We therefore have no options to propose to the current structure. USCG and OMS OMS has complied with most of its statutory requirements except those that require extensive oversight of the USCG tank vessel program. We found that a requirement to oversee USCG inspection programs may be inconsistent with the overall legislative intent for the state program to supplement the federal program. We also found that current changes to the federal program may cause the programs to become more similar over the next few years. The USCG and OMS already share similar mandates and have parallel activities.
Differences exist, however, in their approaches to regulating and inspecting vessels.
We conclude that legislative intent regarding the state's relationship to the federal program should be clarified, and that an assessment of state program activities in relation to the federal program should be conducted in 1998. Recommendations Eliminate the termination language for the Office of Marine Safety. Transfer only the vessel contingency planning function in the Office of Marine Safety to the Department of Ecology.