ALCOAST 270/24 - JUL 2024 MISSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MMS) MANAGEMENT REVIEW - SAFETY CONCERNS

R 101700Z JUL 24 MID120001275138U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 270/24
SSIC 5200
SUBJ: MISSION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MMS) MANAGEMENT REVIEW -
SAFETY CONCERNS
A. Mission Management System, COMDTINST 5200.4B
B. Safety and Environmental Health Manual, COMDTINST M5100.47D
C. Marine Safety Manual, Volume I: Administration and Management,
COMDTINST M16000.6
D. MEMO - Marine Inspector Safety Diagnostic Front End Analysis
Complete - 21 FEB 2024
1. Purpose: This message highlights safety gaps for Coast Guard
Prevention personnel safety and health concerns across the fleet.
2. Background: In accordance with REF (A), a review by the
Prevention Quality Management Board (PQMB) of FORCECOM Mission
Management System (MMS) Audit findings from 2022 to 2023 indicated
increasing, yet low compliance rates with the administrative safety
requirements for Prevention units outlined in REFs (B) and (C).
Specifically, data from most recent audit findings indicated a
50% compliance rate in the identification and ranking of Marine
Safety Anticipated Hazards and a 79% compliance rate for following
Safe Work Practices (SWP). In addition, COMDT (CG-5PC) requested
that COMDT (CG-1K3) complete a Front-End Analysis for Marine
Inspector Safety Officers similar to one they completed for
Flight Safety Officers, which led to an elevation of the Safety
Officer role in the aviation community. COMDT (CG-5PC) has
reviewed the findings and recommendations contained in REF (B)
and supports COMDT (CG-1K3) in their effort to improve safety
program oversight and collaboration with the field.
3. Discussion: The safety and health of our Marine Inspectors and
industry personnel should be first and foremost when conducting
marine inspections, facility inspections, and investigations. As a
result of the recent audit findings, per REF (B) and IAW
REF (C) I am directing an administrative safety review at all
Sectors and subordinate units. The purpose of this review is to
validate unit Marine Safety Anticipated Hazards and Safe Work
Practice instructions and ensure they are being fully implemented.
I recognize that many unit instructions may be outdated or
incorrect. Now is the time to emphasizes the necessity for immediate
action, to improve our overall standards and procedures, not after
an incident. If we, as a Prevention workforce, can ensure the safety
of the Marine Transportation System, then we can also ensure our
shipmates and colleagues are following safety protocols.
4. Action: Considering these findings, I am directing your
Prevention units to validate (or create, if necessary) their
Anticipated Work Hazards and Safe Work Practices within the next 60
days. This validation process will ensure that all potential hazards
are identified, ranked according to their significance, and that
appropriate safe work practices are implemented and adhered to by
all personnel. Chapter 10 of REF (C) directs units to
establish and maintain a Unit Safety and Environmental Health
Program that includes written SWPs for the following, at a minimum:
Confined Space Entry, Pump Room Entry, Above Deck Activities,
Facility Inspections During Cargo Transfer, Oil and Chemical Spill
Response, MISHAP Response, and Acute Exposure Procedures. Each unit
is responsible for reporting their progress through their chain of
command. To facilitate this process, units can find examples of unit
instructions and resources by going to the MMS portal site and
clicking on the Best Practices link. Additionally, we encourage
units to share best practices and lessons learned so we can exchange
knowledge throughout the entire Coast Guard. Findings such as these
highlight the benefit of Mission Management Systems in providing
actionable information and data to improve our daily operations. The
Prevention Quality Management Board will continue tracking progress
on this initiative as we collectively strive to improve safety
across the entire Prevention workforce.
5. Future: Field units can enhance safety of Prevention personnel
by providing COMDT (CG-5PC) information on any emerging safety
concerns based on new cargoes or operations where they believe there
is a proficiency gap among their staff. My staff and I are also
interested in identifying any obstacles units are finding in
purchasing PPE or safety equipment. These issues should be
communicated by the safety officer through the unit MMS coordinator
via submission of a Corrective Action Request (CAR).
6. I understand that this review will require additional time and
resources, but I am confident that we, as a community and
organization, can mitigate potential risks and enhance the overall
safety culture and awareness within the operational environment.
My staff, directorates, and I appreciate your cooperation and
commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Coast Guard
Personnel and industry partners.
7. POC: Executive Assistant for Director, Inspections & Compliance
COMDT (CG-SPC), LCDR Joshua Weidman, (202) 372-1111,
Joshua.J.Weidman@uscg.mil.
8. RDML Wayne Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention
Policy (CG-5P), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.