NOVEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN 31 SAFETYMATTERS Foghorn Ad 1 | 1/4p | 3.375” x 4.875” www.propspeed.com PROPSPEED® is effective on: Propellers | Rudders | Shafts | Struts | Trim tabs | IPS drives | Thrusters Keel coolers | Underwater lights (clear coat) | Any underwater metal surface PROPSPEED® can be used on boats of all types & sizes Both recreational and commercial, from sport-fishers, cruisers, sailboats and superyachts to work boats like ferries, trawlers, tugboats, research ships and patrol boats. Save on your boat’s running costs Having clean props and running gear lowers maintenance costs, reduces corrosion and decreases fuel burn. By Eric Christensen, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Risk Management Coast Guard Customer Service Challenges gplink_quarter.indd 1 1/6/2017 10:25:38 AM F or the domestic passenger vessel industry, the Coast Guard is the primary regulator perform- ing cradle-to-grave functions where customer service through service delivery is key to successful operations. The Coast Guard promulgates regulations and policy designed to provide minimum standards for safe and secure vessel operations. The Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Center reviews and approves vessel con- struction and in some cases modifica- tion plans to the standards outlined in regulation and policy. The National Vessel Documentation Center provides qualified vessels Certificates of Documentation allowing for coastwise operations. The National Maritime Center (NMC) assesses the safety, suit- ability, and medical fitness of over 200,000 merchant mariners, and issues credentials to those who meet the standards. Marine inspectors conduct vessel inspections to verify regula- tory compliance and issue corrective requirements, when needed. Finally, marine casualty investigators respond when things occasionally go bump in the night (or in broad daylight) and try to determine if changes need to be made to the regulatory regime. In conjunction with the above ac- tivities, the Coast Guard is also respon- sible for setting and maintaining aids to navigation, vessel traffic services