Coast Guard marine inspectors provided safety recommendations to the operators of 11 Shallow Water Barge Recovery System vacuum barges in Empire, La., June 18. The owner/operator of the barges asked the Coast Guard to inspect the vessels, some under construction, to ensure they were safe. The Coast Guard inspectors made recommendations to the owner/operator regarding lifesaving and firefighting equipment, vessel stability and egress issues, leaving the decision to continue construction and operations with the owner/operator. Five of the 11 barges have been engaged in operations today, operating in in Plaquemines Parish in: Bay Jimmy, Red Fish Bay, Pass A Loutre, Four Bayou Pass and Bay Baptiste.