Mission: Provide rapidly deployable highly-trained crisis communications professionals to help Incident Commanders and Federal On-Scene Coordinators meet their objectives of truth and transparency of operations for the public

Capabilities: Deployable personnel and equipment to meet public affairs needs during the initial response (e.g., staff Public Information Officer (PIO), establish and manage a Joint Information Center (JIC), coordinate media relations, produce public information products, and provide Public Affairs (PA) guidance for all response personnel); Training and Exercise support in risk communications and ICS-based joint information center operations for all NRS components; Area Contingency Plan review for adequacy of public information management sections and customized communication plans

• The Public Information Assist Team (PIAT) is available to help Incident Commanders meet their communications needs during an incident. The PIAT is a four-person team that provides crisis communications expertise during all-hazards events and is highly trained in establishing and managing the NIMS Joint Information Center.
• The JIC is a central location that facilitates public information responsibilities during an incident.
• The PIAT responds to incidents at the request of a Federal On-Scene Coordinator and is prepared to staff all levels of the JIC, including Public Information Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer positions.
• PIAT members also teach risk communication techniques and Joint Information Center organization to Coast Guard, other federal, state and local agencies, and industry personnel. The PIAT also helps develop federal and industry-led pollution response exercises, and acts as coaches and evaluators during exercises.