Page 26 - Bravo Zulu - 2017 2nd QT F-17 Newsletter

TEAM COAST GUARD

District 11 North Coast Guard Auxiliary Passenger Ferry
Vessel Audit Program Augments Sector San Francisco

By Roger Bazeley, PA USCGAUX

The Federal Government and the NTSB National Transportation Safety Board became concerned about
increasing passenger vessel incidents, even before a series of deadly international passenger ferry
maritime accidents from 2000-2010. As a result, numerous recommendations including annual USCG
inspections were proposed and mandated for improving vessel safety operations and equipment for older
and current operated passenger ferry vessels and for the new generation of high-speed commuter ferries.

SAN FRANCISCO--Sept.
17, 2016 — Coast Guard
Auxiliary Passenger Ferry
Audit Team boasts some
distinguished members and
guests.

From left is Steve Johnson,
Flotilla 5-1 Vallejo, D11N,
COMO Rich Thomas,
D11N and COMO Richard
Washburn, National
Commodore.

Photos: by Roger Bazeley,
FSO-PA Flotilla 17 Point
Bonita, D11N.

The U.S. Coast Guard enforces safety operations, equipment, and structural integrity set forth in the Code
of Federal Regulations which is constantly updated. The NSTB and USCG recommended safety
management systems for passenger vessels and yearly USCG safety inspections were mandated by
Congress in 2010. The U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Standards vary on older vessels still in operation,
depending upon the vessel’s operational distance from the shore, water temperature, vessel design, hull
material, and other equipment carried.

Because of the continuing issues with passenger ship safety concerns, boating accidents, and the large
number of fatalities from hypothermia, there is a continuous need for safety improvements, as well as
vessel safety inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Auxiliary Ferry Audit and training program was
established to support and augment the U.S. Coast Guard, as a “Team Coast Guard” member and partner.