Security

Boaters are reminded not to anchor under bridges or in channels and not to violate security zones or restricted areas.  Boaters should not approach military, cruise line, or escorted commercial shipping vessels.  There is a 100-yard security zone around all these vessels.  Boaters are prohibited from areas near commercial port operation areas and petroleum facilities. 

America's Waterway Watch Program

America's Waterway Watch (AWW), a combined effort of the Coast Guard and its Reserve and Auxiliary components enlisting the participation of those who live, work or play around America's waterfront areas. Coast Guard Reserve personnel concentrate on connecting with businesses and government agencies, while Auxiliarists focus on building AWW awareness among the recreational boating public.

If you are a tow boat operator, a recreational boater, a fisherman, a marina operator, or otherwise live, work or engage in recreational activities around America's waterways, the United States Coast Guard wants your help in keeping these areas safe and secure. You can do this by participating in its America's Waterway Watch program, a nationwide initiative similar to the well known and successful Neighborhood Watch program that asks community members to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies. Click here for the Waterway Watch Facebook site.

You should always remember that people are not suspicious, behavior is. And if you observe suspicious behavior or activity, you should simply note the details and contact local law enforcement. You are not expected to approach or challenge anyone acting in a suspicious manner.

To report suspicious activity call the National Response Center at 877-249-2824. If there is an immediate danger to life or property call 911 or call the U.S.C.G. on Marine Channel 16.

Operation On-Guard 

The U.S.C.G. Marine Safety Office Miami has initiated Operation On-Guard which is sponsored by the Waterway Watch Program.  This is designed to employ Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and auxiliary as well as law enforcement personnel in response to suspected terrorists activity at waterfront facilities.  Operation On-Guard creates an effective deterrent measure that employs the eyes and ears of the marine industry and the boating public, people that know every inch of the coastline because that is where they work and play.  Potential terrorist are put on notice that their activities will be seen and reported.

Operation On-Guard relies on Auxiliary programs already in place like the Clean Marina program, Vessel Safety Checks, Marine Dealer Visits, and the Commercial Fishing Safety Program to reach waterfront users.  The public is provided with a toll free number, 877-249-2824, for reporting suspected terrorist activity to the National Response Center.   Criteria for reporting suspected terrorist activity include, but are not limited to the following:

• Suspicious persons conducting unusual activities.

• Individuals establishing businesses or roadside food stands in proximity to marina or bridge.

• Suspicious persons photographing or making sketches.

• Suspicious persons loitering for extended periods of time.

• Suspicious persons renting watercraft or ultralight aircraft.

• Suspicious venders attempting to sell/deliver merchandise or drop off packages.

• Unknown persons asking detailed questions about operations.

• Unknown persons inquiring abut details of local security measures.

• Unknown persons inquiring about arrangements and security for public events.

• Unknown persons surveying bridge and waterway operations.

• Boats depositing suspicious passengers in non-passenger locations at night.

• Arriving boats from international waters which appear to bypass U.S. Customs.

Click here for a video on the Operation On-Guard Program.

Maritime Security

The Coast Guard has a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC) levels consistent with the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS).  Click here for definitions of the three levels.

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