Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Manea (left) and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Whitaker, both boatswain’s mates assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island, inspect a life jacket while conducting a routine boarding Jan. 21, 2026, in Oak Island, North Carolina. The Coast Guard conducts various types of boating inspections to verify that mariners have all required gear aboard their vessels and to ensure the safety of all passengers. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christine Bills)