7 Fall 2024 Proceedings initially might feel out-of-place walking through a hotel lobby in Dubai wearing coveralls, but do not fret, you get used to the interested gaze of onlookers. One thing is certain: We are proud to represent the United States and we do not take the responsibility lightly. Overview of FEACT and ACTEUR’s Roles in Maritime Safety While the Americas and Caribbean are covered by respective stateside units, the rest of the world is divided between two offices—Coast Guard Activities Far East (FEACT) and Coast Guard Activities Europe (ACTEUR). The activities units have multiple mission functions, and while you may expect these billets to be solely avail- able to prevention personnel, there are opportunities for others. Each unit hosts a support department which includes a yeoman, an information systems technician, and a storekeeper—all enlisted members. The interna- tional port security mission is a special assignment also available to all officer specialties. Marine Inspections: Marine inspections focus on the seaworthiness, machinery, lifesaving, firefighting, pollution prevention, navigation equipment, crew qualifications, and security of both U.S.- and foreign- flagged vessels, ensuring that they comply with all applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations. Marine inspectors complete initial and renewal cer- tificate of compliance exams for newly constructed foreign-flagged cruise ships and tank/chemical vessels that plan to operate in U.S. waters. Additionally, they conduct oversight of lifesaving equipment manufactur- ers and service providers of Coast Guard-approved life rafts throughout their respective areas of responsibility (AOR). Marine Investigations: The investigations office discharges U.S. law through the investigation of any marine casualty that involves or occurs on a U.S. ves- sel—for for instance, vessel collisions, groundings, and injuries to U.S. merchant mariners—regardless of the location within the AOR. Activities investigators must use a nontraditional approach when dealing with marine casualty, personnel action, and enforcement cases because of restricted legal authorities, sovereign state requirements, and economic, security, and logisti- cal factors faced in international settings. International Port Security Program (IPS): The IPS Program works collaboratively to strengthen the secu- rity of the global Maritime Transportation System (MTS). International port security liaison officers (IPSLOs) visit U.S. maritime trading partners to learn about port security processes and practices implemented to prevent terror attacks, decrease stowaways, reduce theft, and curb illicit traffic in the international MTS. In addition to visiting countries in their AOR, IPSLOs are instrumental in organizing and leading reciprocal visits of our international partners to the United States to promote greater understanding and transparency. By establishing and strengthening relations with host government port security officials, IPSLOs promote an understanding of U.S. policies and share best practices observed during visits. Two shipriders with the Samoa Police and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries prepare to board a U.S. Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane small boat near Samoa, on February 5, 2024. The Coast Guard and Samoa have an agreement to work together to conduct fishery boardings in Samoa’s exclusive economic zone. Coast Guard photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Charly Tautfest
