NMC-4 Policy Ltr No. This Policy Letter clarifies existing requirements for instructors of Coast Guard approved courses and training programs. It explains requirements for instructors who may be very qualified to teach certain subjects, but who do not have a maritime background or seagoing experience. All requests for approval of instructors for Coast Guard approved training courses or programs should be submitted to the NMC or the training provider's QSS by the training provider, along with resumes of instructor experience and qualifications. Any merchant marine or other professional credentials held should be indicated on the resume, along with expiration dates.
Training providers are responsible for veracity of the information on the resume.
Coast Guard regulations and policies applying to all Coast Guard approved courses. Having the appropriate mariner's document or license and STCW endorsement is certainly evidence of having the prerequisite professional skill and knowledge. The requirements for instructors are similar for courses which must be STCW compliant and for those not required to be STCW compliant. More specifically, the instructor must have the ability to apply knowledge in the environment where the student will be required to use the subject matter. The end result will be an effective and credible learning experience for the student, allowing transfer of skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to situations outside the classroom.