Yesterday, the Coast Guard renewed the Memorandum of Agreement with the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO). The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the safety and security of the water and ports of the United States where parties exchange information to promote the interest of the American public.

The MOA was signed by Edward O’Brien, vice president of NACO and Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy.

“We appreciate this because nobody knows the local waters better than the charterboat operators,” said Thomas. “When it comes to the ‘See Something Say Something’ initiative and keeping an eye on our waterways, NACO is the organization for the Coast Guard to partner with.”

NACO is a national association of charterboat owners and operators that was formed in 1991 to promote a safer charter boat industry for passengers, representing thousands of individuals all across the United States.

“I recently testified on port security was asked what keeps me up at night and it’s complacency. Renewing this MOA today is a way to send a signal that we’re not getting complacent,” said Thomas. “Your operators are a force multiplier out there, with eyes on the water.”

Edward O’Brien, vice president of NACO, and Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy, renew the Memorandum of Agreement between the Coast Guard and the National Association of Charterboat Operators. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Edward O’Brien, vice president of NACO, and Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy, renew the Memorandum of Agreement between the Coast Guard and the National Association of Charterboat Operators. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

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