US Coast Guard gets tough with it’s image

US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen

US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen said in a recent email:

“USCG activities involving U.S. and foreign professional mariners and maritime organizations will be conducted with utmost professionalism and respect. Licensed and documented mariners are professionals who share our interests in a safe, secure, and environmentally compliant industry. Alexander Hamilton’s charge – to keep in mind that our countrymen are free men, and as such, are impatient of everything that bears the least mark of a domineering spirit – applies as much today as it did in 1790 and equally to international mariners and our trading partners .I have received reports from highly respected professionals recounting Coast Guard boardings, inspections, and investigations not displaying professionalism. additionally, some have said they lost the complete trust they once had in the Coast Guard and are fearful of retribution if they challenge the Coast Guard’s conduct.”

The complete text of Admiral Allen’s comments are HERE. Wired.com blog post: Coasties Get Sloppy Around Boaters It should be noted that my experiences with boarding teams have been positive. While Coasties do put on a game face when conducting boardings they are by in large fair in their approach. Voyages are terminated in only the most egregious of circumstances.

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This post was written by Richard Rodriguez, Rescue Tug Captain, and US Coast Guard approved instructor for License Training. You can read more of his articles at the BitterEnd

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