| Some Governments make good use of their | | | | quality and longevity for their products. |
| resources and spend their money wisely. The United | | | | Commercial businesses in related areas can register |
| States Coast Guard is a case in point. | | | | with the USCG. When they do so, they fall under the |
| Established to protect the high seas and waterways | | | | rules and regulations laid out to manufacture safe |
| of the USA through the application of all applicable | | | | boats. They are given a USCG ID. Intex Inflatables are |
| federal laws, at ground level this protects US citizens | | | | one such company. Their small boats are also TUV |
| against unlawful activity. As a case in point, it seizes 1 | | | | approved. |
| drug smuggling vessel every 5 days. | | | | TUV Rheinland of N. America Inc are testing |
| The USCG is an institution with a history of over 200 | | | | specialists. They evaluate, test and certify that the |
| years - 220 years to be precise. Established in 1790 by | | | | quality of many products is sound. In this case, it is |
| Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury, it | | | | small boats. |
| was named 'Revenue Marine Service'. Later it | | | | RST Marine boast of providing their small boats to a |
| became 'Revenue Cutter Service' and in 1915 | | | | standard higher than required by the USCG. They |
| amalgamated with the US Life Saving Service and | | | | have teamed up with the National Marine |
| became the USCG. | | | | Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Inflatable |
| One branch of its activities is keeping up-to-date with a | | | | Boat Manufacturers Association (IBMA). |
| huge network of lifeboats and search-and-rescue | | | | The USCG service use their smallest boats in areas |
| stations, using surface vessels and aircraft and within | | | | like duck hunter rescues and they have a successful |
| this area it operates a Boating Safety Resource | | | | Olympic kayaking team. They also always strongly |
| Center. In order to ensure standards are met within this | | | | promote personal safety on the water through the |
| section of the industry, a lot of research and funding | | | | wearing of a PFD. |
| has gone into keeping up-to-date and at the | | | | So why do some small boat manufacturers want to |
| spearhead of new technologies. | | | | comply with the USCG standards? Because they can |
| USCG's smallest boats are 12' in length. It's small boat | | | | take advantage of the expertise and experience |
| division (not necessarily all 12' boats) is involved in 396 | | | | which has been gathered by the USCG to promote |
| sorties or missions daily. That's a lot of wear and tear | | | | best boating for people. |
| going on there. It's no wonder they are interested in | | | | |