The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for protecting U.S. waters. As a result, their databases and systems have a high level of security. Therefore, USCG personnel requires authorization through direct access to USCG information technology systems and databases. This limits access to the system to authorized personnel and shortens the authorization procedure.
This article will discuss how coast guard direct access can be used to gain entry into the USCG personnel systems and associated access forms. Also, it looks into the functions of the three direct access forms – Form CG-7421B, Form CG-7421D, and Form CG-7421G.
The reader will then be guided on what information is included in Form CG-7421B:
Coast Guard Direct Access
What is it? The U.S. Coast Guard, Direct Access program provides a means for individuals to access the USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) information and technology systems. The USCG offers access to its information and technology systems to eligible federal employees who require access to them. Direct access is also available to other categories of employees who do not require access as a condition of employment but still must abide by USCG policies, for example, federal employees.
Direct access has three forms: Form CG-7421B, Form CG-7421D, and Form CG-7421G, and they can be accessed as discussed below:
Form CG-7421B
This is the primary form, and its purpose is user role designation. The form collects information from the person requesting access to the USCG Direct Access. This information is used to verify their credentials and clearance level. Depending on the level of clearance, users can perform different roles and responsibilities within the system, such as command, administration, training, etc. Often, access will be given based on a need-to-know basis.
So, within each role, users are granted different levels of access, for example, admin, view-only, etc. The last updated version was issued on August 1, 2017. Previous versions are invalid. Users shouldn’t access direct access beyond the scope of the authorization granted by this form.
Form CG-7421D
The Form CG-7421D, Image Now User Role Designation, was released on March 1, 2016. It is meant for nationwide use. However, the United States Coast Guard didn’t provide specific filing guidelines for the form.
Form CG-7421G
Form CG-7421G is completed by all Canadian and permanent residents aged 18 years and above who want to buy firearms. The document is used for both new and used firearms. Also, the document is used to report payments received by Canadian Forces whenever Canada conducts business with other countries or international organizations.
Information to Include in Form CG-7421B
The form collects specific information that validates the requestor’s credentials. This information also helps track who gained entry to the direct access system. Below are the different clauses found in Form CG-7421B:
1. Requestor’s information
The first section of the form provides the identification and contact information of the person requesting access to the USCG Direct Access system.
This includes:
- Name: The name of the person. It should be the requestor’s official and legal name. This should include the first, last name, and middle name.
- Rank: The rank must also be specified. This can be a civilian, contractor, or any other. The ranks have been listed in the drop-down menu in the “rank” box; select appropriately.
- Employee ID: The employment identification number should be indicated in the form.
- Department ID and Unit name: USCG personnel will have respective departments and units. This information should be declared in the form.
- Contact information: This clause covers the requestor’s official address (area code), phone number, and email address.
2. Role designation
The role designation section provides a list of roles that must be declared. First, the roles are categorized according to the different USCG units and departments. For example, Command, Administration, Reserve-only Administration, Mobilization, Training, Security, etc. Next, select the requested roles and associated responsibilities. For example, under the “Mobilization” role, the user can be granted the following responsibilities – view only, approver, admin, processor, and resume endorser.
3. User acknowledgment and signature
A user acknowledgment is provided in the form. The acknowledgment states that the user understands the terms of access and agrees to abide by the stipulations and face applicable consequences if they violate the limits of their access/entry. The requestor should then supply their signature.
4. Authorizing official (AO) acknowledgment
The acknowledgment states that the authorizing official knows that the requestor is seeking access to direct access based on an official need. It also denotes that the A.O. is aware of the scope of use they are authorizing the user to undertake.
5. Authorizing official information
The last clause of Form CG-7421B records the A.O. details. This section includes the following information: the AO EMPLID (employee identification), rank, title, phone number, and signature. The rank and title should be selected from the drop-down lists. The form can be signed in ink or electronically. However, it should be signed in ink only if both parties (user and A.O.) sign in ink and their names are printed under “User’s signature” and “A.O.’s signature,” respectively.
Coast Guard Direct Access Form
Our readers can download fillable coast guard access forms from our website. The forms are free and up to date. They contain all the required clauses. Fill out the appropriate information and submit it as instructed by the respective authority. The forms are easy to use and complete for online filers.
Bottom Line
Direct access is a readily accessible platform of the U.S. Coast Guard information systems. It is available to Coast Guard personnel, supervisors, unit administrative staff, and servicing personnel (SPOs). However, to gain access, users must provide identification information and credentials and request why they want to access the platform using USCG-issued forms such as CG-7421B, CG-7421D, and CG-7421G.
Strict requirements must be met for the user to access the system, and the forms are part of the process.Therefore, requestors must complete the required paperwork and be cleared by their department/base, the authorizing official. The forms are essential because they help track who gained access and when. This helps streamline the flow of sensitive information to users.