This United States Coast Guard USCG publication, Coast Guard Marine Safety Manual, Volume I, Administration and Management, COMDTINST M16000.6, is Change 15 from August 2017, which is the most current version. The Marine Safety Manual (MSM) is the primary policy and procedural statement for the marine safety programs of the Coast Guard. Published for the use of all Coast Guard marine safety and industry personnel, it prescribes the essential functions which must be performed to attain the overall objectives of the Commercial Vessel Safety CVS and Port and Environmental Safety, Marine Environmental Response, and Waterways Management PES/MER/WWM Programs and certain investigative functions of the Recreational Boating Safety RBS Program. The MSM should be used as a guide for consistent and uniform administration of marine safety activities, without undue hampering of independent action and judgment by marine safety personnel.