Recreational boaters can work with the United States Coast Guard to effectively improve our nation's homeland security and its working waterfront. Since we know the Coast Guard lacks the resources to be everywhere all the time, boaters can efficiently increase the agency's situational awareness and force strength on our waterways. Boaters can help by operating their vessels safely, taking some basic security precautions and increasing their attentiveness to what's happening around them.
Boating Safety – Search and Rescue (SAR) is a primary mission for the Coast Guard. It is an expensive undertaking and consumes enormous equipment and personnel resources. Boaters can help reduce this cost with what the agency likes to call Preventive SAR. Encouraging behavior by boaters that prevents a rescue response from the Coast Guard diverts resources to improve homeland security. Many of these suggestions are basic and easy to implement.
- Take time to schedule a Vessel Safety Check with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron and ensure your boat meets all safety regulations
- Learn and live by the rules of the road. Take a boating safety class and learn how to operate around other vessels
- Don't drink and operate a boat. Regulations for operating a boat under the influence are the same as your car and carry the same penalties. The noise and vibration of operating a boat intensifies the effect of alcohol use
- Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) while on the water. Most people that die in boating related incidents were not wearing a PFD
Waterfront Security - There are several things that your can do as a boater to make the waterfront more secure. Recreational boaters are additional eyes and ears on the water, able to supplement what the Coast Guard knows about your local waters. Coast Guard personnel rotate between duty stations on a regular schedule and will never know as much amount your local waters than you do.
- Maintain a safe distance from commercial boats, cruise ship and military vessels. Do not come any closer to one of these vessels than 100 yards and slow to minimum operating speed within 500 yards of an U. S. Navy ship. Violations of these regulations can pose serious problems for boaters, the minimum being a vessel boarding
- Be familiar with locally established security zones. Security zones are common near high-risk waterfront facilities like fuel depots, power plants and industrial moorings. Visit the Port Operations Information for Safety and Efficiency (POISE) website for security zone information in your area
- Maintain a sharp lookout for anything that appears unusual in your normal operating area. If you see something suspicious, avoid approaching the responsible party, and call local law enforcement or the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802
- Lock your boat while not onboard. Take your keys home with you. Secure and disable the engine of a boat in storage. Lock and immobilize boat trailers with vessels stored upon them
Suspicious Activity - Most of us know when it seems there is something out of place at the marina or dock. Here are a few warning signs that you might consider:
- People engaged in surveillance activities of critical facilities
- People that just don't seem to fit into what's normally seen at a location
- Unattended boats and vehicles parked in unusual locations
- Unusual diving activities
- People throwing or recovering items from the water
- Boats anchored in unusual locations
- People showing unusual interest in security measures and access to critical facilities
- Transfers of people or cargo between vessels on the water
Your contribution to homeland security matters. Take these easy steps to improve the safety and security of our waterfront. Be alert for the unusual, practice safe boating skills and contact authorities immediately if you observe dangerous behavior on the waterfront!
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