[PSUBS-MAILIST] USCG Update and Report - February 20, 2026

[Jon Wallace via Personal_Submersibles]

To all members:

We have made significant progress in establishing productive communication and cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regarding recreational submersible operations in U.S. waters, with the goal of ensuring that PSUBS members can operate safely and responsibly while supporting the USCG’s mission for Search and Rescue (SAR) preparedness.

Over the past six months since the release of the Titan Marine Board of Investigation report, PSUBS has moved from a position of potential scrutiny to one of trusted collaboration and respect.  Through direct engagement with leadership, including LCDR Tom Whalen, the lead investigator on the Titan MBI, Jason Neubauer, Deputy Chief of the USCG Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis, and other subject matter experts, the USCG has consistently recognized our organization’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to safety. Our proactive approach has clearly been noticed and appreciated.

Approximately one week prior to the 2026 PSUBS Annual Meeting in Islamorada, Florida, the USCG requested information for SAR preparedness—including vessel details, personnel rosters, itineraries, and emergency contacts—in accordance with the National SAR Addendum and established maritime safety protocols.  Please note, submittal of this information was neither a request for dive approval nor an endorsement by the USCG.

>From PSUBS’s perspective, this was a natural extension of our already existing safety practices.  Our robust emergency and dive plans for affiliated events provided the USCG with all the information needed for Search and Rescue coordination, demonstrating a mutually beneficial arrangement that maintains operational autonomy.  After submittal of our plans the USCG responded with trust and encouragement—most notably, “have an outstanding dive.”

Think about that… Six months ago, the TITAN report had us worried about our hobby.  Today, the USCG tells us: ‘have an outstanding dive.’  That’s real progress!

By sharing our plans, we ensure the USCG is prepared for SAR coordination, which protects our members and operations.  At the same time, it allows PSUBS to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and cooperative engagement.  This is a classic example of “give a little, get a little,” where a small concession yields significant operational and strategic benefits for PSUBS.

What we think this means for PSUBS members:
    1) Operational freedom to continue safe dives and activities.

    2) PSUBS influence on guidance and safety standards.

    3) Collaborative, supportive USCG relationship—not punitive.

    4) Rumors of shutdown are unfounded; our constructive engagement is being recognized at all levels.

This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of PSUBS’s approach: proactive communication, adherence to safety protocols, and transparent engagement with regulators.  By continuing to follow these principles, we maintain a strong position to shape the submersible industry’s future responsibly.

We appreciate the continued dedication of our members and look forward to safe, successful dives amid ongoing collaboration with the USCG.


Jon