Coast Guard Releases Marine Safety Performance Plan (MSPP)

Signed by Rear Admiral Brian Salerno (Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship), The MSPP establishes what the Marine Safety program intends to achieve in the next five years. In a general E-mail announcement to industry, CAPT Jonathan C. Burton, on behalf of Rear Admiral Watson, has announced the release of the 2009-2014 Marine Safety Performance Plan (MSPP) that was recently signed by Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship. The MSPP establishes what the Marine Safety program intends to achieve in the next five years. The MSPP is a living document and will be updated annually and posted on the Coast Guard web. The promulgation of the 2009 - 2014 Marine Safety Performance Plan (MSPP) is an important Coast Guard initiative. As one of several other plans currently being developed and covering each of the Coast Guard’s statutory missions, the MSPP illustrates the broad range of services the Coast Guard Marine Safety program provides to and for the American public. These services directly support the national interests of ensuring a safe and efficient Marine Transportation System, protecting the environment and natural resources, and preventing disruptions to commerce. The Coast Guard actively solicited input to the MSPP, and received many valuable comments since its initial release on May 22, 2008. A general category of comments received including what sections of the MSPP they address are contained in a separate document. This document as well as the MSPP can be accessed at: http://www.uscg.mil/marinesafetyprogram/ . Changes to the MSPP represent Coast Guard response to these comments. Some comments and recommendations that are not reflected may be used in future Marine Safety policies and actions. The MSPP is a living document and will be updated annually and posted on the Coast Guard web. Regardless of final action on recommendations, the Coast Guard advises the maritime community that they sincerely appreciate receiving your thoughts and recommendations. In addition, as mentioned in the MSPP, we are now in the initial stages of a thorough, independent evaluation of the Marine Safety mission that will also include the Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) mission. The evaluation will continue through March 2009. CAPT Burton also says that the Coast Guard will continue to accept comments to the MSPP at the following e-mail address: [email protected]. As before, they will assess these comments and use them to improve next year's plan. Also, if you desire to participate in the Marine Safety independent evaluation, please advise the Coast Guard at the same e-mail address. Note: in the spirit of any independent evaluation, the Coast Guard can only ensure that your willingness to participate is forwarded to the contractor. Contact CAPT Burton at: [email protected]