Protection Strategies Incorporated (PSI) provided personnel security screening, evaluating and processing services to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) at the National Maritime Center located in Arlington , Virginia. PSI conducted safety and security investigations and evaluations of applications for Merchant Mariner Documents (MMD) received at the National Maritime Center from the various Regional Examination Centers throughout the United States. PSI provided these services since the inception of the effort to centralize the MMD process in 2003.
PSI provided Project Management and Senior Personnel Security Specialists to the USCG whom possess the ability to perform the screening and evaluating process based on their extensive experience and exceptional knowledge of the applicable sections of 46 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1-40, and USCG standard policies and procedures necessary to perform the task of recommending or denying a Merchant Mariner for credentials. Performing the screening and evaluating process for the USCG National Maritime Center consists of conducting non-criminal security analysis and evaluation of applicants seeking renewals and original Merchant Mariner’s Documents (MMD’s). Procedures were implemented through the use of a number of public and private access databases, within employment and licensing legal parameters, to ensure that persons obtaining such credentials pose no national security or marine safety threat. Evaluations included making critical decisions on the suitability of an applicant to serve in the Merchant Marines. PSI utilized Mariners Application Review and Tracking System (MARTS) to document evaluations and processed results for disposition of MMD applications, wrote detailed and succinct summaries of derogatory information, and prepared final recommendations of approval or denial for the USCG.
Based on PSI’s success implementing and managing the MMD program, PSI was selected by the USCG to expedite 13,000 “dry-dock” cases. These cases were identified when Mariners who had previously held a Merchant Mariner Documents were reviewed by USCG investigators, and found to require additional investigation. Any discrepancies or irregularities identified by the USCG investigators were noted in the case and the case was designated as a “dry-dock” case. Dry-dock cases received additional attention from PSI staff who investigated the discrepancies or irregularities identified by the USCG investigators. Documentation and evaluation of their impact on the Mariner’s suitability to continue holding a Merchant Mariner Document became an integral part of the case. Deficiencies and/or derogatory information found during the initial screening and evaluation process were documented appropriately and were also integral to the final recommendation presented to the USCG. PSI Evaluators had an established record of providing thorough and accurate investigations, evaluations and recommendations concerning the suitability of each Mariner to continue to hold a Merchant Mariner Document.
Additionally, PSI maintained custody of documents containing sensitive and confidential information, and ensured that all documents were secured and or destroyed in accordance with the established Department of Homeland Security and United States Coast Guard regulations. All PSI personnel assigned to the USCG Personnel Security contract were required to maintain a DOD “Secret” Security Clearance.
