Shipmates,
We have had a long and productive partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). While we have independent authorities regarding investigative responsibilities we are a team that serves the Nation. There are situations defined in statute where the NSTB has primacy and may choose to be the lead and there are requirements for the Coast Guard to conduct investigations into marine accidents. As we deal with more complex transportation systems and equally complex causes for accidents it is important that we have clear, unambiguous procedures to establish lead agency roles in accident investigations. The current Acting Chairman of the NTSB, Mark Rosenker and I have had a series of discussions over the last year as to how best to improve our coordination and sustain the performance expected of both agencies. Last week that collaboration resulted in a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that lays out our respective roles, responsibilities, and obligations. Below is our announcement of that agreement with a link to the MOU. Let me congratulate Acting Chairman Rosenker for his leadership and our staffs who worked so hard to make this a reality.
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Joint NTSB/USCG Statement on their new MOU:
We are pleased to announce that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, December 19, 2008.
This document replaces a previous memorandum that has been in effect since September 12, 2002, and is the latest in a series of MOUs our two agencies have shared since September 28, 1981, when we entered into our first agreement. The revisions reflect our agencies' commitment to continuous improvement.
As maritime technology becomes more complex and international and national legislation evolve, the need for improved capabilities and closer relationships between the NTSB and the USCG has also evolved. This version of the MOU, built on years of cooperation, documents the processes and procedures we will use for continuously improving marine accident investigations.
In the Memorandum, our two agencies reaffirm interagency cooperation and mutual assistance in marine casualty investigations, and swift implementation of safety improvements, all of which are essential for efficient, effective agency operations and for the public welfare.
The agreement also sets forth the notification and investigative roles of the National Transportation Safety Board and the United States Coast Guard in marine casualties. There will be enhanced marine casualty investigation training for our Investigators, and better sharing of information, testimony and evidence during investigations.
The agreement is good news for the marine industry and the traveling public. It provides clear guidance for maritime accident investigations in this country, and reaffirms the spirit of cooperation between the National Transportation Safety Board and the United States Coast Guard that we have enjoyed for years. It is an excellent example of how federal agencies can work together to fulfill their missions
Mark V. Rosenker, Acting Chairman
National Transportation Safety Board
Thad W. Allen, Commandant
U.S. Coast Guard
