OMSA, Coast Guard form quality partnership

OMSA, Coast Guard form quality partnership    The Offshore Marine Service Association and the U.S. Coast Guard have entered the Offshore Support Vessel Industry Quality Partnership through a memorandum of understanding.
   The purpose of the partnership, announced May 11, is to promote safety and security within the offshore industry and to protect marine environments. OMSA is a national trade association representing the owners and operators of U.S.-flag vessels that support the offshore oil and gas industry.
   'The Coast Guard remains committed to working with our partners in the offshore support vessel industry to create a common culture for achieving our shared goal of safe and secure maritime trade,' said Rear Adm. Brian Salerno, assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship, in a statement. 'An open dialogue with our maritime stakeholders is a critical component of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Program and this new partnership provides a forum for that two-way communication.'
   'Because OMSA members carry the equipment, supplies and many of the workers needed to explore, develop and produce offshore resources, they can be called the lifeline to America's offshore energy supplies and a true partner to the Coast Guard in its efforts to maintain maritime security, safety and marine protection,' added Ken Wells, OMSA president.
   OMSA and the Coast Guard have worked for years on safety and security issues. An OMSA-Coast Guard working group developed the first prototype for the Streamlined Inspection Process. OMSA also led the way in developing an alternate security plan that is used by much of its membership.