The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SAN DIEGO) — U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego marine inspectors embarked on a three-day temporary assignment to shipyards in Ensenada, Mexico, to conduct regulatory oversight during the dry dock of two passenger vessels that operate out of San Diego, Jan. 19-21.
While the U.S. Coast Guard-Mexico relationship often focuses on matters of defense and law enforcement, Sector San Diego’s Prevention Department is expanding the partnership to include economic security.
The effort was part of a binational region responsibility to facilitate commerce and ensure economic security.
"Providing the regulatory oversight on these vessels allowed us to ensure the vessels were safe and in compliance with regulations," said Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Koppi, chief of inspections, Sector San Diego. "Having the opportunity to work with the shipyard owners highlights their professionalism and commitment to ensure safety of maritime commerce across international borders."
The oversight provided by the marine inspectors allowed a Hornblower cruise vessel and a Myacht America LLC vessel to safely return to service.
"This tremendous effort by the Coast Guard was key to facilitating the relationship and helping to grow commerce while ensuring economic security between our two nations,” said Paola Avila, vice president of international affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Coast Guard is to be commended for seeing the possibility that exists by utilizing the strong San Diego-Mexico economic relationship to create new business opportunities for both of our nations."
