AUGUST 2, 2018, Pensacola, FL – Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) continues to offer maritime credentialing opportunities that, coupled with shipboard qualifications, may better prepare Sailors for the safe navigation and operation of afloat vessels while in the Navy, as well as post-service maritime employment.
Becoming credentialed permits individuals to sail in one of two merchant fleets, nationally credentialed and internationally endorsed. National credentials can be used for positions including passenger for hire vessels, charter boats, offshore supply vessels, tow boats and domestic operations. The international endorsements are referenced as meeting the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
These maritime credentials can be used to help bridge any training gaps to help better prepare Sailors to provide maritime dominance for the nation.
“Sailors working toward maritime credentials while in the Navy positively impacts fleet readiness through increased awareness of and training toward national and international maritime standards,” said Jim Johnson, the Navy’s voluntary education service chief. “Additionally, these credentials can lead to valuable post-service job opportunities for Sailors.”
If you are interested in attaining maritime credentials while in the Navy, or pursuing a career as a civilian mariner when you separate from the military, you must attain credentials from the U.S. Coast Guard through the National Maritime Center (NMC). The NMC performs the statutory mission of credentialing qualified U.S. mariners who are compliant with domestic or international standards.
The authoritative requirements are on NMC’s website which includes sea-time responsibilities and general requirements. Similar to the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), you complete requirements by the very nature of your military tasking. However, waiting until you are ready to transition could significantly limit your level of credential.
“These opportunities are a big win for the readiness of our fleet, our Sailors and for Sailor 2025,” said COOL’s director Keith Boring. “Safe ship handling and navigation in our Navy are paramount and offering credentials that support these basic tenets ensures safe and effective operations at sea.”
For more detailed information about mariner careers, U.S. Coast Guard credentialing requirements, how to apply for U.S. Coast Guard credentials, and how to use Navy COOL for funding, review the Blueprint to Mariner document found here: https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/pubs/blueprint2mariner.pdf.
Navy COOL provides information about licenses and certifications applicable to all Navy occupations, offering resources and funding to help Sailors gain appropriate civilian desired, and in many cases required, credentials. COOL also provides other key resources such as Advancement Bibliographies (BIBs) and Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDRs).
For more information about Navy COOL, visit http://www.cool.navy.mil/ or call (850) 452-6683.
An additional program, the USMAP works closely with the Department of Labor to provide nationally-recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level certificates of completion for members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
For more information about the USMAP or to register for an apprenticeship, visit http://usmap.netc.navy.mil/usmapss/static/index.htm or call 1-877-838-1659 Option 4.
Navy COOL is located with the Center for Information Warfare Training, which delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
For more news from the Center for Information Warfare Training organization, visit www.navy.mil/local/cid/, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ciwt, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT
Story by Glenn Sircy
Center for Information Warfare Training