Alpha Ten Technologies, Inc.

The current engineering qualification process used by the thirteen 270-foot medium endurance cutters is “fragmented and varies ship to ship”.  Utilizing 2006 data, the Naval Engineering Branch of the Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific estimates that it spends between 20% and 30% of its maintenance budget on corrective maintenance.  In FY06 the number was 28% at a total cost of $15.6M.  Furthermore, Coast Guard engineers estimate that 30% to 50% of these casualties are preventable in that they are caused improper operating and maintenance procedures.  Development of a more effective qualification system for the engineering watches could save $4.6M to $7.8M per year.

As per the Task Order’s General Scope, the project will provide support for the COTR in documentation of Job Qualification Requirements (JQRs) for Engineer of the Watch and development of a standardized Engineer of the Watch Qualification Guide for the USCG’s 270-foot medium endurance cutters with the goals of:
Recommend a standardized engineering watch stander qualification process that will improve the quality of watch stander training while decreasing the time that an individual takes to get qualified.

Recommend standardized Basic Engineering Casualty Control procedures that will improve watch stander responses to machinery malfunctions, thereby saving  significant USCG Engineering funding that can be used to address other USCG issues.

Produce an Electronic Watch Qualification Guide (e-WQS) that will achieve the same results as a similar Guide produced for new USCG buoy tenders (standardization of content, delivery, and testing and a 50% reduction in time required to qualify).

Input from all concerned---Project Team, COTR, NESUs, Command Cadre, SMEs, watch supervisors, watch standers---will be considered when revising the e-WQS and supporting job aids.  After careful revision, a formal draft e-WQS will be submitted to the COTR.  After consideration and input from USCG Headquarters staff elements (and any required revisions) a final document will be submitted to the COTR who will then accomplish distribution to the thirteen 270-foot cutters.

Alpha Ten provided project strategy and management services for a comprehensive review and revision of engineering watch qualification systems aboard thirteen 270-foot USCG medium endurance cutters.

For more information on how Alpha Ten can support you in your projects and initiatives send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it