From Captain Bradley Clare, Commanding Officer, National Maritime Center (NMC)
As training providers and the Coast Guard embrace the use of remote training delivery tools and methodologies, the National Maritime Center (NMC) is updating its course approval business practices. We currently issue separate course approvals, including course codes, for classroom, blended, live virtual, and computer-based delivery. However, the core curricula and submittal requirements remain the same regardless of delivery method. Moving forward, we will consolidate approvals and track the delivery methodology within a single approval, if appropriate.
This positive step for both the MTP and the NMC will reduce redundant work and the overall number of course approvals managed. In order to implement, we ask training providers to:
- Request approval of all desired delivery modes at the next renewal of any course with common curricula and multiple approvals.
- When requesting remote instruction or examination, provide detailed business plans addressing: hardware and software used, remote evaluation, student identity management and participation, testing integrity, material and reference availability, examination and/or assessment scheduling, instructional delivery processes, schedule variations, student/instructor ratios, contingency plans for equipment/IT failures, etc.
Depending on the material and methods requested, MTPs should expect class sizes to be limited when using live virtual instruction. To date we have observed instructors struggling to monitor and engage the same number of students virtually as in the classroom. MTPs should review NVIC 03-14 enclosure (5) for discussion of instructor training for live delivery in the virtual environment.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, contact the Mariner Training and Assessment Division at [email protected] or by calling (304) 433-3720.
