A good first step.
I agree with Orniphobe's conclusion that there is a need to go beyond the pool of retired Coasties (Guardians?) and seek expertise not only from licensed mariners, but others with qualifying expertise.
The defecit of qualified inspectors / investigators was long in the making, and it will not be easily fixed.
If the existing cadre of 'qualified' inspectors / investigators are to remain qualified, they too will need to be provided with 'training' opportunities. This means that 'on duty' time will need to be set aside for them to attend relevant industry-sponsored training and conferences, and that the Coast Guard's budget recognize such continuing education as a necessary cost (recovered to the Federal purse by the existing system of user fees).
From my experience in industry, I would suggest a benchmark of at least 3 hours a week to reading of relevant industry periodicals (and I don't mean reading the Federal Register - but that too is required) and at least one week each year to relevant training / conferences as a starting point for maintaining professional competence.