HOW TO HELP KEEP OUR WATERWAYS SAFE AND SECURE POST 9/11
The tragic events
of 9/11 have brought about changes in many aspects of our lives. The effects
even extend to our on-the-water activities. To help keep our waterways
safe and secure, its important to take some necessary measures and increase
your level of awareness. Here’s a list of recommended steps from
the U.S. Coast Guard that will contribute greatly toward accomplishing
this important overall goal:
Be on the Alert
Going out on the water offers many opportunities for fun and relaxation.
It’s part of our American way of life! Unfortunately, the water
can also present opportunities for unlawful or dangerous behavior. For
this reason, the U.S. Coast Guard and other first responders are asking
you increase your vigilance out there as you boat, fish or paddle. By
keeping a careful watch on what’s going on out there, you’ll
be able to quickly alert local authorities in time to prevent a dangerous
situation from occurring.
Activities You Should Report Immediately:
- Suspicious persons
conducting any unusual activities near potentially vulnerable areas,
such as bridges or high security areas.
- Individuals establishing
roadside stands near marinas or other waterfront facilities.
- Unknown persons
photographing or creating diagrams of such things as the underside of
bridges, areas around nuclear power plants, and waterfront facilities
near military, cruise-line or commercial vessels.
- Unknown or suspicious
persons loitering for extended periods of time in waterfront areas.
Suspicious persons renting or attempting to procure or “borrow”
watercraft.
- Suspicious vendors
attempting to sell/deliver merchandise or drop off packages in waterfront
areas.
Specific Ways You Can Help:
- Keep your distance
from all military, cruise-line or commercial shipping vessels! Do not
approach within 100 yards. Slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of
any large U.S. naval vessel, including any U.S. military or supply vessel
over 100 feet. Violators of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone face up
to 6 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, not to mention a quick and
severe response. Approaching certain other commercial vessels may result
in an immediate boarding, so keep well away of shipping or cruise-line
traffic.
- Observe and avoid
all security zones. Avoid port operation areas, especially those that
involve military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities. Observe and
avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc. Violators
will be seen as a threat, and will face a quick and severe response.
For more information on special restrictions in port areas, call 1-800-682-1796,
go to: www.uscg.mil/safeports/, or check with local authorities.
- Do not stop or
anchor beneath bridges or in the channel. If you do so, expect to be
boarded by law enforcement officials.
- Keep a sharp eye
out for anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary. Immediately
report all activities that seem suspicious to local authorities, the
Coast Guard, or port or marina security officials. You can also call
the National Response Center’s Terrorist Hotline at 1-800-424-8802.
Do not approach or challenge those acting in a suspicious manner.
- Always make sure
your boat is secure and locked when you’re not on board. This
includes while visiting marina restaurants, a friends dock or other
piers. Never leave your boat accessible to others. Always take the keys
to the boat with you.
- When storing your
boat, ensure that it’s secure and the engine is disabled. If
it is on a trailer, make the trailer as immovable as possible.
In addition to doing
your part to prevent terrorist activities by following the steps outlined
above, here are more ways you can make our waterways safer:
- Make sure your
boat meets all safety requirements and regulations. Getting a Vessel
Safety Check is an important first step. You can arrange for this free
check by contacting your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United
States Power Squadrons.
- Know and obey the
navigation rules by taking a boating safety class. To learn more about
boating classes in your area call 1-800-336-2628.
- Remain sober and
alert when on the water. Don’t drink and boat. Stay in control
of your craft and respect the rights of other boaters. Be aware of how
environmental stressors, such as vibration, engine noise, sun, wind
and spray, can intensify the effects of alcohol and certain prescription
medications.
- Wear your life
jacket at all times while out on the water! The single biggest cause
of boating deaths is drowning due to unexpected entry into the water.
Make sure each PFD is Coast Guard-approved and fitted properly for the
individual wearing it.
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