• Contact Us
• Site Map
• FAQs
• Phone Book

• Home
• Careers
• Units
• Missions
• Doing Business
• About Us

• Life Saving & Fire Safety Division (CG-5214)
• Office of Design & Engineering Standards (CG-521)
• USCG Maritime Information Exchange (CGMIX)
• Contact Webmaster

Security Levels

Lifeboat & Liferaft Survival Equipment

APPROVAL GUIDANCE:

APPROVAL CATEGORY	EQUIPMENT	MRA APPROVAL
160.013	HATCHET (LIFE BOAT & LIFERAFT)	NO
160.014	LIFE BOAT COMPASS	NO
160.019	LIFE BOAT SEA ANCHOR	NO
160.020	EMERGENCY SIGNAL MIRROR	NO
160.026	EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER	NO
160.041	LIFE BOAT FIRST AID KIT	NO
160.043	JACK KNIFE (WITH CAN OPENER)	NO
160.044	LIFE BOAT BILGE PUMP	NO
160.046	EMERGENCY PROVISIONS FOR MERCHANT VESSELS	NO
160.054	LIFERAFT FIRST AID KIT	NO
160.058	WATER DESALTING MEANS & DEVICES	NO
160.061	EMERGENCY FISHING TACKLE KIT	NO

---

HATCHET (LIFEBOAT & LIFERAFT)

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.013 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.013.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• Required drawings/specification of the equipment.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

LIFE BOAT COMPASS

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.014 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  USCG Approval Guideline for Magnetic Compasses in Lifeboats/Rescue Boats – August 2004

The following lays out the general guidelines for USCG approval of magnetic compasses for lifeboats and rescue boats under approval series 160.014. Until now, these compasses were approved based on a USCG specification dated 14 December 1944 (item 1 below), which was a combination of Federal and Navy tests that have since been superseded. The USCG specification from 1944 is complete in its testing descriptions and as such can still be used as a means for gaining USCG approval.  But as more modern designs and materials have been developed over the last sixty years, so have newer, more widely accepted tests.  This guideline describes an alternative set of tests from two International testing bodies that can be used in the USCG approval process for these compasses.
Currently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has Standard 613 available for testing lifeboat compasses.  After reviewing this standard, it was determined that although this standard was very thorough in the performance testing area for compasses, it did not have adequate testing for physical conditions that may be encountered on lifeboats and rescue boats.  Such physical tests are found in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60945 for maritime navigation equipment general requirements.  Several tests from IEC 60945 were determined to adequately meet the intent of the original USCG specification of 1944.  The alternative set of tests for USCG approval of these compasses are a combination of the tests described in ISO 613 and several from IEC 60945 as listed and described below.

APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
  1.     “USCG Specification for Compasses: Magnetic, Liquid Filled, Mariners, Compensating, for lifeboats for Merchant Vessels.” Dated 14 December 1944.

  2.    International Standard - ISO 613:2000(E) - “Ships and marine technology – Magnetic compasses, binnacles and azimuth reading devices – Class B.” (Available from ANSI or ISO)

  3.    International Standard - IEC 60945:2002-08 - “Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems – General requirements – Methods of testing and required test results.” (Available from ANSI or ISO)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TESTING
ISO 613:2000 - All requirements and tests from Section 4 – Magnetic compasses

Note: Vibration testing is not optional as noted in ISO 613.  Either ISO 613 - Test 4.6 or IEC 60945 - Test 8.7 may be completed to meet the vibration testing requirement.

1.  ISO 613:2000 - All requirements from Section 8.

Note:  In addition to Section 8 marking requirements; each approved compass shall be marked with the USCG approval number.

2.   IEC 60945:2002 – Physical Tests.


Note:  Required Results for each of these tests states “The requirements of the performance check shall be met.”  This performance check shall be satisfactory completion of all of the ISO 613 tests under Section 4.5.  Test results for a and b shall also meet the requirements of ISO 613 - Section 4.1.4.

3. The minimum compass card size shall be an apparent 70mm (2 ¾”) diameter. 

ACCEPTED INDEPENDENT LABORATORIES
Tests and inspections in this guideline are required to be conducted by an Accepted Independent Laboratory that is accepted by the Commandant (CG-521) under 46 CFR 159.010 to perform such tests and inspections.  At the conclusion of the testing, the manufacturer must submit the test report, plans, and quality control procedures required under 159.005-9(a)(5).  In order to be considered complete, the final plans under 159.005-12 must include:


LINKS:  1944 USCG Specification for Compass

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above standard.
• Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
• Required drawings/plans of the equipment as noted above.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

LIFE BOAT SEA ANCHOR

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.019 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  The only sea anchors that the Coast Guard formally approves are those for lifeboats.  While this approval is based on a World War II era construction and standard, this office will evaluate new submissions that utilize new materials that demonstrate equivalence to the current specification in particular products complying with ISO 17339 Ships and Marine Technology-Sea Anchors.  Commercial vessel inflatable liferaft sea anchors are covered by 46 CFR 160.151-21(e). 

LINKS:  1944 USCG Specification for Sea Anchors

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please provide the information contained in this link SEA ANCHOR for approval in accordance with the World War II standard.  For new submissions that utilize modern materials, please contact this office.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

EMERGENCY SIGNAL MIRROR

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.020

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  Mirrors for signaling must be flat enough and have a surface of sufficient reflectivity to meet detailed tests in paragraph (D).  They must be durable enough to retain this flatness and reflective surface during use or after being subjected to salt air or salt water in combination with heat or cold and sunlight.

A.  MATERIAL.  The main base material shall be either metal, plate glass, or "A" quality window glass.  All mirrors shall present  a smooth, even, and unpitted reflecting surface, even after the salt spray test.  Metal mirrors having a base of corrodible metal shall be plated over the base with copper and upon that a plating of nickel with a final coating of chromium.  No plating shall be done until the final stamping, cutting and grinding is completed.  The reflecting area of glass mirrors shall be either aluminum or silver deposited on glass.  The rear of the reflecting area and edges shall be adequately protected from corrosion by a durable protective coating.  If non-tempered glass is used, the glass shall be securely protected from breakage by means of a cushioning frame.  A woven twine lanyard shall be securely attached to each mirror by means of a hole provided for it.  It shall be approximately 36" long and in the form of an 18" loop.  The lanyard material must be able to withstand a pull of 50 pounds when dry.  A wiping cloth, that will remove finger and hand stains, of twice the area of one mirror shall be included with the mirrors.

B.  DIMENSIONS AND SLOPE.  The mirror shall have a reflecting area of at least 17 square inches and shall be rectangular in shape with rounded corners.  The mirror shall be flat except as noted below, and shall be of such thickness that it cannot be easily deformed in use.  At the center of the face of the mirror, there shall be a sighting means of one of the following four types:


C.  PACKAGING. A pair of the mirrors together with their lanyards and instructions for use shall be inclosed in a single durable watertight container inclosed in an outer durable container.  The outside of the outer container shall be plainly marked SIGNALING MIRRORS and also bear the name of the manufacturer.

D.  TESTS. Any of the mirrors submitted as samples or any furnished to ships may be subjected to tests to determine their suitability for the purpose intended.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.  Among these tests are the following: 


E.  INSTRUCTIONS. Two copies of instructions and diagrams illustrating the use of the mirrors shall be enclosed inside the waterproof mirror container. The instructions and diagrams may be on the back of each mirror if permanently affixed.  Otherwise they shall be printed with letters at least 1/8" high on water repellent paper. 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• Two mirror samples each in a watertight container.
• Required information and test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
• Two copies of the instructions and diagrams illustrating the use of the mirrors.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.026

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  This specification describes emergency drinking water approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for lifeboats and liferafts.

INCORPORATIONS BY REFERENCE.

A.  The following Federal Specification and Standard are incorporated by reference into this specification:


B.  The following Military Specification is incorporated by reference into this specification:


C.  The following standard of the Amercian Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is incorporated by reference into this specification:


D.  In addition to the requirements of this specification, emergency drinking water must meet the applicable requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations issued under the authority of that Act.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER.

A.  Each container of water must be marked as containing some unit fraction (such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.) of either a U.S. quart or a liter of water.  The actual quantity of water in the container must not be less than the indicated quantity.

B.  Water packed in metal cans without a corrosion resisting lining, must contain a suitable corrosion inhibitor (such as sodium silicate for steel cans).

C.  The water must meet the applicable government standards for drinking water in effect at the place where it is packed.  In addition the water must not contain more than -


D.  The water in the container must be sterile and free from organic matter, sediment and odor.

E.  The water must be suitable for storage in the container and retaining its sterility for a period of five years in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +65°C (-22°F to +149°F).

F.  The place where the water is packed must be clean and sanitary.  Standard aseptic procedures must be followed in filling the containers.

CONTAINERS FOR EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER.

A.  Emergency drinking water must be in hermetically sealed containers that are of corrosion resistant material or are treated to be corrosion resistant.

B.  If the container is a can, it must be double seamed and, if lined, be lined with a material that is compatible with the water.

C.  If the container is a steel can, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, it must -


D.  A can which does not meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section can be approved if it has corrosion resistant properties equivalent to the can described in paragraph (c).

E.  If the container is a flexible package, the package material must meet MIL-B-131, or the following requirements of MIL-B-131:


F.  Each water container must have a method of spill proof reclosure, or else individual portions containing not more than 125 ml (4 oz.) of water each must be provided.  If the method of closure is a removable lid, one lid must be provided for each 1.5 l (48 oz.) of water in each shipping container.

G.  Emergency drinking water and containers must be capable of passing the tests and inspections prescribed in 25(b).

MARKING AND INSTRUCTIONS.

A.  The container must be clearly and permanently marked with -



B.  The water must include waterproof instructions for use assuming consumption of approximately 250 ml (8 oz.) per day.  If the container is not a vacuum-packed can, instructions must also be provided on how to check the hermetic sealing of the container.

ACCEPTED INDEPENDENT LABORATORY.

The approval and production tests in this specification must be conducted by or under the supervision of an Accepted Independent Laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under Subpart 159.010.

PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL.

A.  Emergency drinking water is approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in Subpart 159.005.

B.  The following tests and inspections must be performed on samples from the first lot of emergency drinking water offered for Coast Guard approval:



METHODS OF SAMPLING, INSPECTIONS AND TESTS.

A.  Production tests must be conducted under the procedures in Subpart 159.007.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.  For each lot of water produced, an inspector from the independent laboratory must inspect the place of manufacture, observe the sanitary conditions and the various operations involved in the preparation of the water, and determine that they are in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant.  Results of a government health inspection may be accepted for the sanitation portion of this inspection.

B.  A production lot consists of the water offered for inspection at one time.  A new lot must be started with any change in materials or production methods, or when discontinued production is resumed.  (Stopping of production over nights or weekends is not considered discontinued production.)  Samples for production tests must be selected at random from each lot.  The required sample size for various lot sizes is given in following Table:

Table Sample size for various lot sizes

Lot Size                    Sample Size  Acceptance Number

35-800                             35                        0

801-1,300                         50                       1

1,301-3,200                      75                       2

3,201-8,000                      110                     3

8,001 and over                  150                     4

C.  The Acceptable Independent Laboratory inspector must select the required number of samples at random.  The inspector must verify that the packages and the markings on the packages of the samples selected are in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant.  The number of samples found not to comply must not exceed the acceptance number in Table 30(b).

D.  The independent laboratory inspector must select at random a set of 11 filled sample containers, or if the lot consists of more than 3,200 containers, the inspector must select at random two sets of 11 containers.  Nine containers of each set must be subjected to the chemical and biological analysis described in 25(b)(i).  Each sample must meet the applicable requirements of this specification.  If the container is a metal can, the two remaining cans in each set must be subjected to the internal corrosion testing specified in 25(b)(ix).  The results of the chemical analysis of the uncycled cans on a previous lot test may be used as the standard for comparison unless it is evident that the character of the water has changed.  If it has, then the water from two additional cans not subjected to the temperature cycling must be analyzed to provide the basis of comparison.

E.  The packer must hold the containers for two weeks after they are filled and sealed, then must check each one for hermetic sealing by the "slap test" in the case of vacuum packed cans, or by the method described in 15(b) for other containers.  Containers which are not sealed must be removed from the lot.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above standard.
• Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

LIFE BOAT FIRST AID KIT

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.041

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See 46 Code of Federal Regulations 160.041.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  USCG Guidelines for Approval of First Aid Kit for Lifeboats

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A list of First Aid Kit Items as per Table 160.041-4(B).
• One sample of the First Aid Kit.
• Test report as per 46 CFR 160.041-5.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

JACK KNIFE (WITH CAN OPENER)

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.043

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.043.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• One sample of the Jack Knife.
• Drawing of the Jack Knife as shown above.
• Test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 160.043-5.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

LIFE BOAT BILGE PUMP

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.044

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.044.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the pump with 46 CFR 160.044-4.
• A general arrangement drawing and a specification list of the Life Boat Bilge Pump.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

EMERGENCY PROVISIONS FOR MERCHANT VESSELS

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.046

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See the below link:  Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Lifeboats and Liferafts.  For additional information on the specification for Emergency Provisions see the link for MIL-PRF-131J(Barrier-Packaging).  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Lifeboats and Liferafts
             MIL-PRF-131J(Barrier-Packaging)
             MIL-PRF-131K(Barrier-Packaging)

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance with the requirements of Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Lifeboats and Liferafts.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

LIFERAFT FIRST AID KIT

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.054

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See 46 Code of Federal Regulations 160.054.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  USCG Guidelines for Approval of First Aid Kit for Liferafts

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• A list of First Aid Kit Items as per Table 160.054-4(B).
• One sample of the First Aid Kit.
• Test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 160.054-5.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

---

WATER DESALTING MEANS & DEVICES

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.058

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  For chemical water desalting means and devices follow 46 CFR 160.058 for approval.  For approval of manual reverse osmosis desalinators the technical requirements of IMO MSC Circular 1048 apply.  See the below link for a copy of the circular.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. 

LINKS:  IMO MSC Circular 1048

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• Documentation from the Accepted Independent Laboratory that the equipment complies with either 46 CFR 160.058 or IMO MSC Circular 1048.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years.

---

EMERGENCY FISHING TACKLE KIT

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.061

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.061.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:

• A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
• One sample of the Emergency Fishing Tackle Kit
• One copy of fishing instructions.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:

Commandant (CG-5214)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA).  The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

• Home
• Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• FOIA
• USA.gov
• No FEAR
• Homeport
• Whistleblower Protection
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security