of modem and obsolete laws, reflations, and overlapping author- 

 ity. If it were not for the good will and cooperation of the other 

 agencies involved, as well as the shipping industry, enforcing the 

 safety provisions would be much more difficult. 



The Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Safety function can be divided 

 into the following categories : 



1. Inspection and regulation of vessels and equipment for physi- 

 cal protection of crew, passengers, and cargo. 



2. Regulation of marine personnel and protection of their rights. 



3. Engineering and technical supervision over safety standards. 



4. Investigation and review of marine casualties and acts of in- 

 competency or misconduct. 



5. Liaison with the maritime industry and international bodies. 



To carry out these broad and varied responsibilities is the duty 

 of 510 commissioned officers, 160 warrant officers, 150 enlisted men, 

 and 400 civilian personnel. 



The officers are general duty officers who have been given special- 

 ized training in merchant marine safety. This specialized training, 

 supplemented by approximately 3 years of apprenticeship, provides 

 the background for a marine inspector newly entering the field. Pro- 

 vision of competent officers for the marine safety function is a con- 

 tinuing and difficult problem for the Coast Guard. 



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