Encl. (1) to COMDTINST 3500.3
GAR Evaluation Scale
for Color-Coding the Degree of Risk
0
23
24
44
45
60
10
20
30
40
50
GREEN
AMBER
RED
(Low Risk)
(Caution)
(High Risk)
If the total risk value falls in the green zone (1-23), the risk is rated
low. A value in the amber zone (24-44) indicates moderate risk; consider
adopting procedures to minimize it. If the total value falls in the red
zone (45-60), implement measures to reduce the risk before starting the
event or evolution.
The GAR model is good to assess an operation or mission generally. If the
degree of risk appears unduly high in one or more of the elements above,
perform a second assessment using the SPE model for each element of concern,
since the SPE model is more specific. As with the SPE model, rank-order all
hazards assessed in the GAR model from the highest to the lowest risk to
target areas of greatest concern first.
Risk Ratings: The ability to assign numerical values or color codes to
risk elements in either the SPE or GAR model is not the most important part
of risk assessment. What is critical in this ORM step is team discussion
to understand the risks and how the team will manage them. Different Coast
Guard operational communities have adopted the GAR model, but may interpret
green, amber, and red differently for their own missions and operators. For
example, law enforcement personnel may define a "green" risk level a bit
higher than personnel involved in recreational boating safety.
Understanding these differences will improve communications among
communities. However, a low/medium/high scale is generally understood
throughout the Coast Guard and is the safety industry's widely used
standard. Therefore, discussions of risk among various Coast Guard
activities will use the terms low, medium, and high, but each operational
community will define those terms meaningfully for its own operators.
Step 4:
Identify the Options: Starting with the highest risk hazards assessed in
Step 3, identify as many risk control options or safeguards as possible for
all hazards exceeding an acceptable degree of risk. Determine each
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