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.

Operation On-Guard

The U.S.C.G. Marine Safety Office Miami has initiated Operation On-Guard. 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 and the 1-800-BE-ALERT number for U.S. Customs. 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

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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