comdtinst m16114.32c - U.S. Coast Guard

Part 2 – Operations and Missions
Chapter 5 – Mission Types
Section I. Marine Environmental Protection (MEP)
Introduction
In this section
The Coast Guard’s Marine Environmental Protection (MEP) mission
primarily protects public health and safety, natural resources, property,
and economic resources and activities from the consequences of oil and
hazardous material incidents through prevention and, if prevention fails,
appropriate response.
This section contains the following information:
Title
See Page
Description and Authority 2-127
MEP 2-127
Description and Authority
I.1. Description
I.2. Authority
The enforcement of pollution laws is primarily accomplished by
COTP / Marine Safety personnel. Unit personnel actively enforce
marine pollution laws by detecting, investigating, and reporting
violations of law relating to marine environmental pollution as well as
each instance of pollution.
Various specific laws, treaties, and sections of Title 16 U.S.C. contain
authority to conduct the Coast Guard’s MEP mission.
MEP Program Objectives and Response
I.3. MEP
Program
Objectives
I.4. Pollution
Response
Objectives of the MEP program of particular applicability to unit
operations include:
(01) Minimize damage caused by pollutants released into navigable
waters.
(02) Overcome or reduce threats to the marine environment caused by
potential spills of oil or other hazardous substances.
Pollution response activity must be coordinated with the cognizant
COTP / Marine Safety personnel.
While underway or engaged in unit operations, unit boats often detect
pollution incidents or other violations of related laws and regulations.
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