Coast Guard Lt. Tom Fullam, domestic marine inspector for Sector New Orleans, inspects piping seals and fittings aboard a red flag barge on the Mississippi River, Aug. 20, 2009. The Coast Guard Marine Safety program is responsible for ensuring the safe operation and navigation of some 20,000 U.S. and foreign flagged vessels. Over 70,000 domestic vessel inspections and 10,000 port state control examinations are conducted each year to safeguard maritime commerce, international trade and supply chain security. Photo by PA3 Casey J. Ranel