The document describes the duties of a Vessel Traffic Management Training Coordinator position. The coordinator develops, administers, and maintains a comprehensive training program for vessel traffic service personnel. This includes creating lesson plans, tests, and on-the-job training. The coordinator also ensures personnel are qualified and certified according to national standards. Additional responsibilities include coordinating meetings on training issues, assisting with development of a national certification course, and studying training effectiveness to improve curriculum.

1. VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TRAINING COORDINATOR
GS-2150-13
Position Number:
Introductory Statement: Serves as the direct representative of the Director, Vessel
Traffic Services, in carrying out the duties of the VTS Training Coordinator. The
incumbent has a wide range of responsibilities, primarily accountable for administration
of the unit-training program. This includes development, administration and
maintenance of a comprehensive operator and supervisor training program, with all
required lesson plans, quizzes, tests, on-the-job-training (OJT) and unit indoctrination.
The incumbent serves as the unit representative when attending national training
related meeting and workshops. The incumbent shares in the responsibility for
development, administration and maintenance of the National VTS Certification course
and associated training. The incumbent ensures all unit watch standing personnel are
trained, certified and qualified in accordance with national certification standards and
local internal operating procedures, as well as general Coast Guard knowledge. The
incumbent is also responsible for ensuring that unit personnel are afforded the
opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge through administration of local and
national training programs. The incumbent may also serve as the primary assistant to
the Director, VTS. In the absence of the Director, VTS, the incumbent may serve as
Acting Director.
Coordinates Vessel Traffic Service Personnel Training 50%
The incumbent is responsible for developing and administering the unit training
program. Work entails the development and/or use of lesson plans, tests, quizzes,
vessel traffic and/or ship’s motion simulators and on-the-job-training. The incumbent
ensures the competence of unit personnel in USCG mandated subject areas as well as
internal operating procedures, maritime operations, traffic management and technical
equipment skills. Coordinates and schedules qualification panels for individual watch
supervisor and watch operator candidates. Chairs the unit Training Board. Administers
the ship ride and facility visit program for customer outreach. Coordinates and conducts
VTS training for members of the maritime community and the general public. Manages
program sponsored professional training opportunities for unit personnel. Coordinates
meetings concerning VTS training issues with representatives of Coast Guard, other
government agencies maritime organizations and other interested parties. Chairs
conferences and meetings, representing the person-in-charge of VTS in a broad range
of public activities. Serves as technical expert on committees, working groups, advisory
councils and professional societies, for the purpose of identifying new developments in
technology for vessel traffic management and for determining subsequent VTS training
needs. Assists in the development, planning, delivery and evaluation of the National
VTS Certification course.
Studies Vessel Traffic Management Training Effectiveness; Develops Curriculum,
Training Aids and Training Plans 50%
The incumbent is responsible for planning, scheduling, measurement and administration
of national and local training objectives. Responsible to the person-in-charge of VTS for
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2. carrying out duties and responsibilities related to the training, qualification and
evaluation of watch standing personnel. Instructs trainees in the application of local,
national and international vessel traffic management principles and procedures.
Develops and administers local requalification program in accordance with local and
program directives and guidelines. Coordinates evaluation of unit effectiveness with
user groups through use of surveys, discussions while serving on panels, boards, or
research projects and by analysis of various operational reports. Determines unit long
and short range training program priorities and prepares budget estimates for local
training program. Initiates requests for procurement of required training materials and
identifies required resources for off-site training.
Other Significant Facts:
This is a drug testing designated position.
This position requires occasional travel.
The position requires that the incumbent possess and maintains a valid state driver’s
license.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Factor 1-7
Knowledge Required by the Position
Knowledge of applicable Navigation Rules and Regulations.
Knowledge of a variety of classes of ships, including general operational characteristics,
speed, maneuverability, cargo type and design features.
Knowledge of weather and environmental conditions impact on vessel operations.
Knowledge of the principles and operation of installed surveillance equipment used to
solve problems related to the interpretation and recognition of targets, landmarks,
navigational aids, and weather conditions, including an ability to identify developing
navigational safety problems and/or hazardous situations.
Knowledge of applicable international, federal and local laws, regulations, conventions,
notices, directives and publications.
Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of navigation and ship handling
to assimilate and interpret diverse information, determine appropriate remedial action
where required, and ensure proper information flow and traffic management.
Skill in the applied use of nautical charts, tide and current tables, U.S. Coast Pilots,
Fleet Guides, and U.S. Coast Guard Light Lists to collect, verify, and complement
information obtained from other sources.
Knowledge of security and classified procedures to properly conduct watch routine and
to safeguard sensitive information during actual or simulated wartime or other national
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3. emergency conditions.
Skill in the operation of radiotelephone systems, land-line circuits, computers and other
keyboard equipment in collecting, evaluating, updating, and disseminating vessel traffic
and navigation safety information.
Skill in the operation of commonly installed firefighting equipment and in the
administration of first aid and CPR in order to respond as appropriate in emergency
situations.
Ability to communicate clearly and authoritatively and project information professionally
and competently.
Knowledge of the psychology of learning and the learning process, including the nature
and conditions of learning and trainee motivation. Knowledge of the methods and
techniques of teaching, including the characteristics, uses, advantages and limitations
of lecture, developmental, demonstration and performance methods of instruction, as
well as the techniques of questioning, review and critique. Knowledge of trends in
instruction, including the nature, characteristics, advantages and limitations and uses of
programmed instruction, closed-circuit television, computer-based instruction, trainee-
response systems and team instruction.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of oral presentations including preparation,
audience analysis, and speech delivery. Knowledge of lesson research, planning and
development, including the selection and creation of performance objectives.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of measurement and evaluation.
Knowledge of common policies and procedures associated with Vessel Traffic Service
operations. Knowledge of the methods used in training VTS Operators including IALA
recommendations and guidelines, the use, advantages and disadvantages of vessel
traffic center simulation and the use of on-the-job training for VTS Operators.
Knowledge of the importance of local training conducted in the areas of geography,
procedures and shiprides.
Factor 2-4
Supervisory Controls
The supervisor establishes overall objectives and determines available resources.
Employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop deadlines, projects and work to be
completed. The employee is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment;
resolving conflicts, coordinating work with others and interpreting policy in terms of unit
objectives. Within broad delegations of authority, the incumbent also determines
approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The employee keeps the
supervisor informed of progress and potential controversial issues. Completed work is
reviewed only from the standpoint of feasibility, compatibility and effectiveness in
meeting requirements or expected results.
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4. Factor 3-4
Guidelines
Guidelines include laws, regulations, policy and accepted training /instruction standards.
The employee uses experience, professional judgment and resourcefulness in deviating
from traditional instructional methods and practices and changing established
mechanisms for evaluating performance of others when established mechanisms are
not adequate or appropriate.
Factor 4-4
Complexity
As a member of the command cadre, the work may involve planning, coordinating and
making decisions concerning complex operational issues in and out of the incumbent’s
specialty. The incumbent must remain fully aware of current trends in the VTS
operational community, while defining complex and detailed issues in the VTS training
arena. Demands of the work may require the employee to devise new methods and
criteria for approaching training problems.
Factor 5-5
Scope and Effect
The work involves planning, coordinating and evaluating of assigned projects. Major
work products include development of guidance and resource materials, instruction in
all subject areas and development and maintenance of records on accomplishment in
the areas of instruction and qualification. Additional work includes development and
maintenance of curriculum, reference material, training aids and simulation scenarios
associated with the National VTS Certification Course. Assigned projects that are
planned, developed, monitored or evaluated by the employee have a direct impact on
the conduct, direction and success of efforts critical to the achievement of major training
program objectives.
Factor 6-3
Personal Contacts
Frequent contact is made with other training coordinators, watch supervisors, operators,
marine pilots, vessel operators, officials from maritime organizations and the boating
public. Contact also made with managers, subject matter specialists and
representatives form inside and outside the Federal government.
Factor 7-3
Purpose of Contacts
Contacts are for the purpose of exchanging information, training for operations and
development and maintenance of training curricula and ensuring national and
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5. international standards are observed.
Factor 8-1.
Physical Demands
The work is primarily sedentary; however, some walking and driving is required. Travel
on commercial, private or military vessels will be required. Travel on commercial,
private or military aircraft may be required. Occasional climbing of pilot ladders is
required to embark and disembark vessels for ship-rides.
Factor 9-1.
Work Environment
The work is usually performed in an operations center, meeting rooms, offices, maritime
training facilities or similar settings. Occasional travel is required.
The incumbent may occasionally be required to be out of doors in inclement weather.
Some personal protective clothing is provided.
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6. international standards are observed.
Factor 8-1.
Physical Demands
The work is primarily sedentary; however, some walking and driving is required. Travel
on commercial, private or military vessels will be required. Travel on commercial,
private or military aircraft may be required. Occasional climbing of pilot ladders is
required to embark and disembark vessels for ship-rides.
Factor 9-1.
Work Environment
The work is usually performed in an operations center, meeting rooms, offices, maritime
training facilities or similar settings. Occasional travel is required.
The incumbent may occasionally be required to be out of doors in inclement weather.
Some personal protective clothing is provided.
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