Basic-Level Mariner SME

Position Overview

Our company is recruiting a Basic-Level Mariner Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) National Maritime Center (NMC) Mariner Credentialing Program (MCP) under a professional services task order. The NMC issues Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) to U.S. merchant mariners and approves the maritime training courses mariners must complete to qualify for those credentials. This is a Key Personnel position under the task order.

In this role, you will evaluate mariner training course curricula, training sites, and instructor qualifications, and make recommendations to the Coast Guard on whether proposed and existing courses conform to federal training and assessment regulations. You will draft technical response letters — including any updates or corrections required by government reviewers — addressing the conformance of course approval requests to 46 CFR Parts 10, 11, and 12; Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-26 and other applicable NVICs; the Marine Safety Manual (MSM), Volume III; and current maritime industry best practice, all in accordance with NMC Mission Management System (MMS) documentation. Only Coast Guard personnel may issue final course approvals; your recommendations support the Coast Guard's decision-making.

As a Basic-Level Mariner SME, you will evaluate a high-volume mix of entry- and mid-tier deck training courses — from safety fundamentals through Master 100/200-level and related endorsements — ensuring each course and its provider meet regulatory and Coast Guard policy requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review submitted course curricula, lesson plans, assessment methods, facilities, equipment, and instructor credentials against applicable federal regulations and Coast Guard policy.
• Draft clear, technically sound recommendation letters and correspondence to course providers, incorporating any corrections requested during government review.
• Track and manage an assigned caseload of course approval submissions to meet required monthly volume and quality standards.
• Maintain positive control of assigned files and be able to locate and produce them promptly upon request.
• Stay current on changes to 46 CFR Parts 10–12, NVIC 01-26 and related NVICs, and the Marine Safety Manual, Volume III, and apply updates consistently.
• Participate in required team meetings and on-the-job training to maintain proficiency and support quality control across the program.
• Coordinate with the NMC Course Approval team, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and government subject matter experts as needed.
• Evaluate course submissions assigned to the Basic-Level SME review queue, maintaining a minimum throughput of 25 course approvals per month.

Required Qualifications

• Current or prior U.S. Coast Guard–issued Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Not Less Than 100 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters, or a superior route endorsement.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, technically accurate correspondence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience writing or developing maritime training courses or curricula.
• Familiarity with 46 CFR Parts 10–12, NVIC 01-26, or the USCG Marine Safety Manual, Volume III.

Eligibility

• Must be able to obtain and maintain any government facility access, systems access, and/or suitability determination required to perform this work.
• Will be required to safeguard Privacy Act–protected and proprietary information in accordance with law and government policy, and to sign a non-disclosure agreement.