COMDTINST 3120.20B — Command Center Operations

COMDTINST 3120.20B governs the operation, administration, and support of Command Centers at Coast Guard Sector, District, and Area commands.

Search COMDTINST 3120.20B

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 3120.20B
  • Title: COMMAND CENTER OPERATIONS
  • Date: 3/26/2025
  • Proponent: CG-741

View COMDTINST 3120.20B on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses Command Center organization, staffing, workforce development, capability management, watch procedures, training, readiness, and standardization. It requires compliance with its policies, limits conflicting local SOP guidance, and establishes watch fatigue and qualification requirements.

Applies to: As such, all Coast Guard personnel Coast Guard Areas, Districts, and Sectors that maintain a CC must use this Instruction and become familiar with its contents.

Topics covered

  • Command Center organization
  • Maritime operations
  • Watch construct
  • Watch fatigue limits
  • Workforce development
  • Watchstander qualification
  • Recertification requirements
  • Incident management

Questions and answers

Who must comply with the Command Center policies?

All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarter directorates must comply with the policies contained within. (paragraph 2)

What is an alert watch position?

Alert Watch Position. A watchstanding position physically located within the CC that must be constantly filled (24x7) with a person to monitor and/or immediately respond to information as it becomes available. (paragraph 2)

How much rest must watchstanders receive before the next watch shift?

Units must make every effort to provide watchstanders 10-hours uninterrupted rest before the next watch shift or any scheduled CC meetings. (paragraph 4)

How many watch hours are allowed in a 14-day period?

No more than 84-hours of watch for all watch positions/types, except for 24-hour On-Board watches. (paragraph 4)

Can CC watchstanders be assigned additional duty positions?

Units must not assign additional duty/watch positions to CC Supervisory Staff and CC watchstanders in addition to their required CC watch positions. (paragraph 6)

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