February 10, 2025 – Houston, TX — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is proud to announce that the United States Coast Guard will join industry leaders at NAMEPA’s Marine Operations Seminar: Precision in Practice – Navigating Safely and Efficiently in Today’s Waterways, taking place Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Houston Pilots starting at 11:30 am CST.
Captain Robert Compher, Director of Inspections and Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard, will deliver a keynote address titled “Navigating Regulatory Change and Complexity.” Captain Compher’s participation underscores the Coast Guard’s central role in shaping the regulatory, safety, and compliance framework governing U.S. waterways, and its ongoing engagement with industry as operations grow more complex.
Drawing on his leadership in overseeing vessel inspection programs, regulatory implementation, and compliance strategy, Captain Compher will offer insight into how policy translates into practice on the water. His remarks will address regulatory intent, enforcement priorities, and the shared responsibility between regulators and operators to maintain safe, efficient, and resilient maritime operations amid technological advancement and shifting global pressures.
Captain Compher’s keynote sets the stage for a day of high-level operational dialogue, grounding the seminar in the realities faced by mariners, pilots, operators, and port stakeholders navigating one of the most complex operating environments in the world.
With the U.S. Coast Guard’s direct engagement and Captain Compher’s opening address, NAMEPA’s Marine Operations Seminar reinforces the value of collaboration between policy and practice—bringing regulators and industry together to advance safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in America’s busiest waterways.
For more information, agenda updates and registration details, visit 2026 Marine Operations Seminar – NAMEPA.