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MARINE SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (MST)

As an MST, your job will change with the operational tempo set by the extensive number of missions you will respond to throughout your career in the USCG. From protecting U.S. waters from aquatic nuisance species to supervising pollution and hazardous material responses, an MST plays the essential role of enforcing regulations for the safety of the marine environment and the security of the port.

As a domestic vessel examiner, an MST may conduct commercial fishing vessel examinations; inspect barges, cargo ships, passenger vessels and liquefied gas-carrying vessels for compliance with U.S. laws; and conduct investigations on marine casualties, Merchant Mariner's license infringements and pollution incidents.

As a port state control officer, an MST conducts vessel boardings to ensure compliance with applicable domestic laws and international treaties by checking structural and stability conditions; by verifying appropriate electrical, fire safety, lifesaving, mechanical and navigation systems; and by examining  living conditions for crew members on foreign-flagged vessels.

On the waterfront, an MST will conduct harbor patrols and container inspections. An MST also will assist with and conduct facility inspections to ensure facilities have the proper equipment and capabilities to meet any environmental response.

As an MST, your ability to plan makes you an invaluable asset to the setup and exercise planning of any incident command system for response to anything from local, port-security threats to natural disasters with nationwide impact.

In the maritime security role, an MST will enforce security requirements at waterfront facilities; and on domestic and foreign flag vessels. MSTs identify the actions required to respond to current and future security threats and concerns involoving the maritime transportation system.

Types of Duty:

MSTs are stationed at Sectors and Marine Safety Units that respond to oil and chemical spills. MSTs conduct security boardings and inspections of waterfront facilities.

Training Available:

You'll begin your career with 8-weeks of intensive specialized training at MST 'A' School in Yorktown, Va., which provides an introduction into the MST rating force and the foundational skills needed to investigate oil and hazardous-material pollution incidents; supervise pollution cleanup operations; perform waterfront facility and security inspections; and conduct safety and security boardings on foreign-registered vessels coming into the territorial waters of the United States.

Qualifications:

• Must be people-oriented
• Strong attention-to-detail attributes
• Highly flexible and consistent
• Training and experience in environmental sciences is helpful

Related Civilian Jobs:

• Marine Environmental Specialist
• Marine Safety Specialist
• Hazardous Materials Specialist
• Oil and Hazardous Materials Spill Responder
• Facility Supervisor
• Vessel Inspector
• OSHA Response Trainer