Commandant
(G-CPE)
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
(202) 267-2355
COMDTINST 5711.2
09 OCT 1990
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 5711.2
Subj: Coast Guard Transition to the Metric System
Ref:
(a) Federal Standard 376, Preferred Metric Units for General Use by the Federal
Government (NOTAL)
(b) Military Standard DOD-STD-1690, Maritime Metric Practice Guide (NOTAL)
1.
PURPOSE. To establish policies and assign responsibilities for implementing the metric
system of measurement within the Coast Guard.
2.
BACKGROUND. The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, (Pub. Law 100-418,
section 5164), amended the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to declare that:
a.
The metric system of measurement is the preferred system of weights and measures for
United States trade and commerce;
b.
Each federal agency, by a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end
of fiscal year 1992, shall use the metric system of measurement in its procurements, grants
and other business-related activities except to the extent that such use is impractical or is
likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms.
c.
Agencies shall seek out ways to increase understanding of the metric system of
measurement through educational information and guidance in government publications.
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