ALCOAST 097/25 - MAR 2025 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (SE) PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION STANDARDS (PQS)

R 031500Z MAR 25 MID120001760739U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 097/25
SSIC 11260
SUBJ: SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (SE) PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION
STANDARDS (PQS)
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 041754Z SEP 24/ALCOAST 346/24
1. This ALCOAST is to announce the release of version one of the
Support Equipment (SE) program Performance Qualification
Standards (PQS) Handbook, PQS Signoff Guide (PSOG), and PQS
Evaluator (PQS-E) Handbook.
2. The SE PQS is the SE program's standardized method for
qualifying personnel for specific crew positions to perform SE
operations. Effective immediately, all units operating SE shall
use the SE PQS to train and qualify personnel as SE crew
members. The SE PQS is available for access and download on the
COMDT (CG-441) SE Program Training SharePoint site at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg4/SEProgram/SitePages/
Training.aspx

3. The SE PQS is supplemented by an Evaluator to provide the
Candidate supervised support throughout the learning objectives
which build upon previous PQS versions in development of each
crew position. The SE PQS employs on-the-job training (OJT) and
mentorship in conjunction with assigned reading materials,
practical tasks, and standardized knowledge checks to train SE
crew positions to a prescribed performance level. The SE PQS is
comprised of three interdependent components: the PQS Handbook,
PQS Evaluator Handbook, and PQS Signoff Guide.
    a. The PQS Handbook is a structured, self-paced study guide
that includes fundamental knowledge and step-by-step instructions
for performing SE crew position duties. The PQS Handbook will be
comprised of a series of volumes, each containing chapters for
specific crew positions. The initial launch of the PQS Handbook
includes the first three chapters of "Volume I: Weight and Material
Handling Equipment". These chapters cover general weight and
material handling fundamentals, safety and risk management, and
"Signalperson", the foundational SE crew position. The SE program
will progressively release PQS version updates to Volume I for
additional SE crew positions and future volumes for SE operations
other than W/MHE.
    b. The PQS Evaluator (PQS-E) Handbook provides Evaluators with
the criteria to assess candidates. Evaluators shall use the PQS-E
Handbook for student training and signoffs for each qualification.
Access to and use of the PQS-E Handbook is limited to Evaluators.
Evaluators must submit a request to SMB-ALC-SETraining@uscg.mil for
access. Upon approval, Evaluators may access and download the
SE PQS-E Handbook.
    c. The PQS Sign Off Guide (PSOG) is a printable document used
to record the Candidate's performance during the syllabus and verify
they met the minimum criteria to obtain an SE qualification.
It aligns, by chapter, to the knowledge checks and tasks within the
PQS and PQS-E Handbooks.
4. For initial qualifications, units conducting SE operations
shall designate a unit Evaluator to facilitate SE PQS
completion. Unit Evaluators shall meet the requirements and be
appointed as a competent person as defined in REF (A).
    a. When assigning an Evaluator, CO/OICs must review personnel
qualifications and prerequisites to assess the candidate's
competence and suitability for the role. It is important for
CO/OICs to consider personnel proficiency, knowledge of evaluation
criteria, training and instruction skills, performance evaluation
expertise, commitment to safety, documentation and reporting skills,
as well as any continuous improvement and professional development.
    b. The formal certification as an Evaluator is confirmed through
a memorandum, which clearly defines their responsibilities and
emphasizes their role in upholding the unit's safety and training
standards. Example certification memorandums can be found on the
COMDT (CG-441) SE Program Training SharePoint site at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg4/SEProgram/SitePages/
Training.aspx

5. Members who are currently qualified in an SE crew position
through a local JQR are required to re-qualify using the SE PQS
material and guidance for their effected positions. Units will
issue a revised certification letter upon completion of the SE
program PQS.
6. Units will obtain authorization for new local job qualification
requirements (JQRs) from the SE program until a program-approved PQS
version for that crew position has been promulgated. Unit JQRs for
SE operations will be rescinded immediately upon release of the
PQS version containing the applicable crew position. The guidance
outlined in the SE PQS will take precedence over local JQRs. Units
have 90 days for PQS completion. Waivers beyond 90 days shall be
requested through the SEPL at SMB-ALC-SETraining@uscg.mil.
7. Units shall review and implement the SE PQS immediately.
Contact your local COMDT (CG-1C4) specialist for local bargaining
obligations before implementing any policy that requires change to a
bargaining employee's condition of employment.
8. The Support Equipment Product Line (SEPL) Training Specialist
will host a presentation to field questions and share updates on
current and future projects related to SE training. The presentation
will be hosted on MS Teams and will occur 1400-1500 EST on
18 MAR 2025.
    a. Personnel wishing to attend should submit attendance requests
to the SEPL at SMB-ALC-SETraining@uscg.mil. The attendance link will
be sent directly to those who request it. A recording of the
presentation will also be available on the SE program training
website for view.
9. Feedback is critical to enhancing the quality of PQS products.
Please submit comments, feedback, or questions to the SEPL at
SMB-ALC-SETraining@uscg.mil.
10. POC: SEPL Training Specialist, Dr. Brian D. Barker, at
Brian.D.Barker@uscg.mil and SE Program Manager (CG-441),
Ms. Jennifer D. Ozley, at Jennifer.D.Ozley@uscg.mil.
11. RDML Amy B. Grable, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and
Logistics (CG-4), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.