b.
The Coast Guard's increased public visibility and interaction through such mediums as
the Internet, make it increasingly important that our documents are easy to understand.
Plain Language writing contributes to efficiency and reduces burdens on the public.
COMDTINST 5216.6
c.
The Correspondence Manual, COMDTINST M5216.4 (series), included "Plain
Language" policy guidance since 1988. The Coast Guard also includes Plain
Language standards in regulations.
d.
Commandant (G-SII), (G-LRA) and (G-IPA) have recently developed formal plans
which build on past success and assure continuous improvement in written
communication.
4.
POLICY: Coast Guard managers, supervisors, and originators of written documents shall
become familiar with Plain Language concepts. They should also model Plain Language in
all their own written communications and reward subordinates for applying Plain Language.
5.
BASIC PLAIN LANGUAGE STANDARDS: These are the most common Plain Language
techniques-
a.
Use common, everyday words except for necessary technical terms;
b.
Use pronouns (including "you");
c.
Use the active voice; and
d.
Keep sentences short.
6.
RESOURCES: Currently available resources and points of contact are listed below.
a.
(self-tutorial)
b.
Correspondence Manual, COMDTINST M5216.4 (series)
c.
For CG internal documents: Commandant (G-SII)
202-267-2328
d.
For CG regulatory documents: Commandant (G-LRA)
202-267-0129
e.
For non-regulatory public use: Commandant (G-IPA)
202-267-2870
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