COMDTINST 16000.4A governs cutter boat interface testing and evaluation for safety, compatibility, suitability, and operational effectiveness.
View COMDTINST 16000.4A on armypubs.army.mil
The publication addresses shipboard launch and recovery interfaces, including inport and underway evaluation, training, logistical, and procedural requirements. It requires IT&E for major interface changes or new interfaces and establishes convening, team, planning, and reporting duties.
Applies to: All Coast Guard (CG) unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements must comply with the provisions of this Instruction.
An IT&E is required each time there is a major change to an existing interface between a cutter boat and a ship, or the introduction of a new interface involving a cutter boat and a ship. (paragraph 1)
Interface Testing and Evaluation (IT&E) is an evaluation of the safety, compatibility and suitability of cutter boat resources embarked on ships in accordance with References (a) through (g). (paragraph 1)
The IT&E is carried out by subject matter experts in order to evaluate the interface between a ship, and launch/recovery system on board the ship, and a cutter boat, in inport and underway conditions. (paragraph 1)
Technical Warrant Holder processes, outlined in Reference (e), must be assessed prior to the interface of cutter boats with cutters, or ships of other U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. government agencies, or foreign militaries. (paragraph 4)
The Initiating Office should initiate IT&E planning as far in advance as possible, and at least 180 days prior to a required deployment.