ALCOAST 088/22 - MAR 2022 WINNER OF THE 2021 EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS AWARD

R 151834Z MAR 22 MID600051597233U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 088/22
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER OF THE 2021 EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS AWARD
1. I am pleased to announce the winner of the Eighth annual
Excellence in Marine Inspections Award is LT Brandi Sable has
exemplified the professionalism, proficiency, and character
expected of our best Marine Inspectors and is most deserving of
this significant recognition. As an Advanced Journeyman Marine
Inspector (AJMI) at the Marine Inspection Detachment (MIDET)
Singapore, she serves a critical role in ensuring the safety and
security of the U.S. deep-draft fleet operating in the Eastern
Hemisphere. On two of these vessels she identified serious
equipment and manning deficiencies as well as violations that
led to the suspension of operations and the evaluation of the
company and third- party compliance program. Demonstrating an
exceptional understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS)
she astutely uncovered significant failures of vessel and company
performance. She then expertly led the complex coordination of
internal and external audits with the companies and Coast Guard
Headquarters that prompted revocation of key certificates and
removal of the vessels from service until significant remedial
actions were completed. In these efforts, she also uncovered
serious gaps in the performance of a Coast Guard Recognized
Organization (RO) and initiated Flag State actions to ensure
accountability. Additionally, she organized specialized training
for the U.S. Embassy staff in Singapore, Italy, and Ecuador to
share key information on vessel manning and citizenship
requirements.
2. It is also my privilege to recognize our Honorable Mention
finalists.
a. Mr. Andrew Adolphson, CG Sector Puget Sound, was instrumental
in the Coast Guard's response to a catastrophic main space fire
on a U.S. deep draft vessel that supported national security
efforts. He identified critical failure points that hampered the
installed fire suppression system and allowed the fire to grow.
He then worked with the vessel's owner and classification
society to ensure regulatory oversight did not slow expedited
repairs and facilitated the vessel's return to service of
national interest within weeks without compromising compliance
and safety. He also managed 15 high-profile new construction
projects and leveraged them as a vehicle for training and
mentoring Apprentice Marine Inspectors (AMI). His support and
mentorship helped local AMIs earn 20 Marine Inspection
qualifications.
b. MSSD4 Scott Thoresen, CG Sector Long Island Sound, is
recognized as an expert and leader in the Marine Inspection
community. During an inspection of a ferry certificated to carry
over 1,000 passengers, he identified several major deficiencies
that demonstrated a lack of proactive maintenance and resulted
in the Sector's first Flag State Detention of a large ferry. Due
to the immediate and significant impact to the local community,
CWO Thoresen worked tirelessly with the company to oversee
repairs to critical vessel components and return the vessel to
service in full compliance with safety requirements.
Additionally, his professionalism and expertise was highly
sought throughout the organization. He provided 1-on-1 training
and mentorship to AMIs, advised senior leaders on complex vessel
inspection issues, and presented the Prevention Program to
Officer Candidates at the Officer Candidate School (OCS).
3. The performance of Coast Guard Marine Inspectors is immensely
important to preserving the safety and security of the United
States Marine Transportation System (MTS) that accounts for
over $5.4 trillion of our Nation's annual economic activity and
supports over 30 million jobs. The MTS is increasingly complex
and three enduring drivers shape our operating environment: (1)
increasing MTS capacity; (2) public demand for sustainability
and environmental stewardship; and (3) the use of ever-more
complex technologies and operating concepts to improve
efficiencies. Every day, our well-trained and skilled Marine
Inspectors make difficult decisions with enormous impacts on
the MTS.
4. The Excellence in Marine Inspections Award recognizes those
Marine Inspectors that had an especially noteworthy impact on
vessel safety, displayed exceptional technical expertise, and
exhibited the highest levels of professionalism. A panel of five
Marine Inspectors across COMDTs (CG-CVC) and (CG-5P-TI) was
convened to review the 21 nominations and recommended this year's
selectees. While we can only choose one winner, I remain inspired
by the professionalism, expertise, and character of the entire
Marine Inspection workforce. I am confident in our ability to
remain "Always Ready" to serve and protect the American people
and our vital national interests. Semper Paratus.
5. Questions regarding the Excellence in Marine Inspections
Award may be directed to LT Sarah Reid, COMDT (CVC-1), at
(202) 372-1387 or Sarah.C.Reid@uscg.mil.
6. RADM J. W. Mauger, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.