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Summary

We began an audit to determine whether the Coast Guard's container inspection program adequately ensures the safety and security of freight containers containing hazardous material that are shipped through U.S. seaports. We will evaluate the adequacy of the (1) Coast Guard’s policies, practices, and equipment used in inspecting freight containers carrying hazardous materials; (2) training, experience, and qualifications of inspection personnel; and (3) information-gathering infrastructure used for identifying, tracking, and intercepting containers that pose a potential safety or security risk. We will also identify, document, and analyze the Coast Guard’s actions to improve its targeting and inspection of hazardous material containers in response to recommendations in our 1998 audit of the container inspection program.