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Dave,
For ships that fly the US flag, the Coast Guard regulates all crewmembers from the Captain to the cook. Both the Coast Guard and an independent classification body (American bureau of Shipping, Det Norsk Veritas, Lloyds registry) ensures that the ship itself meets all regulatory reqirements, which in this country are strict in comparison to most other sefaring nations. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Spills and accidents in this country are far LESS frequent that other countries, it is just that we do not hear much about them since in "doesn't affect us." This is no consulation to the areas that are impacted such as this case. Now for foreign flag ships, all bets are off. There is an International maritime organization, that tries to maintain international standards, (ie double hulls, standards in watchkeeping and training, etc) but it is a difficult task to tackle.
Keep in mind that the USCG has there eye on Bouchard, they are also the owners of the barge that blew up a few months ago in Staten Island.
I don't have time to go on now, I'm not at work, but I would be glad to answer any other questions on this matter.
I am torn on matters like these, I am a fisherman who respects and plys these areas, but I also hold a USCG License to operate merchant ships. It is an industry that is near and dear to me.
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