DISTRIBUTION SDL No.170
NON-STANDARD DISTRIBUTION: *Dl (Only the following units) CGLO ATG Mayport, CGLO ATGLANT Norfolk, CGLO ATGPAC
San Diego, CGLO PACNORWEST.
COMDTINST 16672.5G
07 APR 2021
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 16672.5G
Subj: COAST GUARD DECK WATCH OFFICER EXAMINATION PROGRAM
Ref: (a) Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook, August 2014 Edition
(b) Amalgamated International and U.S. Inland Navigation Rules
(c) U.S. Coast Pilot
(d) Education Services Officer (ESO): Volume I, Getting Started, ETQCINST M1000.1
(series)
(e) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) For the Coast Guard’s Training System, Vol. 10:
(Testing)
1. PURPOSE. This Instruction establishes the Coast Guard's Deck Watch Officer (DWO)
examination program and minimum qualification requirements.
2. ACTION. All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge,
deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the
provisions of this Instruction. Internet release is authorized.
3. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. The Coast Guard Deck Watch Officer Examination Program,
COMDTINST 16672.5F is cancelled.
4. DISCUSSION. Controlling the safe movement of a Coast Guard vessel as Officer of the Deck
(OOD) or as coxswain is a challenging and highly demanding duty. Assuming such an
important responsibility represents a high level of trust by the Coast Guard that our personnel
and resources will be safeguarded. The intent of this examination program is to verify an
OOD’s or coxswain’s knowledge and application of Reference (a).
5. DISCLAIMER. This guidance is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it
itself a rule. It is intended to provide operational guidance for Coast Guard personnel and is not
intended to nor does it impose legally-binding requirements on any party outside the Coast
Guard.
Commandant U. S. Coast Guard Stop 7324
United States Coast Guard 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20593-7324
Staff Symbol: CG-751
Phone: (202) 372-2335
