COMDTINST 3500.3

Abstract

The application of ORM basic concepts is not limited to unit or mission operations as the Coast Guard usually defines them. All Coast Guard missions and daily activities, both on- and off-duty, require decisions managing risk. In ORM "operational" refers not solely to a rated person or operator, but includes any military or civilian Team Coast Guard member who contributes to the overall goal of increasing unit effectiveness. All organizational levels contribute either directly or indirectly to operational mission successes. From an Integrated Support Command or Naval Engineering Support Unit technician swapping out a 41-foot utility boat's engine, to an electronics technician maintaining a group high-site antenna, to an acquisition officer purchasing new equipment or services, to a marine safety officer selecting and deploying pollution response resources, to an area staff planning a major operation or exercise, to a motor lifeboat coxswain working a challenging SAR case, every command level and every person is responsible for identifying potential risks and adjusting or compensating accordingly. Therefore, ORM's target audience includes all those involved in operations, maintenance, and support activities. While risk assessment and risk management concepts generally apply to all Coast Guard activities and decision-making, some areas require additional tools and techniques. Regulatory and/or rule-making requirements need a more quantitative, indepth analysis than the techniques presented here. The Coast Guard Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Program has made significant progresregard through the development of specific Risk-based Decision-MaHowever, this Instruction's procedures do apply to the marine safetyprotection community in managing Coast Guard members' safety and related issues asupplement rather than supplant the Marine Safety decision-making guidelines. <br><u>PURPOSE</u>. This Instruction standardizes the Coast Guard's Operational Risk Management (ORM) policy and outlines procedures and responsibilities to implement it.