The United States Coast Guard Cutter William Hart returned to Samoa to support Samoa’s efforts to counter transnational crime, enhance maritime awareness, and protect fisheries and other natural resources.
From February 6 – 10 the crew of the fast response cutter USCGC William Hart (WPC 1134) conducted bilateral maritime law enforcement operations with a Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officer in Samoa’s exclusive economic zone.
The ship’s crew, together with Celina Oliva, the Samoan Fisheries Assistant Officer-Offshore, completed three commercial fishing vessel boardings in the Samoan exclusive economic zone.
During the boardings, officers conducted safety checks, documentation review, gear inspection and catch verification.
No violations were identified.
US Embassy Apia Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki said the shiprider program allows U.S. and Samoan professionals to work side-by-side on the Cutter to counter transnational crime and protect fisheries.
Through bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements, the host nation determines vessel targeting for law enforcement boardings within its EEZ, identifies violations, and determines penalties and follow-on procedures.
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Helsabeck, commander of the William Hart said, “These bilateral boardings demonstrated the strength of our partnership with Samoa and our mutual commitment to safeguarding critical resources.
“By working closely with Samoan fisheries officers, we strengthened maritime law enforcement across the region, deterring illegal fishing activity and upholding security and stability.”
