Page 19: of Marine News Magazine (January 2014)

18 20

efforts, domestically and internationally, and improve governance. In so doing, the Coast Guard will review its own institutions and regimes of governance to prepare for future Arctic missions. This could include efforts such as developing an Arctic Coast Guard Forum in the future to further implement Arctic Council search and rescue and pollution response agreements.

Broadening partnerships: Operating in the Arctic requires a collective effort among stakeholders, which includes do- mestic regulatory regimes; international collaborative fo- rums such as the Arctic Council, the Inuit Circumpolar

Council and the United Nations’ International Maritime

Organization; and local engagements in Arctic communi- ties focusing on training and assistance. Success in the Arc- tic also depends upon close intergovernmental cooperation to support national interests, including working closely within DHS, as well as with the Departments of State and

Interior, the National Science Foundation, and other fed- eral, state, local and native partners, as the U.S. prepares to assume chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2015.

ON THE HORIZON

Beyond these three strategic objectives, there are a num- ber of additional factors that will position the Coast Guard for long-term success, including building national aware- ness of the Arctic region and its opportunities, improving public/private relationships, and identifying requirements and resources to shape outcomes favorably.

Operating in the Arctic is not a new venture for the

Coast Guard. However, adapting to changing conditions will require foresight, focus, and clear priorities. It will also require the closest of collaboration with our partners in Alaska. Improving awareness, modernizing governance, and broadening partnerships will best position our service for long-term success. We have published our strategy and are working on implementation to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the future.

Access the Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy document here: http://www.uscg.mil/seniorleadership/DOCS/CG_Arc- tic_Strategy.pdf MN 19www.marinelink.com

MN JAN14 Layout 18-31.indd 19 12/20/2013 10:04:46 AM