Coast Guard: Inspection Program Improvements Are Under Way to Help Detect Unsafe Tankers
RCED-92-23
Published: Oct 08, 1991. Publicly Released: Nov 08, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the effectiveness of the Coast Guard's inspection program for tankers carrying oil and other hazardous cargo, focusing on: (1) conditions and problems identified by the Coast Guard that are affecting its tanker inspection program; and (2) actions being taken or considered by the Coast Guard to improve the inspection program.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to obtain timely input from industry on major program changes, such as the Merchant Vessel Incentive Inspection Program. |
Closed – Implemented
The Coast Guard has developed numerous ways to obtain input from industry, including receiving input from 12 advisory boards, attending local industry meetings, receiving public comments on rulemaking, and soliciting input from the International Maritime Organization.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to develop a comprehensive plan that describes major program changes and procedures for ensuring the implementation of appropriate recommendations from studies. |
Closed – Implemented
The Coast Guard has developed a comprehensive tracking system to track recommendations from various studies and reports relating to marine safety. The system was put into place in December 1991, and will be updated continuously.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to develop procedures to review and evaluate the results of major actions taken. |
Closed – Implemented
The Coast Guard has collected data on the results of its marine inspections. To improve its ability to evaluate and manage the inspection and other marine safety programs, the Coast Guard has developed an improved tool, called quarterly data matrices, for providing managers with important information on program activities. It is also continuing to seek improved MOEs through workshops and studies.
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Topics
Employment assistance programsInspectionInternational agreementsInternational relationsMarine safetyMarine transportationRegulationStaff utilizationTankers (Vessels)Tanker ships