Did you know that the Civil Rights Directorate (CRD) oversees the Coast Guard’s Language Access Plan (LAP)? This important initiative ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) can access Coast Guard programs, activities, and events. The plan covers Coast Guard interactions with limited English speakers across the U.S., its territories, and within 12 nautical miles from the shore.
The LAP requires the Coast Guard to make reasonable efforts to help individuals with limited English proficiency understand and utilize its services to ensure that everyone can access vital information and services without hindering the Coast Guard’s core missions of safety and security.
Every day, Coast Guard personnel connect with the public through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and radio communications while out at sea. Sometimes, these communications and encounters can involve people with LEP. Scenarios could include:
To facilitate effective communication, the Coast Guard employs various resources for interpretation and translation, which includes interpreters, virtual translation services, or even hand-held translation devices. These tools help bridge language gaps, allowing for effective interaction and support for all individuals, regardless of their English language proficiency.
While the CRD has overall responsibility for the USCG’s LAP, collaboration with internal stakeholders is essential for successful implementation. The CRD has established the USCG’s LAP Working Group, which includes representatives from various divisions, such as the Auxiliary Interpreter Corps, the Office of Law Enforcement, the Boating Safety Division, the National Response Center, and the National Command Center.
The USCG’s LAP is part of a broader effort to serve non-English-speaking populations more effectively. Access the USCG’s LAP.