This subpart prescribes the general requirements applicable to offerors of all approved courses and training programs which may be accepted instead of sea service, examination required by the Coast Guard, or STCW assessments, or which satisfy course completion requirements.

(a) Categories. The Coast Guard may approve courses designed to substitute for or fulfill any or all of the following:

(1) A portion of sea service requirement.

(2) Examinations required by the Coast Guard.

(3) Professional competency requirements.

(4) Regulatory requirements.

(b) Request for approval. Organizations desiring course approval by the Coast Guard must submit a written request and a complete curriculum package to the National Maritime Center, either by mail or electronically. The curriculum package must be provided in a format specified by the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing and include the following:

(1) A cover letter. The cover letter must contain—

(i) The name of the organization providing the instruction and the course name;

(ii) The locations where the course will be held;

(iii) A general description and overview of the course;

(iv) The category of acceptance being sought, as listed in paragraph (a) of this section; and

(v) Reference to regulatory requirements met by the training.

(2) Part A: Course framework. The course framework must contain—

(i) The following specific course intentions:

(A) Course scope.

(B) Course objective;

(ii) The following conditions relative to students:

(A) Student entry standards.

(B) Class-size limitations.

(C) Student/teacher ratio;

(iii) Documentary evidence that each instructor and/or assessor—

(A) Has either experience, training, or evidence of instruction in effective instructional techniques and/or effective assessment techniques;

(B) Is qualified in the task for which the training is being conducted and have relevant experience; and

(C) Has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the performance objective;

(iv) Site information, which must include—

(A) A description of the facility, measurements of the instructional space, pictures showing multiple views of the space, and a description of the instruction or assessment being performed; and

(B) A request, if applicable, to teach at an alternative site. This requires contact with the local Regional Exam Center and approval by the National Maritime Center; and

(v) A description of the following materials used for development, instruction, and performance measurement:

(A) Equipment.

(B) Teaching aids.

(C) Textbooks and presentations.

(D) Reference bibliography.

(3) Part B: Course outline. The course outline must contain—

(i) Course subjects/topics; and

(ii) Course schedule, including the duration and order of lessons, and an indication as to whether each lesson is—

(A) A classroom lecture;

(B) A practical demonstration;

(C) A simulator exercise;

(D) An examination; or

(E) Another method of instructional reinforcement.

(4) Part C: Detailed teaching syllabus. The detailed teaching syllabus must be written in a learning objective format in which the objectives describe what the student must do to demonstrate that the specific knowledge has been transferred. The detailed teaching syllabus must contain—

(i) The learning objectives as related to the subjects/topics;

(ii) The specific references from which the instruction was developed; and

(iii) Reference to the specific teaching aids, textbooks, or technical materials used for instruction and performance measurement.

(5) Part D-1: Lesson plans. The lesson plans must contain the following specific instructional contents of the individual course lessons:

(i) The main element learning objective.

(ii) Student assignments.

(iii) Training outcomes, which are statements that identify the specific knowledge, skill, or ability that students must gain and display as a result of the training or instructional activity. A training outcome is made up of three elements: expected student performance, condition, and criterion.

(6) Part D-2: Instructor notes. The instructor notes must contain—

(i) The specific instructional methodologies utilized in the particular lesson; and

(ii) The instructional materials, including instructional directions containing the following:

(A) Pre-instructional activities.

(B) Content presentation.

(C) Student participation.

(D) Assessment process.

(E) Other instructional activities, such as homework and reading assignments.

(7) Part E: Evaluations. The evaluations section must contain—

(i) Any methodology that is used to measure a student's knowledge, performance, or level of achievement, including—

(A) Homework;

(B) Quizzes;

(C) Exams;

(D) Laboratory projects;

(E) Competency assessments;

(F) Remediation; and

(G) Testing strategies;

(ii) Assessment instruments, which are any tools used to determine whether the student has achieved the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency; and

(iii) Any methodology that is used to measure the effectiveness of the training or instructor, including—

(A) Instructor evaluations;

(B) Course evaluations/surveys; and

(C) Other feedback.

(8) Course completion certificate. A sample course completion certificate that allows for the following information to be entered:

(i) Course provider number.

(ii) Course number.

(iii) Terms of approval.

(c) Approval notification. The Coast Guard will notify each applicant for course approval when an approval is granted or denied. If the Coast Guard denies a request for approval, the Coast Guard will inform the applicant of the reasons for the denial and describe the corrections required for granting an approval.

(d) Validity of course approval. Unless surrendered, suspended, or withdrawn, an approval for a course is valid for up to a maximum of 5 years after issuance, unless—

(1) The school ceases operation;

(2) The school gives notice that it will no longer offer the course;

(3) The owner or operator fails to submit any required information; or

(4) Any change occurs in the ownership of the school to which the approval was issued.

(e) Significant changes to the course approval. (1) Any significant changes to the course approval or the content of the course will be handled as a request for renewal of an approval (as specified in paragraph (f) of this section), or as a request for an original approval (as specified in paragraph (b) of this section), depending on the nature and scope of the change.

(2) The Coast Guard may not accept course completion certificates if the course does not follow the conditions of the course approval.

(f) Renewal of course approval. (1) If the owner or operator of a training school desires to have a course's approval renewed, the owner or operator must submit a request to the NMC accompanied by the information from paragraph b of this section.

(2) If satisfied that the content and quality of instruction remain satisfactory, the Coast Guard will approve the request.

(3) The renewed approval is valid as detailed in paragraph (d) of this section.

(g) Suspension of approval. (1) The Coast Guard may suspend the approval, require the holder to surrender the certificate of approval, and may direct the holder to cease claiming the course is Coast Guard-approved, if it determines that a specific course does not comply with the—

(i) Applicable provisions of 46 CFR parts 10, 11, 12, or 13;

(ii) Requirements specified in the course's approval; or

(iii) Course's curriculum package as submitted for approval.

(2) The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder in writing of the intent to suspend course approval and the reasons for suspension. If the approval holder fails to correct the conditions leading to suspension, the course will be suspended. The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder that the specific course fails to meet applicable requirements and explain how the deficiencies can be corrected.

(3) The Coast Guard may grant the approval holder up to 90 days to correct the deficiency.

(4) Course completion certificates will not be accepted for training provided during a period of suspension or expiration.

(h) Withdrawal of approval. The Coast Guard may withdraw approval for any course—

(1) When the approval holder fails to correct the deficiency of a suspended course within 90 days; or

(2) Upon determining that the approval holder has demonstrated a pattern or history of any of the following:

(i) Failing to comply with the applicable regulations or the course approval requirements.

(ii) Deviating from approved course curricula.

(iii) Presenting courses in a manner that does not achieve the learning objectives.

(iv) Falsifying any document required and integral to the conduct of the course, including, but not limited to, attendance records, written test grades, course completion grades, or assessment of practical demonstrations.

(i) Appeals of suspension or withdrawal of approval. Anyone directly affected by a decision to suspend or withdraw an approval may appeal the decision to the Commandant as provided in § 1.03-40 of this chapter.

(a) Each school with an approved course must—

(1) Have a well-maintained facility that accommodates the students in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to learning;

(2) Have the necessary equipment, including simulators where appropriate, sufficient for the number of students to be accommodated, and support the objectives of the course;

(3) Administer training entirely in the English language unless specifically approved to be presented in another language;

(4) Administer written examinations to each student appropriate for the course material and the knowledge requirements of the position or endorsement for which the student is being trained. For a course approved to substitute for a Coast Guard-administered examination, the courses must be of such a degree of difficulty that a student who successfully completes them would most likely pass, on the first attempt, an examination prepared by the Coast Guard;

(5) Require each student to successfully demonstrate practical skills appropriate for the course material and equal to the level of endorsement for which the course is approved;

(6) Effective March 24, 2014, keep physical or electronic copies of the following records for at least 5 years after the end of each student's completion or disenrollment from a course or program:

(i) A copy of each student's examination scores.

(ii) A copy of each examination or, in the case of a practical test, a report of such test.

(iii) A record of each student's classroom attendance.

(iv) A copy of each student's course completion certificate or program completion certificate, as appropriate.

(v) A summary of changes or modification to the last course submittal.

(vi) A list of all locations at which the training course was presented and the number of times it was presented at each location.

(vii) The name(s) of the instructor(s) who taught the course, which does not include lab assistants or other non-teaching assistants.

(viii) The number of students who began the training.

(ix) The number of students who successfully completed the training.

(x) The number of students who were required to retest.

(xi) The number of students who were required to retake the entire course.

(xii) The number of students who were required to retake a portion of the course;

(7) Not significantly change its approved curriculum without approval from the NMC as specified in § 10.402(e) of this subpart;

(8) Conduct an internal audit midway through the term of the course's approval and maintain the results of the audit for a period of not less than 5 years. The audit will evaluate whether—

(i) Records are being maintained according to these regulations;

(ii) The course is being presented in accordance with the approval letter; and

(iii) Surveys from students indicate that the course is meeting their needs; and

(9) At any time, allow the Coast Guard to—

(i) Inspect its facilities, equipment, and records, including scholastic records;

(ii) Conduct interviews and surveys of students to aid in course evaluation and improvement;

(iii) Assign personnel to observe or participate in the course of instruction; and

(iv) Supervise or administer the required examinations or practical demonstrations, including the substitution of an applicable Coast Guard examination in a course approved to substitute for a Coast Guard administered examination.

(b) [Reserved]

(a) Substitution of training for required service. (1) Satisfactory completion of an approved training course may be substituted for a portion of the required service on deck or in the engine department for national deck or engineer endorsements. Satisfactory completion of an approved training program which includes sea service may be substituted for a portion of or all of the required service on deck or in the engine department, except as limited by law for ratings. The list of all currently approved courses and programs, including the equivalent service and applicable endorsements, is maintained by the NMC.

(2) Unless otherwise allowed, recency requirements may not be achieved by service granted as a result of successful completion of approved training or by training on a simulator; however, underway service obtained as a portion of an approved course or program may be used for this purpose.

(3) Unless otherwise allowed, training obtained before receiving an endorsement may not be used for service credit for subsequent raises of grade, increases in scope, or renewals.

(4) This provision for crediting service for training is not applicable to STCW endorsements unless provided otherwise.

(b) Use of training-record books (TRBs). (1) Approved training programs for STCW endorsements for OICNW and OICEW must maintain a TRB for each student where training and/or assessments of competence are conducted onboard the ship. The TRB must contain at least the following information:

(i) The name of the applicant.

(ii) The tasks to be performed or the skills to be demonstrated, with reference to the standards of competence set forth in the tables of the appropriate sections in part A of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).

(iii) The method for demonstrating competence to be used in determining that the tasks or skills have been performed properly, with reference to the standards of competence set forth in the tables of competence in the appropriate sections in part A of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).

(iv) A place for a qualified instructor to indicate by his or her initials that the applicant has received training in the proper performance of the task or skill.

(v) A place for a qualified assessor (QA) to indicate by his or her initials that the applicant has successfully completed a practical demonstration and has proved competent in the task or skill under the criteria, when assessment of competence is to be documented in the record books.

(vi) The printed name of each qualified instructor, including any MMC endorsements held, and the instructor's signature.

(vii) The printed name of each qualified assessor, when any assessment of competence is recorded, including any MMC endorsement, license, or document held by the assessor, and the assessor's signature confirming that his or her initials certify that he or she has witnessed the practical demonstration of a particular task or skill by the applicant.

(2) The TRB referred to in paragraph (b) of this section may be maintained electronically, provided the electronic record meets Coast Guard-accepted standards for accuracy, integrity, and availability.

(3) The Coast Guard may accept other forms of documentation as meeting the requirements to maintain the training-record book.

(c) Use of towing officer assessment records (TOARs). Each applicant for an endorsement as master or mate (pilot) of towing vessels, and each master or mate of self-propelled vessels of 200 GRT or more, seeking an endorsement for towing vessels, must complete a TOAR approved by the Coast Guard that contains at least the following:

(1) Identification of the applicant, including his or her full name, and reference number.

(2) Objectives of the training and assessment.

(3) Tasks to perform or skills to demonstrate.

(4) Criteria to use in determining that the tasks or skills have been performed properly.

(5) A means for a designated examiner (DE) to attest that the applicant has successfully completed a practical demonstration and has proved proficient in the task or skill under the criteria.

(6) Identification of each DE by his or her full name and reference number, job title, ship name and official number, and serial number of the MMC, license, or document held, and printed name and signature confirming that his or her initials certify that he or she has witnessed the practical demonstration of a particular task or skill by the applicant.

(a) To become a QA, an applicant must have documentary evidence to establish—

(1) Experience, training, or instruction in assessment techniques;

(2) Qualifications in the task for which the assessment is being conducted; and

(3) Possession of the level of endorsement, or other professional credential, which provides proof that he or she has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities to be assessed.

(b) To become a DE for towing officer assessment records (TOARs), an applicant must have documentary evidence to establish—

(1) Experience, training, or instruction in assessment techniques on towing vessels;

(2) Qualifications on towing vessels in the task for which the assessment is being conducted; and

(3) Possession of the level of endorsement on towing vessels, or other professional credential, which provides proof that he or she has attained a level of qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the training objectives.

(c) Documentary evidence may be in the form of performance evaluations, which include an evaluation of effectiveness in on-the-job organization and delivery of training, or a certificate of successful completion from an “assessor training” course.

(d) In order to renew his or her qualifications, each QA and DE must have either experience, training, or evidence of instruction in effective assessment within the past 5 years.

The NMC maintains the list of training organizations and the approvals given to the training they offer. This information is available online at www.uscg.mil/nmc.

(a) Training programs approved to qualify a mariner to hold an STCW or national endorsement must meet the standards in this section or the requirements in § 10.402 of this subpart. All such programs must also meet the same standards as those found in § 10.403 of this subpart. The Coast Guard will accept information submitted by training providers to state, regional, and/or national accrediting bodies as evidence such providers satisfy one or more of the requirements of this section.

(b) Categories. The Coast Guard may approve programs designed to substitute for or fulfill any or all of the following:

(1) A portion of sea service requirements.

(2) Examinations required by the Coast Guard.

(3) Professional competency requirements.

(4) Regulatory requirements.

(c) Request for approval. Organizations desiring program approval by the Coast Guard must submit a written request and a complete curriculum package to the National Maritime Center (NMC), either by mail or electronically. The curriculum package must include the following information:

(1) A cover letter. The cover letter must contain—

(i) The name of the organization providing the instruction;

(ii) The location(s) where it will be held;

(iii) A general description and overview of the program, including the individual courses that are part of the program;

(iv) The category of acceptance being sought as listed in paragraph (b) of this section; and

(v) Reference to regulatory requirements met by the training.

(2) A goal statement(s). The goal statement should describe—

(i) The specific performance behaviors to be measured;

(ii) The conditions under which the performance behavior(s) will be exhibited; and

(iii) The level of performance behavior(s) that is to be achieved.

(3) Performance objectives. Performance objectives are statements, which identify the specific knowledge, skill, or ability the student should gain and display as a result of the training or instructional activity. A performance objective is made up of three elements: Expected student performance, condition, and criterion.

(4) Assessment instruments. Assessment instruments are any tools used to determine whether the student has achieved the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency.

(5) Instructor information. Documentary evidence that each instructor and assessor—

(i) Has either experience, training, or evidence of instruction in effective instructional techniques and/or in effective assessment techniques;

(ii) Is qualified in the task for which the training is being conducted and have relevant experience; and

(iii) Has attained a level of experience and qualification equal or superior to the relevant level of knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the performance objective.

(6) Site information. Site information must include a description of the facility or facilities at which the training will be held. Authority to teach at an alternative site requires approval by the NMC.

(7) A teaching syllabus. A detailed teaching syllabus providing the following information:

(i) Instructional strategy. Aspects of instructional strategies should include—

(A) The order of presentation;

(B) The level of interaction, including the student-to-teacher ratio;

(C) Feedback;

(D) Remediation;

(E) Testing strategies; and

(F) Media used to present information.

(ii) Instructional materials, including lesson plans containing—

(A) Pre-instructional activities;

(B) Content presentation;

(C) Student participation;

(D) Assessment processes; and

(E) Other instructional activities, such as homework and reading assignments.

(iii) Course surveys on the relevance and effectiveness of the training completed by students.

(iv) Course schedule, including the duration and order of lessons, and an indication as to whether each lesson is—

(A) A classroom lecture;

(B) A practical demonstration;

(C) A simulator exercise;

(D) An examination; or

(E) Another method of instructional reinforcement.

(8) Program completion certificate. A sample program completion certificate.

(d) Approval notification. The Coast Guard will notify each applicant for program approval when an approval is granted or denied. If the Coast Guard denies a request for approval, the Coast Guard will inform the applicant of the reasons for the denial and describe the corrections required for granting an approval.

(e) Validity of program approval. Unless surrendered, suspended, or withdrawn, an approval for a program is valid for up to a maximum of 5 years after issuance, unless—

(1) The school ceases operation;

(2) The school gives notice that it will no longer offer the program;

(3) The owner or operator fails to submit any required report; or

(4) Any change occurs in the ownership of the school to which the approval was issued.

(f) Significant changes to the course program approval. (1) Any significant changes to the program approval or the content of the program will be handled as a request for renewal of an approval (as specified in paragraph (f) of this section), or as a request for an original approval (as specified in paragraph (b) of this section), depending on the nature and scope of the change.

(2) The Coast Guard may not accept program completion certificates if the program does not follow the conditions of its approval.

(g) Renewal of program approval. (1) If the owner or operator of a training school desires to have a program's approval renewed, the owner or operator must submit a request to the NMC accompanied by the information from paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(5), (c)(6), and (c)(7) of this section.

(2) If satisfied that the content and quality of instruction remain satisfactory, the Coast Guard will approve the request.

(3) The renewed approval is valid as detailed in paragraph (d) of this section.

(h) Suspension of approval. (1) The Coast Guard may suspend the approval, require the holder to surrender the certificate of approval, and may direct the holder to cease claiming the program is Coast Guard-approved, if it determines that a specific program does not comply with the—

(i) Applicable provisions of 46 CFR parts 10, 11, 12, or 13;

(ii) Requirements specified in the program's approval; or

(iii) Program's curriculum package as submitted for approval.

(2) The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder in writing of the intent to suspend program approval and the reasons for suspension. If the approval holder fails to correct the reasons for suspension, the program will be suspended. The Coast Guard will notify the approval holder that the specific program fails to meet applicable requirements and explain how the deficiency can be corrected.

(3) The Coast Guard may grant the approval holder up to 90 days to correct the deficiency.

(4) Program completion certificates will not be accepted for training provided during a period of suspension or expiration.

(i) Withdrawal of approval. The Coast Guard may withdraw approval for any program—

(1) When the approval holder fails to correct the deficiency of a suspended program within 90 days; or

(2) Upon determining that the approval holder has demonstrated a pattern or history of any of the following:

(i) Failing to comply with the applicable regulations or the program approval requirements.

(ii) Deviating from approved program curricula.

(iii) Presenting instructional material in a manner that does not achieve the learning objectives.

(iv) Falsifying any document required and integral to the conduct of the program, including, but not limited to, attendance records, written test grades, course completion grades, or assessment of practical demonstrations.

(j) Appeals of suspension or withdrawal of approval. Anyone directly affected by a decision to suspend or withdraw an approval may appeal the decision to the Commandant as provided in § 1.03-40 of this chapter.

(a) When the training and assessment of competence required by this part are not subject to Coast Guard approval under §§ 10.402 and 10.407 of this subpart, but are used to qualify a mariner to hold an endorsement, the offeror of the course or program must ensure that such training and assessment meets the same standards as those found in §§ 10.402 and 10.403 of this subpart.

(b) The Coast Guard will accept courses approved and monitored by a Coast Guard-accepted Quality Standard System (QSS) organization. The Coast Guard maintains a list of training organizations conducting accepted training that are independently monitored by a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization. The Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must comply with the following requirements:

(1) Submit a certificate of acceptance of training to the Coast Guard.

(2) Submit an updated certificate of acceptance to the Coast Guard if the terms of acceptance have been changed.

(3) Sign each certificate to the training organization owner or operator, or its authorized representative(s), stating that the training fully complies with the requirements of this section, and identifying the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization being used for independent monitoring.

(c) The training must be audited periodically in accordance with the requirements of § 10.409(e)(7) of this subpart. If the Coast Guard determines, on the basis of its own observations or conclusions or those of the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization, that the particular training does not satisfy one or more of the conditions described in paragraph (a) of this section—

(1) The Coast Guard or Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization will so notify the offeror of the training by letter, enclosing a report of the observations and conclusions;

(2) The offeror may, within a period of time specified in the notice, either appeal the observations or conclusions to the Commandant (CG-MMC) or bring the training into compliance; and

(3) If the appeal is denied—or if the deficiency is not corrected in the allotted time, or within any additional time period judged by the Coast Guard to be appropriate, considering progress toward compliance—the Coast Guard will remove the training from the list maintained under paragraph (b) of this section until it can verify full compliance. The Coast Guard may deny applications for endorsements based, in whole or in part, on training not on the list, until additional training or assessment is documented.

(a) Organizations wishing to serve as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization, to accept and monitor training on behalf of the Coast Guard, should apply to the National Maritime Center. An organization submitting an application may not act as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization until it has received its letter of acceptance.

(b) Validity of acceptance. Organizations meeting the requirements in paragraph (e) of this section will be issued a letter of acceptance valid for a maximum period of 5 years from the date of issuance.

(c) An organization wishing to become a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must have processes for reviewing, accepting, and monitoring training that are equal to the Coast Guard's course approval and oversight processes in §§ 10.402 through 10.410 of this subpart.

(d) Each person conducting evaluation and monitoring of the training must be knowledgeable about the subjects being evaluated or monitored and about the national and international requirements that apply to the training, and must not be involved in the training and assessment of students.

(e) The documentation submitted to the Coast Guard must contain the information listed below. An organization approved as a recognized classification society in accordance with 46 CFR part 8, subpart B, need not present evidence of compliance with paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(8) of this section.

(1) Identification of the organization: Name of the organization, address, contact information, and organizational structure (including the QSS department).

(2) Scope of approval: Training and assessment the organization wishes to accept and monitor.

(3) Background of the organization: Historical information outlining the organization's experience reviewing and accepting training and/or assessment activities.

(4) Staffing and support infrastructure, including—

(i) Names and qualifications of the individuals who will be involved in the review, acceptance, and monitoring of training and assessment;

(ii) Description of the training given to individuals who will be conducting review, acceptance, and monitoring activities; and

(iii) Technical and support resources within the organization that support the review, acceptance and monitoring activities.

(5) Submission guidelines: Information for client organizations to submit courses for review and acceptance, including criteria for course design, instructor/assessor qualifications, syllabi, equipment, and facilities.

(6) Review and acceptance procedures. (i) Descriptions of the methods of evaluation of the physical, administrative, and infrastructure support aspects of client organizations;

(ii) Descriptions of the methods of evaluation of the instructors or qualified assessors of a client organization and the maintenance of their records;

(iii) Descriptions of format for accepting training material;

(iv) Descriptions of the methods by which the course acceptance process responds to the client organization modifications to the training curriculum, changes to instructors or examiners, changes to the infrastructure support; and

(v) Descriptions of the renewal procedures.

(7) Audit procedures: Description of the methods for auditing accepted courses. Client organizations must be audited once in a 5-year period.

(8) Quality commitment: Provide evidence of having a quality management system that includes the following elements:

(i) A documented statement of a quality policy and quality objectives.

(ii) A quality manual.

(iii) Documented procedures and records.

(iv) Documents, including records, determined by the organization to be necessary to ensure the effective planning, operation, and control of its processes.

(f) Coast Guard-accepted QSS organizations must notify the NMC of the training they have accepted within 14 days of the acceptance date. The notification must include the name and address of the institution, the course title and the requirement the course meets, and a one-paragraph description of the course's content.

(g) Audits. (1) A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must conduct internal audits at least once in 5 years with a minimum of 2 years between reviews. Results of the internal audits must be available upon request to the Coast Guard within 60 days of completion.

(2) Each Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization may be audited by the Coast Guard at least once every 5 years. The results of the audit will be available to the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization within 60 days of completion of the audit.

(3) Results of Coast Guard-accepted QSS organizations' audits to client organizations must be available upon request to the Coast Guard within 60 days of completion.

(h) Disenrollment. (1) A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization must give each client organization it serves a 180-day notice of its intention to cease to function as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization.

(2) If the Coast Guard determines that a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization is not meeting its obligations to review, accept, and monitor training and assessment, the NMC will notify the organization in writing and will enclose information about the events that led to this determination. The organization will then have a specified period of time to correct the deficiency or appeal the conclusions to the Commandant (CG-5P). If the organization appeals, and the appeal is denied, or the deficiencies are not corrected within the allotted time, the NMC will withdraw the acceptance of the Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization. The NMC will notify all client organizations affected by this decision so that they may make arrangements to transfer to another Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization or seek NMC approval for their training.

(i) A Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization may not approve courses provided by subsidiary organizations.

(a) Providers of Coast Guard-approved courses, programs, training, and Coast Guard-accepted training creditable towards an STCW endorsement must establish and maintain a Quality Standard System (QSS), in accordance with Regulation I/8 of the STCW Convention (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).

(b) The QSS must be monitored by the Coast Guard or monitored through a third party that is designated as a Coast Guard-accepted QSS organization.

(c) The Coast Guard-monitored QSS must—

(1) Have a documented quality policy and quality objectives that align with the commitment by the training institution to achieve its missions and goals;

(2) Maintain a manual that documents the objectives, authorities, and responsibilities that are essential controls for the implementation of the QSS, including—

(i) The core procedures required to meet the missions and goals of the institution;

(ii) The documents necessary for effective design, planning, operation, and control for the delivery of courses meeting the regulatory requirements;

(iii) The filing and archiving of records so they are retrievable and legible;

(iv) Action taken to stop recurrence of system, process, and product nonconformity; and

(v) Auditing, reviewing, and improving the performance of the training management system.

(d) Documentation from a nationally recognized academic accreditation body may be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting one or more of the requirements listed in paragraph (c) of this section. The documentation must be readily available for inspection upon request.

(e) The Coast Guard will accept documentation from a training institution certified under a national or international Quality Management System Standard as meeting one or more of the requirements listed in paragraph (c) of this section. The documentation must be readily available for inspection upon request.

(f) The Coast Guard will accept company ISM documentation as meeting one or more of the requirements listed in paragraph (c) of this section.

(g) Organizations are subject to audits at least twice in a 5-year period. Organizations must cooperate with Coast Guard audits.

Simulators used in assessment of competence must meet the appropriate performance standards set out in Section A-I/12 of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part). However, a simulator installed or brought into use before February 1, 2002, need not meet those standards if it fulfills the objectives of the assessment of competence or demonstration of proficiency.

The Coast Guard may allow the training of mariners by means of distance learning and e-learning in accordance with the standards of training and assessment set forth in section B-I/6 (Training and assessment) of the STCW Code (incorporated by reference, see § 10.103 of this part).