Coast Guard Auxiliary Wants You To Become Part Of America’s Waterway Watch Program

July 9, 2004 -- With the summer boating season in full swing, coupled with reports about the increased threat of a terrorist attack on our shores, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is enlisting the assistance of America’s 70 million boaters and others, who work, play or live around our bays, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary wants these water enthusiasts to become a part of America’s Waterway Watch program, a concept similar to the neighborhood watch program. With over 95,000 miles of shoreline and over 290,000 square miles of water, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and its parent organization – the United States Coast Guard can’t be everywhere at once. They need all the eyes and ears of those who frequent our waterways.

The main objective of America’s Waterway Watch program is to prevent acts of terrorism and other illegal activity by having members of the commercial and recreational boating industries, as well as the boating public, recognize and report suspicious activities that may be indicators of potential terrorism.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary urges Waterway Watch participants to never take action themselves, other than placing a call to the toll free number, or by taking photographs at a safe distance. All they are asking is that you keep your eyes and ears open.

According to Dick Clinchy, The America’s Waterway Watch Coordinator for the Auxiliary,” We’re appealing to those who live, work or boat on our waterways; they know the difference between what’s normal and what’s out of place.”

“If you see something that you don’t think is normal or just doesn’t look right we’d like you to take notes and let the National Response Center know where you made the observation or heard what wasn’t appropriate. The sort of details that will be helpful include a description of the individuals, the vessel or vehicle involved and what sort of activity was taking place. Simply pass that information along using the 1-877-24-WATCH number.”

The program has a central phone number, 1-877-24-WATCH (1-877-249-2824), where the public can report suspicious activities. This information goes to the Coast Guard’s National Response Center, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some examples of what the Auxiliary is asking the public to be on the lookout for include, but are not limited to the following:

•    Suspicious persons conducting unusual activities
•    Unknown persons photographing or making sketches of commercial ports and infrastructures.
•    Unknown or suspicious persons loitering for extended periods
•    Unknown vendors attempting to sell or deliver merchandise
•    Vessels anchored around bridges and dams, or fishing in an area not typically used for fishing
•    Recovering or tossing items into/onto the waterway or shoreline
•    Unusual transfer of personnel or items while vessel is moving

Furthermore, the Auxiliary is advising that if anyone observes a situation which is perceived to be an immediate danger, they should contact local authorities by dialing 911, or contact the U.S. Coast Guard on Channel 16 of their VHF-FM radio.





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