COMDTINST 16672.5A
c.
Merchant Marine Licenses. Members who possess a valid Merchant Marine License
are not waived from the requirements of this Instruction. After 01 January 2000,
members have been required to take the Initial DWO Exam (DWINTO) if they don't
meet the requirements of a renewal examination as described in paragraph 5.a (2).
d.
PCS Orders. At a minimum, the applicable examination (Initial or Renewal) must be
passed no more than one year prior to the execution of PCS afloat orders. This standard
applies even if the member is currently assigned to a cutter and/or possesses a valid
merchant marine license. However, command cadre who have received extensions to
their current afloat assignment are exempt from this requirement. The commands of
prospective CO/OIC/XO/XPOs shall ensure that the departing member complies
with the policies contained within this Instruction before authorizing the member
to execute PCS orders.
e.
TAD Assignments. Members assigned TAD to a cutter must have passed an authorized
examination within the prior five years to temporarily serve as an afloat CO, XO or
underway OOD.
f.
Frequency. A member may take the DWO Exam at any time, even while assigned to
shore duty. With the exception of those persons who have received PCS orders to an
afloat CO/OIC/XO/XPO billet, there is no limit to the number of attempts a person can
make to pass the examination.
(1)
For prospective command cadre, the October-December time frame is within the
one-year requirement of the typical summer PCS season, and prior to orders, the
exam may be taken multiple times without repercussions. Once orders are issued,
the member must pass the test within two attempts.
(2)
Procrastination can lead to failure. Delayed exams and subsequent failures impact
cutter readiness, disrupt operations, affect careers and can cause stress to
members' families.
(3)
ALCOAST 586/05 established a twenty-one (21) calendar day waiting period
between taking end of course tests (EOCT). The DWO Exam falls within these
requirements. Members should take this into account when planning pipeline
(pre-arrival) training schedules, CO/XO reliefs and other PCS related events. A
first exam failure can significantly disrupt future plans.
g.
Failure to Pass DWO Exam.
(1)
Prospective CO/OIC/XO/XPO. Failure to pass the examination within two
attempts following receipt of orders will result in the cancellation of those orders
and be documented, at a minimum, via an administrative remarks entry. Suitable
action for these unique cases shall be coordinated between the affected command,
the Coast Guard Personnel Command, and the Office of Cutter Forces.
(2)
Command designated OOD Billets. While failure to pass the test shall not
preclude the execution of orders, the examination must be passed prior to
performing duties as an underway OOD. This requirement can not be waived.
If the member fails to pass the examination within nine months after reporting,
that fact shall be documented, at a minimum, via an administrative remarks entry,
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