COMDTINST 5215.6J governs the Coast Guard Directives System Program and the publication lifecycle of Commandant Instructions, ALCOASTs, and other publications.
View COMDTINST 5215.6J on armypubs.army.mil
The publication defines directive types, classification, signing authority, must-clear reviews, transfer, cancellation, validation, and lifecycle management. It requires current plain-language content, Section 508 compliance for final electronic content, and periodic directive review using CG-5215A.
Applies to: This Instruction applies to the Coast Guard Directives System and its publications only.
All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements must comply with the policies contained. (paragraph 2)
Directives must be proactively managed by Sponsors as overseen by the Directives and Publications Division (Commandant CG-612) in compliance with the Government Accountability Office Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, more commonly referred to as the “Green Book.” (paragraph 5)
CIs are issued a 10-year expiration date and must be reviewed at minimum every 5-years using Directives, Publications, and Form Validation, CG-5215A for audit documentation.
Sponsors must use the Directives, Publications, and Forms Validation, CG-5215A to document their Instruction and associated forms review at least every 5-years.
The cancelled series and version numbering may be continued. However, the Instruction must be rewritten to present standards and be approved through the regular publication process.