ALCOAST 075/26 - MAR 2026 S+ PUBLICATION - DECK WATCH OFFICER (DWO) EXAMINATION PROGRAM INSTRUCTION

R 171750Z MAR 26 MID320018580907U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 075/26
SSIC 16672
SUBJ: S+ PUBLICATION - DECK WATCH OFFICER (DWO) EXAMINATION PROGRAM 
INSTRUCTION
A. Deck Watch Officer (DWO) Examination Program, COMDTINST 16672.5H
B. Deck Watch Officer (DWO) Examination Program, COMDTINST 16672.5G
1. This ALCOAST announces the promulgation of REF (A) per the
S+ Superspeed publishing process, and hereby cancels REF (B).
2. REF (A) establishes policy for the Coast Guard's Deck Watch
Officer (DWO) Examination Program and the minimum qualification
requirements.
3. All Coast Guard unit and training center commanders, commanding
officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and
chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the
provisions of REF (A).
4. The reissue of this Instruction contains the following changes:
     a. Coast Guard DWO Examination credit may be earned through the
Merchant Mariner Credentialing (MMC) process through approved
courses.
     b. The 21-day waiting period for the DWO Examination is removed.
     c. All prospective Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) watchstanders,
active-duty or civilian, shall pass the appropriate (Initial or
Renewal) DWO Examination prior to certification as a VTS Operator or
VTS Watch Supervisor.
5. REF (A) is located on the CG Directives SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/USCGReferences/directives/
Directives/Forms/sort.aspx

6. POC: COMDT (CG-751) LCDR Patrick Bennett,
Patrick.G.Bennett@uscg.mil.
7. Released by RDML Amy B. Grable, Assistant Commandant for
Capability (CG-7).
8. Internet release is authorized.