US Coast Guard Model Maritime Service Code (USCG MMSC)

The 2009 USCG MMSC was designed to give nations a tool that they can use to assist in making changes to their maritime enforcement frameworks and to their maritime regulations, including legislative changes when needed.  The level of assistance needed to carry out these changes will depend on numerous factors; however, the 2009 USCG MMSC should enable countries to work more independently as they strive to update and modernize their maritime infrastructure.  Assistance under the USCG MMSC program can be single or multiple events depending on the individual circumstances of each country.  Since the USCG Model Maritime Service Code was developed in 1994, there has been training in over 20 countries.

More information on the USCG MMSC program is available in the U. S. Coast Guard’s International Training Handbook. 

The USCG MMSC provides the basic framework for establishing a maritime service from the ground up.  A country can use the USCG MMSC both to create a maritime service and to establish the substantive domestic laws that the maritime service enforces.  The USCG MMSC program can assist maritime nations in strengthening their naval and Coast Guard forces in areas relating to border security, national defense, counter-terrorism, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, merchant marine safety, aids to navigation, and environmental protection.

Multi-Phase Approach

The USCG MMSC program follows a multi-phase approach, consisting of a country assessment, planning visit, and an action phase.  However, assistance under the USCG MMSC program can be tailored to suit the maritime initiatives and challenges of individual countries.    

Assessment (MASL P319132)

U.S. Coast Guard operational mission specialists and attorneys can travel to the participating country for an assessment to learn about the country’s domestic maritime activities and related legal structure.
 
Planning Visit (MASL P319133)

A planning visit for delegates from the participating country can be held in the United States to observe how maritime matters are handled by the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and other agencies, and to develop plans for maritime regulatory initiatives which best meet their country’s needs; legislative changes that are needed can also be addressed.

Action Phase (MASL 319140) 

When program preparations are complete, operational mission specialists and attorneys typically return to the participating country to assist in fine-tuning the maritime policy initiatives.  Assist visits can involve operational training for maritime personnel, assistance with regulatory drafting and/or other forms of drafting support as deemed necessary by the parties involved.