a. MMIT: One 1-yr quota. Two short-term quotas.
    b. IIT: One 1-yr quota. Two short-term quotas.
    c. PSSIT: One 1-yr quota. Two short-term quotas (one officer, one enlisted).
    d. MEPIT: One 1-yr quota. Two short-term quotas (one officer, one enlisted).
    e. WWMIT: Four short-term quotas (two officer, two enlisted).
10. Officer applicants are required to submit a My Panel Submission in
Direct Access by following the guidance in REF (C) located at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc-opm/1/c/SitePages/Home.aspx.
Of note, applying for one or more Marine Industry Training Program does not count
against the limit of applying for up to three PG/ADV ED programs. Standardized
test scores are not required.
11. Enlisted applicants for the MEPIT, PSSIT, and WWMIT programs are required to submit
a My Panel Submission in Direct Access by following the guidance in REF (D) located at
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc-epm/SitePages/Panels.aspx.
Standardized test scores are not required.
12. Additional Marine Industry Training Program guidance and the list of follow-on
assignments (field and staff) can be found on the Office of Shore Forces (CG-741)
portal website, located at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cg741/Prevention/MIT/SitePages/Home.aspx.
Applicants should indicate the following information on their submission: Why the
applicant would like to be considered for the Marine Industry Training Program,
whether or not they would like to be considered for a one-year assignment
(officers only), their specific industry training sub-program of choice (MMIT, IIT,
PSSIT, MEPIT, or WWMIT), and rank order their desired follow-on assignments from
the list of pre-designated industry training follow-on billets. After selection and
announcement of Industry Training selectees, the selectee’s assignment officer will
make the final decision on the selectees follow on tour taking career progression and
other factors into account.
13. Commanding Officer endorsements are required and shall contain a summary of the
applicants interests, ability, knowledge (including relevant education, training, and
competencies), and potential value to the service related to the requested industry
training sub-program. Endorsements must specify sub-program and training term (one-year
or short-term). Endorsements for short-term quotas should address the ability to gap the
applicant’s position for up to three months.
14. The deadline for completed My Panel Submissions is 16 August 2019.
15. All O2/O3 applicants should note the requirement outlined in REF (B) that they must
conduct career counseling with OPM-4 prior to applying.
16. Short-term industry training selectees will have PCS orders available in Direct
Access by 15 February 2020. One-year industry training selectees will have orders
available according to the standard timeline for a summer transfer.
17. Industry Training incurs obligated service of approximately 18 months for
short-term quotas and three years for one-year Training Allowance Billets.
18. After reviewing all references, any questions regarding the processing of Marine
Industry Training Program applications should be directed to
HQS-SMB-CGPSC-opm-1-PGPanels@uscg.mil for officers and Ms. Ada Harris at (202) 795-6563
or LT Michelle Rice at (202) 795-6594 for enlisted personnel.
19. General questions regarding the Marine Industry Training Program should be directed
to LCDR Dianna Robinson at (202) 372-2544.
20. For sub-program specific questions, contact:
      a. MMIT: LT Benjamin Aaronson (202) 372-1220
      b. IIT: LCDR Amanda Fahrig (202) 372-1032
      c. PSSIT: LCDR Dan McQuate (202) 372-1130
      d. MEPIT: LCDR Ryan Dickson (202) 372-2260
      e. WWMIT: LCDR Eric Stahl (202) 372-1530 or LCDR John Downing (202) 372-1568
21. Enlisted members may also contact the MST Rating Force Master Chief, MSTCM Michael
Brewer at (202) 372-1342 to discuss this program.
22. RDML Matthew W. Sibley, Assistant Commandant for Capability, sends.
23. Internet release is authorized.