Improvements Can Be Made in U.S. Mariners Special Warning System

GAO reviewed the actions taken on recommendations made in a prior report on the need to institutionalize and formalize the U.S. Mariners Special Warning System.

GAO found that the recommendations have been implemented and that the mechanisms for issuing special warnings in a timely manner are in place. The Department of State's Office of Maritime Affairs, which is responsible for deciding on the issuance and timing of special warnings, had generally met its responsibilities in this regard. However, the Office does not routinely document the decisionmaking process leading to the issuance of a special warning and GAO believes it should document this process. GAO found that the acknowledgment instructions in some instances did not identify the specific geographic boundaries within which vessels were expected to respond, and the acknowledgment instructions were not included on copies of special warnings sent to merchant companies. GAO believes that the Defense Mapping Agency should fulfill its responsibilities concerning acknowledgment instructions. GAO found that the Maritime Administration does not routinely follow up to ensure that mariners have received the warning. GAO also believes that the Maritime Administration should make every effort to ensure receipt of special warnings to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the system.