ALCOAST 050/19 - FEB 2019 NOMINATIONS FOR THE CY2018 CONGRESSMAN JAMES SENER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INVESTIGATIONS

R 151117 FEB 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-INV//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N16732//
ALCOAST 050/19
COMDTNOTE 16732
SUBJ: NOMINATIONS FOR THE CY2018 CONGRESSMAN JAMES SENER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INVESTIGATIONS
A. USCG Marine Safety Manual Volume V: Investigations and Enforcement,
COMDTINST M16000.10 (series)
B. CG-INV Policy Letter 01-16
C. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Investigations Documentation and Reporting Procedures,
Version 1.02
1. Background: the Coast Guard’s marine investigations program has been a vital
arm of its marine safety activities since 1838 when the program’s predecessor, the
Steamboat Inspection Service, was established.  In 1832 alone, about 14% of the steam
vessels in operation were destroyed by explosions, killing more than 1000 people. These
explosions occurred largely because there were no inspection laws or rules of
navigation. In some cases, mariner incompetence, negligence, and/or misconduct were
causal factors. As a result, the U.S. Congress established inspection laws and created
the Steamboat Inspection Service.  Congressman James Sener of Virginia sponsored the
legislation that created the modern marine investigations program on 20 June 1874.
Congressman Sener’s bill put in place the world’s most effective system for identifying
and eliminating unsafe conditions in the marine transportation system, perhaps the single
greatest step forward in marine safety. The Sener Award honors and recalls his contribution
to the safety of mariners, vessels, and the marine environment by recognizing truly
exceptional marine casualty investigators.
2. Nominations for the 2018 Congressman James Sener Award for Excellence in Marine
Investigations are requested to be submitted to COMDT (CG-INV). The nomination submission
deadline is 29 MAR 19. The purpose of this award is to encourage the completion of the very
finest marine investigations throughout the Coast Guard, to share the best marine investigation
practices, and to recognize units and investigative teams that have demonstrated exceptional
investigative skill and positively influenced marine safety.
3. Nominations: this solicitation includes all marine casualty investigations that are in
full compliance with the marine investigation process detailed in part B of REF (A), REF (C),
and were closed in CY2018. REF (B) contains substantial changes to previous criteria,
including adding new award levels, and should be reviewed in detail prior to submission.
The nomination consists of a standard CG Memo submitted to COMDT (CG-INV) copying the first
(O-6, Flag, SES, etc.) in the chain of command. The memo should include the name of the
investigation, the MISLE activity number, the name of lead investigating officer, the
investigative team (if applicable), and the level of the award. Though not required by
COMDT (CG-INV), the submitting unit may need to include the narrative report of investigation
and any CG generated safety alerts and/or advisories or lessons learned, as applicable, when
forwarding the nomination for review. Chain of command endorsements of the nomination are
not required but info copies are recommended.
4. The COMDT (CG-INV) POC is: LCDR Niya Williams, (202)372-1223.
5. RADM John Nadeau, Director of Prevention Policy, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.