A “Good” Inspector

In the past, I have heard many opinions from vessel operators on what they consider a "good" Coast Guard marine inspector to be. The majority opinion has been that good inspectors apply "common sense" in enforcing regulations, or that they do not necessarily, "follow the book." I disagree.

The truth is, enforcing prescriptive regulations has very little to do with applying common sense. Enforcing performance or management based regulations if a different story altogether, but we'll save that for future discussions.  While some regulations may seem to be drafted without "common sense," the authority to waive them is above an inspector's pay grade. An inspector who is not knowledgeable of the regulations he is charged with enforcing, or is not thorough or consistent in enforcing them, is not doing anyone any favors.

A recent tragedy reminds us of the important role of the government inspector. On June 5, a building collapsed in Philadelphia killing six people. According to news reports a city building inspector had been to the site on February 12 and 25. He returned to the site on May 14 when a citizen complained about the demolition taking place on the building next door to the one that collapsed. Reportedly, the inspector found the complaints unfounded. On June 12, seven days after the deadly collapse, the inspector's body was found in his vehicle where he had died from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. This is a tragic event for all involved, but provides an opportunity to reflect on the essential role of the government inspector.

All marine inspectors, and those civilians who intend to become third party surveyor and auditors under Subchapter M, should to read the excellent book, Ship Ablaze, by Edward T. O'Donnell. The book tells the account of the Steamboat General Slocum, which caught fire in the East River on June 15, 1904, with the loss of over one thousand men, women and children. The vessel had been inspected, and certified as seaworthy, only six weeks prior by Inspector Henry Lundberg of the U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service, an agency whose responsibilities were later incorporated into the U.S. Coast Guard. After the investigation it was determined that much of the fire fighting and lifesaving equipment on board was inadequate, and it was reported that fire drills were not being conducted. Inspector Lundberg was convicted of criminal negligence for his failure in enforce federal regulations. The captain of the General Slocum was convicted of manslaughter and sentence to ten years hard labor in Sing Sing prison. President Theodore Roosevelt rejected his pardon request.

Being a government regulatory inspector is a serious and noble profession, and one which should not be taken lightly. Coast Guard marine inspectors are highly trained professionals with extensive on-the-job and classroom training. A "good" inspector, or third party acting as one, is one who is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and consistent. Companies fortunate enough to be assigned a good inspector should consider themselves well served.