What is the minimum rank and qualification required to sign off a PQS on a cutter?

• A. E5 or above and certified watch stander
• B. E4 or above
• C. Warrant Officer required
• D. Enlisted Only With No Rank Requirement

Answer: (A)

Signing off a PQS on a cutter requires both authority and practical qualification. The signer must be at least E5 (enlisted rank equivalent to a petty officer second class or higher) and must be a certified watch stander. The rank ensures the person has supervisory responsibility and credibility to oversee others’ qualifications, while the certified watch stander status shows they are currently qualified to operate and supervise the cutter’s watch stations and understand the procedures and safety requirements involved. This combination guarantees that the evaluator has both the leadership standing to approve qualifications and hands-on, current experience to accurately judge competency. Lower ranks or requiring a warrant officer alone don’t meet the standard, and requiring no rank at all ignores the need for supervisory authority in the sign-off process.