May 29, 2003
Volume 33, Number 149
Division of Parks and Recreation

Contact: Major Bayard Holleger, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, phone: 302-739-3440
or Jason Gleockler, Communications, phone: 302-739-4506

The Boater's Role in Homeland Security

Recreational boaters can play an important role in helping to keep waterways safe and secure. Local law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard are asking boaters to increase their level of awareness while on or near the water. By taking note of suspicious or unusual activities boaters can alert local authorities in time to prevent a dangerous situation. Boaters should be watchful for suspicious vessels around bridges, or other high security areas such as power plants, refineries, gas and oil storage areas, and dams. Unknown persons loitering and photographing or diagramming high security areas, or activities seen as out of the ordinary should be reported.

Past routine actions which could be viewed as suspicious or threatening are;
approaching close to cruiseline ships or commercial shipping such as oil tankers, and hovering near petroleum facilities, power stations, or major bridges. Boaters should give commercial shipping sufficient space to maneuver and refrain from getting too close to commercial marine facilities and petroleum pipelines. "With Homeland Security being an important issue, boaters should be aware that some practices they have been accustomed to may now be viewed in a different light," said Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer, Major Bayard Holleger.

The Coast Guard has established regulations for the safety and security of U.S. naval vessels in U.S. navigable waters. All boaters should know about the Naval Vessel Protection Zones. Naval Vessel Protection Zones are established within 500 yards of any naval vessel. All vessels are required to operate at minimum speed necessary to maintain course and proceed as directed by the official patrol accompanying the vessel when within 500 yards of any naval vessel. No vessel is permitted within 100 yards of any naval vessel unless given specific approval from the official patrol or commander of the naval vessel. Official patrols and naval vessels will be monitoring and can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16. Violations of the Naval Vessel Protection Zones are a felony offense, punishable by up to six years in prison and/or fine up to $250,000.

Search and rescue cases that are prevented will reduce demands on the limited resources of the Coast Guard, local law enforcement and rescue authorities. "If boaters inspect their boat before launching," said Holleger "problems can be avoided and the Coast Guard will be free to assist with the country's defense." Another way to assist in homeland defense is to get a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary and wear a lifejacket.

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