Inspections & Investigations (Dpi)

Under the direction and supervision of the Chief, prevention Division, the Inspection and Investigations Branch shall:

Provide subject matter expertise technical guidance and assistance to the District and its subordinate commands in the interpretation and implementation of legislation, regulations, and Coast Guard issued directives, policies and guidance governing the inspection, enforcement, and administration of navigation, vessel and waterfront facility laws, rules, and regulations

Provide regional oversight of the Coast Guard’s safety, security, and marine environmental protection inspection programs including those responsibilities pertaining to commercial vessels; marine ports and waterfront facilities and related offshore industries; transportation or handling of dangerous or hazardous cargo, gas or materials; and customs, navigation, and conservation laws.

Provide regional oversight of the Coast Guard’s port state control programs including the enforcement of international treaties, conventions, and domestic regulations for foreign commercial vessels operating in U.S. waters.

Provide regional oversight of the Coast Guard’s enforcement and administration of the advance notice of arrival regulations and execution of the Coast Guard’s vessel screening and targeting processes to include: port state control and environmental protection; Maritime Transportation Security Act; International Ship and Port Facility Security Code; high interest vessels; special interest vessels; and the identification of vessels that require the imposition of conditions of entry and/or crew control security measures.

Prepare responses and recommendations for the District Commander or Commandant on appeals or requests for waivers resulting from actions by Captains of the Port or Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection.

Provide regional oversight of the Coast Guard’s investigation of marine casualties and accidents; investigations of misconduct, negligence, incompetence, violations of law or regulation of persons holding Coast Guard issued credentials; and initiations of actions seeking suspension or revocation of those credentials.  Review reports of investigation and prepare and recommend endorsements of those reports, including any findings of fact, conclusions and recommendations, for the District Commander’s approval and signature.

Provide regional oversight of the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) database data entry and case/activity management for subordinate commands involved in marine safety or prevention program activities.  Ensure data is timely, accurate and of high quality; identify trends, and provide performance feedback and guidance to subordinate commands.

Using Coast Guard databases, conduct performance review and measurement activities of marine casualties; pollution incidents; safety, security and environmental compliance activities; breaches of security; transportation security incidents; and other prevention program initiatives.  Analyze information, identify trends, and make recommendations concerning additions, deletions or alterations of law, regulation, or policy as necessary for improving the effectiveness of the District’s prevention operation.