Office of Workforce and Family Service Programs: Ombudsman Program - Commanding Officer / Officer in Charge Responsibilities 

The CO/OIC has numerous responsibilities related to the Ombudsman Program. COMDTINST 1750.4 (series) provides a complete list of your responsibilities. This checklist will provide a quick reference of items to accomplish and below are some of the responsibilities: 

• Establishing and executing the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program per the instruction. 

• Ensure all unit members and their families have access to an ombudsman. 

• Appointing an adequate number of ombudsmen. 

• Determining the ombudsman’s specific roles and responsibilities. 

• Ensure appointed ombudsman receive a regularly updated command roster to include inbound personnel and their families with contact information to include email addresses. 

• Assigning a command POC usually the Command Master Chief (CMC), CSEL/or the executive officer. 

• Ensure the appointed ombudsman information is provided to the servicing HSWL Regional Practice ombudsman coordinator. 

• Ensure the ombudsman is assigned in the United States Coast Guard Registry. 

• Ensure the monthly worksheets are entered in the United States Coast Guard Registry. 

Confidentiality 
Contact and communications with an ombudsman are considered confidential, except in those circumstances described in COMDTINST 1750.4 (series). It is vitally important that ombudsmen adhere to the strictest code of confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals and maintain the credibility of the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program. 
 
The Ombudsman Code of Conduct is the foundation upon which an ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained. Violations of the Code will not be tolerated. Ombudsmen must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which is: 

• Maintain confidentiality, 

• Support the command’s mission, 

• Respect the command and family members, 

• Avoid conflicts of interest, and 

• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism. 

While most information coming to the attention of the ombudsman will be routine in nature, some situations will warrant the attention of the commanding officer, HSWL staff, and other authorities. COMDTINST 1750.4 (series) states the following issues require immediate attention, as the safety and well-being of an individual(s) takes precedence over one’s right to confidentiality. 

• If an ombudsman learns of information indicating a life-threatening situation,  

• If an ombudsman learns of information about a possible sexual assault, whether from a victim or third party,  

• If an ombudsman learns of information about possible child abuse or other domestic violence (including intimate partner abuse), 

• If an Ombudsman learns of information about potential suicide or other behaviors indicating a person may be considering self-harm. 

• Command Cadre Toolkit - Home
• Command Leadership Fundamentals
• Commanding Officer Responsibilities
• Selecting an Ombudsman
• Appointing an Ombudsman
• Ombudsman Registry
• Supporting the Ombudsman
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Forms and Sample Documents