I ended last month's column with a question: Why would
anyone in their right mind want an approval system that's slow
to the point of near paralysis, unnecessarily chokes off
beneficial competition, and allows innovative new products to
die on the vine for no visible reason?
The answer is as simple as it is obvious. They wouldn't. So
why do we have such a system, and why hasn't it been changed?
It's because the Coast Guard's marine safety people have
forgotten their roots and lost their way.
At some point the Coast Guard lost sight of what the marine
safety big picture is supposed to be, which is to promote and
advance the cause of marine safety, especially
search-and-rescue procedures and equipment.
Over the years I've seen a number of new and promising
products that would disappear without a trace, having failed to
gain Coast Guard approval. From the '90s, Stormy Seas flotation
jackets and vests and foul weather gear comes to mind (Go to
www.stormyseas.com/important.htm l for the company's take on
Coast Guard approval.). And Greatland Laser 's rescue laser
flare looked like a sure winner too (www.greatlandlaser.com).
The rules appear to be very clear - if you aren't an
established player then you'll have almost no chance of
success. The lone recent exception is the Personal Retriever by
Life-safer (www.life-safer.com). The company received Coast
Guard approval only after company owner Paul Driscoll waged a
long hard battle. The way he was put through the wringer by the
Coast Guard is an example of the problems permeating this
system.
The people who decide what we're allowed to use [to meet
carriage requirements] are far removed from the real-life
consequences that result from their ill-advised decisions -
decisions that keep good products out of our hands. Maybe if
their own lives depended on the equipment they approved, and
maybe if they were bona fide professional seamen, then just
maybe we'd have a marine safety program worthy of the Coast
Guard's proud past.
For now, however, we just have to wait and see if the new
commandant has it in him to set things straight. If not, we'll
have to depend on Congress to step in.