You`re part of Homeland Security, too

By Roz Butziger
Posted 11/16/16

Boaters tend to have a camaraderie and watch out for each other, but your responsibility as a boater goes beyond your immediate anchorage. The Coast Guard watches out for everyone's safety, but they can't be everywhere. You are part of Homeland Security,

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

You`re part of Homeland Security, too

Posted

Boaters tend to have a camaraderie and watch out for each other, but your responsibility as a boater goes beyond your immediate anchorage. The Coast Guard watches out for everyone’s safety, but they can’t be everywhere. You are part of Homeland Security, too.

The average boater is in a good position to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. What does that mean? Do they expect you to be a detective or go after criminals? Absolutely not! What you need to do, though, is to be observant and report anything that seems a little off. How do you know you aren’t just being a bit paranoid? Ask someone else on your boat if it seems sort of suspicious to him as well. If he agrees, should you delay, maybe go closer and investigate? No! That is not your job. Leave that to the experts. You are the eyes and ears of the Coast Guard. You are more familiar with your own marina and favorite harbors, and you would probably be in the best position to spot something out of the ordinary. If you see damage to life or property, of course call 911.

Can one person make a difference? Right here in Warwick a boater saw someone on shore shining a blinding laser light at the cockpits of airplanes coming in for a landing at TF Green Airport. He called it in and remained in his boat to direct the police to the location of the offenders. They were arrested and that put a stop to the life endangering activity.

So what should you be looking for? You should report unusual activity around bridges, dams or power plants, high-risk ships or military bases. Near any ports, such as Providence, be aware of out of place activity around tankers or oil storage facilities. Any industrial facility, tunnel or fuel docks bear watching. Record the type of activity, time, the location, and any boats or vehicles involved. Reporting not only reduces a possible terrorist threat, it also can reduce theft, drugs, vandalism, violence or even illegal toxic dumping. You can contact Port Security or the Coast Guard, or the local police. In another state citizens noticed a group carrying packages into a deserted warehouse and attempting to block any view of the door with a van. Their call resulted in the discovery of bomb making materials and they probably prevented a disaster.

What if the authorities check out your report and find the activity was perfectly innocent? Good! That’s what we want. But what if you saw it and didn’t report it and it turned out to be a major problem that you could have prevented?

Know the National Response Hotline 1-877-24-WATCH and also your local Coast Guard Station Castle Hill 401-846-3676. Be part of America’s Waterway Watch. You are force multipliers and a critical resource. If you see something, say something. Let’s all be involved in our boating neighborhood watch.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here