[PSUBS-MAILIST] USCG Marine Investigation Report and Ramifications

[Jon Wallace via Personal_Submersibles]

Psubbers, I sent an email to the US Coast Guard yesterday and received their response today; see below.  They got our name wrong but in fairness when I wrote my letter I misspelled theirs as well.  :)   I hope when you absorb how the USCG views our organization you feel some pride in the contributions you have made to make PSUBS a successful and respected organization.  ENJOY!



Dear Mr. Wallace,

Thank you for your email outlining the aims of the Professional Submersible Boat Society (PSUBS). My name is LCDR Tom Whalen, and I am the Lead Investigator for the TITAN investigation. We have received your request for collaboration with the US Coast Guard and appreciate you reaching out. The US Coast Guard greatly respects the invaluable work and expertise of organizations like PSUBS. Your dedication to professionalism, safety, and responsible operation within the submersible industry is truly commendable. We recognize PSUBS as a leading voice and an essential partner in shaping the future of this critical sector. While historically the USCG has been more focused on the commercial aspects of submersible operations, we are committed to expanding our understanding and oversight to encompass all facets of the industry, and we see extreme value in your organization's contributions to achieving this goal. We are eager to establish a productive and collaborative working relationship with your group, and as such, we will actively advocate for PSUBS representation in any future submersible industry working groups related to rules and regulations. We believe that your members' firsthand experience and specialized knowledge are vital for developing effective and practical regulations that enhance safety without hindering innovation. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring USCG representation at future PSUBS conventions. These events provide an invaluable opportunity for us to directly engage with your members, learn from their experiences, and foster a strong working relationship built on mutual understanding and respect. To further discuss the specifics of our future collaboration and how we can best facilitate these interactions, I would like to schedule a telephone call at your earliest convenience. Please let me know what time and day works best for you. The US Coast Guard is committed to a transparent and collaborative approach in our oversight of the submersible industry. We recognize that your expertise is essential to this process, and we value the opportunity to work alongside PSUBS to promote the highest standards of safety and responsible operation. We look forward to ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Sincerely,
Tom
LCDR Tom Whalen
National Technical Advisor
USCG Investigations National Center of Expertise