U.S. Coast Guard Update
New Contact Information, Latest Policy Statement, VIRT Membership
New email addresses and when to use them:
The Coast Guard has updated contact information to make sure issues are getting to the appropriate contacts so they can be addressed quickly. Please use the following email addresses from now on:
- RBScompliance@uscg.mil is the main email address for anything boat builder related or for state HIN issues. Typically builders, importers or states use this.
- MICapp@uscg.mil is still used and is solely for Manufacturer's Identification Code (MIC) related requests and updates.
- RBSinfo@uscg.mil is used for the general public about any general boating safety questions.
USCG Latest Policy Statement
With the rise in popularity of e-foils, motorized surfboards, and similar style vessels, the USCG worked with the NASBLA VIRT Committee to come up with a policy statement on how to treat these vessels. The policy statement covers information related to the numbering and titling of the vessel, incident reporting, modifications in equipment requirements, manufacturers compliance requirements, and owner and operator compliance requirements. To view the complete policy statement as well as background information on the issue, please visit: https://uscgboating.org/regulations/vessel-determinations.php.
Coast Guard Membership on VIRT:
The Coast Guard currently has two members on the NASBLA Vessel Identification, Registration & Titling Committee (VIRT). Those members are Mrs. Kristin Williams and Mr. Will Hillyer. You learned about Mr. Hillyer in our last newsletter, here is an introduction for Mrs. Kristin Williams:
After serving 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Kristin retired as a Lieutenant Commander. She spent the majority of her career investigating pollution incidents and marine casualties. As a pollution Investigator, she was responsible for managing large, federally funded multi-agency pollution responses and collecting evidence to determine the source. As Marine Casualty Investigator, she responded to, investigated, and prosecuted mariners involved in marine incidents.Upon retirement from active duty, Kristin transitioned to civilian life and worked in the Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis as a MISLE data analyst. In 2017, she transferred to the Program Management and Operations Branch where she manages 26 states, various grants, and represents the office on various committees and organizations such as NASBLA VIRT Committee, Colorado River Law Enforcement Association (CRLEA) and International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) to foster continued improvement of boating safety policies.