Marine Science Technician
Marine Science Technician (MST) is an enlisted rate in the United States Coast Guard. They are specialists in enforcing Federal Maritime Laws for Marine Safety, Marine Security, and Environmental Protection .[1]
Duties
- Commercial Vessel Inspections - Boarding and examining foreign flagged commercial ships via Port State Control Inspections to ensure compliance with international and federal regulations covering lifesaving equipment, safety, pollution control, operations, prevention of introduction of invasive species, and crew welfare.
- Waterfront Facility Safety and Security - Conduct safety and security inspections of waterfront facilities such as cargo terminals, refineries, and passenger ferry/cruise terminals, to prevent accidental and intentional disruptions in the maritime community.[2]
- Pollution Response and Prevention - Investigation and response to marine oil and chemical spills to determine responsibility and contain the spill. Manage multi-agency responses and notifications, and provide oversight during the cleanup of these spills. To prevent future spills, MSTs work with industries to create contingency plans to protect nearby sensitive wildlife areas from potential spills. [3]
- Marine Casualty Investigations - Investigate vessel incidents that result in loss of life, serious injuries, oil spills, hazmat spills, or high levels of property damage.
- Container Inspections - Shipping container examinations and searches at ports.
- Waterways Management - Management of waterway usage for events and during times of disaster
- Disaster Response - During and after disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill or a major Hurricane, MSTs are deployed to respond to environmental emergencies, ensure maritime safety, and manage waterway/port recovery.
- Explosives Handling - Oversight and management of explosives loading at shipping ports
History
Around 1962, Coast Guard enlisted members began being assigned to carry out routine oceanographic observations on ocean stations, ice breakers, and oceanographic ships. These billets were filled by Aerographers Mates (AG) and Sonarmen (SO) until in November 1968, when the decision was made to create a new rating. The new rating absorbed the AG rating and functions and SOs were given the option of converting. The rating supported the Coast Guard's Ocean Weather Station Programs, Aviation Support Programs, International Ice Patrol, and Polar Ice Operations Program, among others. The official name of Marine Science Technician was adopted in 1970.[4]
Training and qualification
The MST rate requires high ASVAB scores. Prospective MSTs must meet Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score requirements of 114 in Verbal Ability plus Arithmetic Reasoning (VE+AR), and a minimum Mathematics Knowledge (MK) score of 56. Training for the rating is accomplished through a 10.5-weeks course at USCG Training Center Yorktown, VA. Upon graduation, MSTs may go on to pursue qualifications such as Pollution Responder, Federal On-Scene Coordinator's Representative, Facility Inspector, Container Inspector, Port State Control Examiner, Port State Control Officer (with vessel type classification) and other specialized qualifications.
See also
References
http://www.uscg.mil/epm/AO/Non-Rate/Rate%20Requirements.asp
- ^ Armstrong, Lauren (August 2013). "Protecting America's Waterways". FRA Today. 92 (8): 18–26. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Coast Guard Marine Inspectors Prevent Pollution". Military.com. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
- ^ Futures: 22. 2013 http://www.todaysmilitary.com/static-main/pdf/futures-magazine-2013.pdf. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help)[permanent dead link] - ^ Armstrong, Lauren (August 2013). "Protecting America's Waterways". FRA Today. 92 (8): 18–26. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
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