8
FOGHORN
I
’ve had a version of the same conversation dozens of times with maritime operators across the 
country. It usually starts something like: “We’ve got an inspection coming up—things are a 
little hectic right now.” A little hectic. That’s one way to put it—what they usually mean is 
that someone just pulled a binder off the shelf that hasn’t been touched in ten months, half the 
certificates need renewing, and the crew is doing a last-minute scavenger hunt for equipment 
that may or may not be where it’s supposed to be.
PHOTO: TABCREATOR/ISTOCK
Navigating 
U.S. Coast Guard
Inspection Prep 
A DAILY OPERATIONAL HABIT, 
NOT A ONCE-A-YEAR SCRAMBLE 
RHIANNON SILVASHY  //  VESSEL VANGUARD
FOGHORN FOCUS

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