Mail Bag

Overview of High Interest Vessel selection and boarding regulations

Avessel may be selected to receive an offshore High Interest Vessel (HIV) security boarding prior to entering the U.S. The offshore HIV security boarding criteria is continually evaluated and updated.

A Captain of the Port (COTP) order will be placed on HIV vessels. That requires them to remain offshore until a Coast Guard security boarding has been completed.

The Coast Guard is sensitive to impacts and delays to maritime commerce and aims to conduct these boardings with minimal disruption to a vessel’s schedule whenever possible. Coast Guard boarding teams will make every effort to conduct these security boardings prior to a vessel embarking a pilot for further transit to a U.S. port or place of destination. However, recurrent boardings will occur based on a combination of risk factors for each vessel.

Additionally, mariners have inquired about their enrollment in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). This is a voluntary initiative, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), focused on supply chains. It is not a factor in the Coast Guard HIV targeting processes. Questions regarding this program should be directed to your local CBP of ce.

U.S. Coast Guard

Offi ce of Maritime Security Response Policy Washington, D.C.

Recreational boaters and waterways safety

Thank you Captain Bernstein for writing the truth about recreational boaters (“Sharing our nation’s waterways safely,” WorkBoat, July, page 9.)

It is astounding that more aren’t maimed or killed due to their abject disregard for the rules of the road. It’s as if they think a big commercial vessel can turn like a car. In 34 years of handling marine claims, every time I get involved in a commercial vessel-recreational vessel incident, the recreational vessel owner has whined about how commercial vessels “think they own the waterways.”

Every single time, however, it is the recreational boater who is in the wrong. Travel safe sir and thank you for creating commerce on our wonderful and beautiful inland waterway systems.

Pierre Gautreaux

Adjuster/Owner Tidelands Claim Management LLC Covington, La.

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