Coast Guard seeks job-task information from ABs, lifeboatmen

The following is text of a news release from the National Maritime Center (NMC):

(MARTINSBURG, W. Va.) — The Coast Guard is seeking input from mariners who hold merchant mariner credential (MMC) endorsements as able seaman (AB) and lifeboatman (LB) to validate information gathered as part of a job task analysis (JTA).

Since 2016, the Coast Guard has been working on several initiatives to improve the quality of the content of credentialing examinations. One initiative is to validate the real-world occupational tasks carried out by mariners in today’s merchant fleet by conducting JTAs. The first JTA is for AB and LB endorsements. We worked with members of industry with AB/LB experience to identify the tasks that ABs and LBs are responsible for while signed on a vessel. The Coast Guard is inviting you to be a part of this exciting and worthwhile effort by:

• Validating the AB and LB tasks.
• Telling us how frequently you complete the tasks.
• Telling us how difficult it is to complete the tasks.
• Telling us how important it is to complete the tasks.

This is a unique opportunity for you to provide insight into your job, either as an AB/LB or as a supervisor, and contribute to Coast Guard examination improvements. The Coast Guard will use the results of the JTA in consultation with industry to evaluate and update examination content for these endorsements.

Mariners who hold endorsements as AB and/or LB will receive an e-mail from JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil containing a link to the survey and the dates the survey is open. Your link to the survey will have a unique identifier to record your responses. It is not linked to you personally and the information you provide will remain anonymous. Your participation is encouraged for the benefit of the maritime community and safety of the Marine Transportation System.

If you have questions regarding the survey, please contact us at JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil.

By Professional Mariner Staff