b'SAFETYMATTERSFor the Record Keeping and By Eric Christensen, Providing Inspection Director of Regulatory Affairs and Risk Management DocumentationI n the last couple years, I have seentunate cases these requests come withquick retrieval and help de-escalate an increase in interactions betweenrestrictions or limitations to the vesselsa situation that could turn ugly fast. vessel owners and the U.S. Coastoperation until it can be resolved. ItThis information will also assist you Guard where the Coast Guard is askingdoes not seem to matter that the vesselwhen you are looking to purchase an for historical vessel information such asis certificated or operated successfullyinspected vessel and want to avoid construction plans, stability informa- in a previous Coast Guard Sectors in- pitfalls in a new inspection zone.tion, and other documentation to showspection zone. Documentation in the Digital Agethat a particular installation has beenKnowing what you and the CoastFor decades, the Coast Guard previously approved or that a vesselGuard are required to keep can providerelied on paper files maintained by the has not been modified without Coasta foundation for a company recordscognizant Officer in Charge Marine Guard oversight. In extreme and unfor- retention policy that will allow forInspection (OCMI) to document a 28AUGUST 2019FOGHORN'