How to Help The USCG With Port Security

Vigilant Boaters Can Help Prevent Future Attacks

At a meeting with U.S. Coast Guard officials on May 20, Safe/Sea Captains Pete Andrews and Phil LeBlanc learned about the many new port security duties being performed by our local Coast Guard entities in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

While the Coast Guard is doing their utmost to ensure the safety of everyone on the water, they are encouraging all boaters to participate in the national effort to protect our shores. Those of us who live in coastal communities and spend time on the water can be valuable contributors to the protection of our nation. You know best what is or is not suspicious activity, and, by reporting it, you can play a vital role in defeating terrorism.

The USCG is calling this program of citizen participation The Maritime Awareness Program, and they have personnel available 24 hours a day, everyday to take your reports of suspicious activity and investigate them.

We all need to work together to ensure the safety and security of our homeland. Both Safe/Sea and the U.S. Coast Guard urge you to be alert, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity you may witness to the USCG Group Wood Hole via cell phone at (508) 457-3211, or on VHF channel 16.

Check the list at right for examples of the kinds of things that indicate suspicious activity. The list is certainly not all-inclusive, and you should use you best judgement as a local boater as to what is normal activity and what is not.

More extensive information on this subject is available at the Marine Safety Office Providence website.