Maritime Agencies & Organizations You Should know
- Daniele piludu
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
U.S.C.G. (United States Coast Guard)
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of boaters and their families through its maritime law enforcement responsibilities. As a branch of the U.S. military and a law enforcement agency, the USCG enforces federal laws on the water, ensuring that boating activities remain safe and lawful.
One of its most vital roles is search and rescue (SAR), where it responds to distress calls, assists vessels in danger, and saves lives at sea. Boaters rely on the USCG’s rapid response to emergencies such as capsized vessels, mechanical failures, and medical crises.
The USCG also enforces boating safety regulations, including vessel inspections, operator compliance with navigation rules, and the prevention of impaired boating. This helps reduce accidents and fatalities, making waterways safer for families and recreational boaters.
In addition, the Coast Guard actively combats illegal maritime activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and unauthorized fishing. These enforcement efforts protect boaters from potential threats and ensure the responsible use of marine resources.
For families who enjoy boating, the USCG’s presence offers peace of mind, knowing that a professional, well-equipped force is always ready to respond to emergencies and uphold maritime laws. Whether through patrols, inspections, or search-and-rescue missions, the USCG remains an essential guardian of the nation's waters, ensuring a secure and lawful environment for all who navigate them.
See attached the link for the USCG website to learn more: https://www.uscg.mil
CFR (Code of Federal Regulation)
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the official collection of rules and regulations issued by U.S. federal agencies to enforce laws passed by Congress. It is divided into 50 titles, each covering a specific area of federal regulation, such as transportation, environment, and public safety. Updated annually, the CFR provides legally binding guidelines for businesses, government agencies, and individuals. In maritime law, Title 33 (Navigation and Navigable Waters) and Title 46 (Shipping) establish regulations enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), covering vessel safety, pollution control, navigation rules, and maritime security. The CFR ensures uniform compliance with federal laws, maintaining order and safety across various sectors.
See attached the link for the CFR website to learn more:
SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors)
The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) is a professional organization that accredits marine surveyors who inspect and assess vessels for safety, condition, and regulatory compliance. SAMS maritime surveys are conducted by qualified surveyors to evaluate boats, ships, and other marine structures for various purposes, including insurance, pre-purchase evaluations, damage assessments, and regulatory compliance. SAMS surveyors follow strict professional standards, ensuring that vessel assessments are accurate, reliable, and aligned with industry regulations.
See attached the link for the SAMS website to learn more:
NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors)
The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) is a professional organization that certifies and accredits highly qualified marine surveyors. NAMS marine surveys are conducted by experienced professionals who evaluate vessels, cargo, and marine structures for safety, value, and compliance with industry regulations. These surveys are critical for vessel owners, insurance companies, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. NAMS-certified surveyors follow strict ethical and professional standards, offering objective, expert evaluations that help safeguard marine assets and maritime operations.
See attached the link for the NAMS website to learn more:
Conclusion
The USCG, CFR, SAMS, and NAMS play crucial roles in ensuring the safety, legality, and reliability of boating for boaters and their families. Each entity contributes to a secure and well-regulated maritime environment, helping to prevent accidents, ensure compliance, and protect investments.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) – The USCG enforces maritime laws, conducts search and rescue operations, and ensures boating safety. Its presence on the water provides peace of mind to boaters, knowing they can rely on professional assistance in emergencies and enforcement of safety regulations.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – The CFR establishes legally binding regulations for vessel operation, safety equipment, navigation rules, and environmental protections. Compliance with these regulations helps prevent accidents, protects marine ecosystems, and ensures boaters follow proper safety protocols.
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) – SAMS-certified surveyors conduct vessel inspections to assess a boat's condition, safety, and value. Their surveys help boaters make informed purchasing decisions, secure insurance, and verify that their vessels meet required safety standards.
National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) – NAMS surveyors provide professional evaluations of boats and marine cargo for insurance, financing, and regulatory compliance. Their expertise ensures vessels are seaworthy and legally compliant, helping boaters protect their investments and stay safe on the water.
Together, these organizations and regulations create a structured, safe, and reliable boating environment, allowing boaters and their families to enjoy the water with confidence and security.
Thank you for your time, and stay tuned next week for the next topic:
Coming up ABCY (The American Boat and yacht Council)
if you have any questions regarding surveying, please conctact us at
Daniel P.
Director of DanielPSurveys, LLC.
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