COAST GUARD LAUNCHES AMERICA'S WATERWAY WATCH

TO ENCOURAGE REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard officially launched America’s Waterway Watch today to encourage members of the maritime and recreational boating industries and the boating public to report suspicious activities in our nation’s ports and waterways.

“This is a program similar to neighborhood watch programs in which law enforcement organizations coordinate crime prevention programs with local citizens,” said Adm. Thomas H. Collins, commandant of the Coast Guard. “We’re asking the public to be aware of and report suspicious activity, particularly near bridges, tunnels, fuel docks, industrial facilities and other sensitive locations.”

Coast Guard captains of the port will be distributing educational materials and offer training to members of the maritime boating industry and boating public. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, the volunteer arm of the Coast Guard, will be focusing their outreach to members of the recreational boating community.

“The active duty Coast Guard can’t be everywhere all the time,” said Commodore Gene M. Seibert of the Auxiliary. “There are 70 million recreational boaters. Through America’s Waterway Watch, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is adding eyes and ears to the nation’s efforts to prevent terrorism.”

Shortly after 9/11, Coast Guard units around the country developed local waterway watch programs to encourage reporting of suspicious activity. This new national program is based on the success of the local efforts. It will provide guidance and support to continue those activities and to encourage the development of programs in other locations.

People can report suspicious activity by calling the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH or in the case of immediate danger to life or property contact local law enforcement by calling 911.

More information is available at www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.