Who is required to maintain COXN qualifications?

The requirement to maintain COXN qualifications specifically pertains to individuals who hold command positions and are responsible for the operational command of vessels. The CO(CWO)/OIC (Commanding Officer or Chief Warrant Officer/Officer in Charge) and the XO/XPO (Executive Officer or Executive Person) are integral in carrying out the responsibilities associated with these qualifications. They must possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively respond to incidents at sea, which includes managing operations during search and rescue missions, coordinating with other agencies, and ensuring the safety of personnel.

This is a specialized qualification that ensures the leadership on board is equipped to handle complex scenarios, making it essential for those in command roles. Crew members, while important for overall vessel safety and operations, do not need to maintain these specific qualifications unless they hold one of the designated command positions. Similarly, while the On Scene Coordinator and the Senior Mission Coordinator (SMC) play vital roles during operations, they are not the only individuals responsible for the integrated command framework aboard a vessel that necessitates COXN qualifications.