Control exams during the construction of these vessels to ensure compliance with international safety regulations, especially those concerning structural fire protection and lifesaving arrangements. International Port Security Program In 2004 ACTEUR became home to a team of International Port Security Liaison Officers (IPSLOs) who work with all maritime trading countries in the AOR. The IPSLOs are a vital part of the Coast Guard's International Port Security (IPS) Program. Their mission is to learn about maritime port security efforts and implementation of the ISPS Code in all countries that conduct maritime trade with the U.S. This is accomplished by continual engagement with fellow maritime nations. At times engagements are less formal and conducted by the IPSLO alone and other times more formal and include a delegation of IPS Program managers from Washington DC or Portsmouth, Virginia. In all cases, engagements provide the opportunity to conduct on-site information exchanges, share best practices, and observe each country's efforts on maritime port security. IPSLOs also facilitate reciprocal visits to the U.S. allowing other nations to view first hand security practices in U.S. ports. International Outreach ACTEUR carries out a wide variety of outreach and engagement activities. As the USCG's primary representative in the region we work with U.S. embassies, coast guards, international organizations, and the international maritime community to share information and improve understanding of USCG roles, missions, and objectives. We actively participate in various international maritime industry & regulatory forums. Working with our international maritime colleagues, we attempt to improve maritime security and safety and work together to eliminate substandard shipping throughout the world. As a result, we regularly participate in International Maritime Organization (IMO) activities, the Paris and Black Sea Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control groups, the European Commission's MARSEC, and the International Organization for Standardization. Statistics There are over 6,500 miles between two of ACTEUR's regular inspection locations; Bergen, Norway, and Cape Town, South Africa. In 2007, ACTEUR personnel traveled to over 70 different countries throughout the AOR carrying out our various mission responsibilities. ACTEUR has the largest geographic Area of Responsibility of any field unit in the USCG, spanning the Arctic Circle to Cape Horn. References External links USCG Activities Europe Website Maritime safety in Europe Rotterdam United States Coast Guard bases Units and organizations of the United States Coast Guard