COMDTINST 16010.9
(3) One way for field units to increase their outreach is through the use of their Sea Partners
Teams. The Sea Partners Program is a dedicated education and outreach effort that has
been accomplished mainly through the Reserves. This program has experience and existing
contacts within the port community that can help move the MTS message forward. MTS
outreach materials and talking points are being developed for the Sea Partners and MTS
training is being incorporated into the annual training curriculum for the Sea Partners
Program. Coast Guard Auxiliarists and U.S. Power Squadrons also engage in education
and outreach to the recreational boating community and could be a valuable resource for
unit MTS outreach efforts at boat shows, training functions and in other venues.
d. Internal CG coordination of Waterways Management and MTS efforts. Improved
coordination between Coast Guard Operational and Marine Safety Programs is crucial to
effective local partnerships, awareness efforts and efficient use and acquisition of the resources
necessary to undertake these efforts. For example, a successful outreach and awareness
campaign is dependent on the use of a consistent message across program lines. Efforts to
coordinate overlapping functions will reduce redundant efforts and leverage resources between
Coast Guard assets such as Marine Safety Offices (MSOs), Groups, Stations, AtoN units,
Reserves, Auxiliarists, and Seapartners.
(1) Efforts are underway at the program level in Coast Guard Headquarters to better align the
coordination is needed at all levels with regard to policies, resource requests and field
activities.
(2) It is recognized that the enhancement or establishment of HSCs, other local MTS
committees, and Regional MTS Committees as well as outreach programs will add time,
effort and possibly fiscal burdens to units and local port stakeholders. Additional
resources, including new billets are being sought to augment local staff as well as district
and area staffs. Current resource levels, however, will require prioritization of MTS efforts
by area and district staffs and local commands.
(3) Mobility is a strategic goal of both the "M" and "O" Business Plans. While the traditional
Coast Guard approach, places most emphasis on safety, environmental protection, and
security, the Coast Guard has always had an important role in facilitating trade. Where
regulatory issues require a particular safety item, provisions often allow for substitution of
"equivalent" levels of safety. Similarly, economic issues should be considered in the
waiver, appeal, and civil penalty processes. The Coast Guard is one of the very few
agencies that has both the discretion and tradition of successfully balancing economic
issues with those of safety and environment. Our partnerships and industry training
programs are excellent examples of our long-standing commitment to ensuring that we
understand the issues of those companies we regulate. Our emphasis on Risk-Based-
Decision-Making will help ensure that this tradition continues.
(4) The COTPs are the lead Coast Guard representatives in HSCs or other local MTS
committees. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Commanding Officers and staff are also closely
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