Purpose
The purpose of National Centers of Expertise (NCOE’s), initiated in 2007, was formally established in law with H.R. 3619, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, Section 521 which amended Title 14 USC Chapter 3 by adding paragraph 58 -
"The Commandant of the Coast Guard may establish and operate one or more centers of expertise for prevention and response missions of the Coast Guard. Each center shall--
(1) promote and facilitate education, training, and research;
(2) develop a repository of information on its missions and specialties; and
(3) perform any other missions as the Commandant may specify."
The Liquefied Gas Carrier (LGC) NCOE was established in 2009 and the scope of its expertise includes: foreign and domestic flagged vessels and barges that carry liquefied gases in bulk, commercial ships that utilize LNG as a fuel, and the safety and engineering systems associated with LNG/LPG storage facilities.
The LGC NCOE helps keep the Coast Guard light on its feet regarding liquefied gas industry changes. It aligns closely with technical & program offices, equipment manufacturers, ship owners/operators, and classification society representatives Additionally, LGC NCOE staff interact with Sector Prevention staff from the port area where the ships operate to ensure their inspectors are trained, experienced, and well-versed on appropriate examination protocols before it is needed.
Frequent involvement on liquefied gas carrier COC exams, inspections of domestic vessels utilizing LNG as fuel, and training other CG inspectors, particularly in the Gulf region, ensures the LGC NCOE staff maintains a high level of expertise on gas examination standards. Likewise, LGC NCOE staff is exposed as frequently as possible to all facets of the liquefied gas industry through third party training, technical industry organization meetings, seminars, and apprentice-like industry training.