What purpose does the Coast Guard's Marine Safety program serve?

The Coast Guard's Marine Safety program is designed primarily to ensure safety standards in shipping and boating. This program encompasses various activities aimed at preventing marine accidents and fostering a safe maritime environment. It includes oversight of vessel inspections, regulatory compliance, and enforcement of safety measures that vessels must follow. By implementing these standards, the Coast Guard aims to protect lives, property, and the marine environment, thereby promoting safe practices among commercial and recreational operators.

The focus of this program strongly aligns with safety, distinguishing it from other functions such as training for Coast Guard members, regulating maritime laws, or conducting search and rescue operations, which each serve different purposes within the Coast Guard's broader mission.