An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | June 22, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Ensures Compliance and Port Security: Successful Examination of the Cargo Vessel Kota Raja in Guam

By Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam

SANTA RITA, Guam -- On June 15, 2023, a U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam team conducted a port state control examination on the 472-foot Singapore-flagged commercial cargo vessel Kota Raja in the Port of Guam.

Examiners found no significant deficiencies aboard. This achievement highlights the importance and impact of mariners taking the port security requirements seriously. The attention paid by examiners conducting multiple compliance inspections and exams on vessels in the area highlights the strategic value of Guam's port to the people of Guam and the wider region.

The port state control program, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, is critical in ensuring foreign-flagged vessels calling on U.S. ports adhere to established safety and environmental regulations. By conducting comprehensive examinations like the one on the Kota Raja, the Coast Guard upholds its commitment to maintaining safe maritime operations and protecting both the port and the surrounding waters.

During the port state control exam, the crew supported a comprehensive range of tests and examinations at the examiners' discretion. These include reviewing documents, plans, manuals, and logs such as licenses, endorsements, medical records, and certificates for safety, security, and environmental compliance.

Additionally, the crew conducts operational tests on navigation and bridge equipment, steering gear, fire pumps, bilge alarms, and oily water separators. The examination also covers inspections of cargo decks, accommodation spaces, galley, engineering spaces, and spot-checks of firefighting and lifesaving equipment. Further assessments include:
• Verifying International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code compliance.
• Examining navigation charts and publications.
• Inspecting the marine sanitation device and incinerator.

The thoroughness of these examinations ensures that vessels like the Kota Raja meet the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental responsibility.

Chief Petty Officer Rod Bawar, leading the exam, commended the professionalism, knowledgeability, and hospitality of the Kota Raja's crew during the examination stating, "The ship's crew demonstrated exemplary cooperation, ensuring a smooth and successful examination process. Their commitment to upholding safety standards reflects their dedication to protecting the port and maintaining a secure maritime environment."

Guam's port holds significant importance to the people of Guam and the region's strategic environment. It serves as a vital hub for commerce, facilitating the movement of goods and promoting economic growth. Additionally, its strategic location in the Western Pacific enhances regional stability and bolsters the resilience of nations in the face of evolving challenges.

Emphasizing the importance of the port and the U.S. Coast Guard's role, Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the Captain of the Port for the region, stated, "The recent successful port state control examination of the Kota Raja highlights our commitment to upholding safety standards and ensuring compliance in Guam's port. As a critical component of the island's infrastructure, the port's security is vital to the economic prosperity and strategic stability of both Guam and the broader Western Pacific region. Our marine safety mission, including port state control exams, ensures the continued safety and resilience of the port and its surrounding waters."

For more news on U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and its ongoing efforts, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USCG-FMSG or subscribe to https://www.dvidshub.net/alerts/unit/7900. You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram at @USCGForcesMicronesia. We are also on Twitter @uscgfmsg.

-USCG-

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam coordinates and executes maritime operations in the U.S. Coast Guard's area of responsibility, encompassing Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. The mission encompasses a range of duties, including conducting inspections, responding to emergencies, and fostering partnerships with port authorities. Through their unwavering dedication, the unit personnel play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Guam's port and preserving its strategic significance in the Western Pacific.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
348,314
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
U.S.-India Relationship Critical to Free, Open Indo-Pacific
U.S. Marines from the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marines, celebrate the end of a live fire exercise with Indian Army soldiers during exercise Bright Star 2023 in Egypt, Sept. 10, 2023.
Sept. 20, 2023 - A shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific bolsters the U.S.-India relationship as the two countries continue to strengthen defense ties, a senior Pentagon official said...

Innovating Logistics in the Pacific the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade Supports Talisman Sabre 23
The 8th Theater Sustainment Command Commander Maj. Gen. Jered Helwig, highlights key points of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore operation to the Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and other senior leaders during Talisman Sabre 2023 in Bowen, Australia, July 31, 2023. JLOTS demonstrates the critical capability of bringing vehicles and equipment to the shore in austere environments or when port facilities are unavailable. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation, advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.
Sept. 20, 2023 - The 402nd Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) deployed in support of the 8th Theater Support Command and Talisman Sabre 23 (TS23) in Australia from June 19 through August 4...

US Army sustainers provide sealift to Australian armor for Super Garuda Shield
Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and vehicles are unloaded from the United States Army Vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda at Tanjung Perak Port in Indonesia during Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023. At the invitation of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Australia is contributing over 125 personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 (SGS23). SGS23 is an TNI and United States Indo Pacific Command led bilateral training activity. It is focused on joint operations with international partners in and around East Java in Indonesia from 31 August to 13 September. Held since 2009, the ADF first participated in 2022, and in 2023 is contributing an Australian Army force element including a Troop of M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 1st Armoured Regiment. The contingent also includes an Infantry Platoon from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australian Regiment, command and control elements, and a range of armoured vehicles, trucks and recovery vehicles. (Photo by Australian Defence Force Cpl. Dustin Anderson)
Sept. 19, 2023 - With Logistics Support Vessel 7 SSGT Robert Kuroda already in Australia for Talisman Sabre 2023, the conditions were set to transport Australian Defence Force tanks and equipment to Indonesia for Super Garuda Shield...

Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit
Sept. 19, 2023 - President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will host Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders at the White House on September 25, 2023 during the second U.S.-Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Summit taking place September 25-26...

Joint Press Statement for the 23rd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
Sept. 18, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 23rd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) on September 18, 2023 in Seoul...