Captain of the Port
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The Captain of the Port (COTP), in United States water bodies, is a U.S. Coast Guard officer, usually of the rank of captain, who is responsible for enforcing port safety and security and marine environmental protection regulations within the boundaries of the COTP zone i.e. in his or her area of responsibility. The Captain of the Port (COTP) is usually the commander of a Sector or Marine Safety Office in this area. which may be as small as the waters surrounding a port or encompass a large zone.
The COTP administers the Port Safety and Security and Marine Environmental Protection Programs within the boundaries of the COTP zone. In other words, a Captain of the Port enforces regulations for the protection and security of vessels, harbors, and waterfront facilities; anchorages; bridges; safety and security zones; and ports and waterways. For example, he may designate restricted areas, such as around nuclear power plants; mandate the use of pilots for navigation into harbor; mandate prior notice of arrival for ships carrying hazardous material; and other safety or security related activities.
In the United States, the Captain of the Port is a Commanding Officer of a marine safety command and receives this authority from the Commandant of the Coast Guard via the chain of command. Each Commanding Officer holds four separate functional titles that are prescribed in law or treaty. These designations are:
- Captain of the Port (COTP)
- Officer in Charge Marine Inspections (OCMI)
- Federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC)
- Federal Maritime Security Coordinator (FMSC).
In the event of an emergency, the Captain of the Port has the authority (and additionaly as FOSC and FMSC) to act as necessary without additional authorization and has power over all of the other major Federal agencies in his area of responsibility. However, the Captain of the Port must consider federal laws and the Code of Federal Regulations in making decisions in non-emergencies.
The designation was first used during World War I and was given to the officer responsible for loading munitions aboard ships.
In many other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, there is an equivalent position known as the harbourmaster.
