USCG Boater's Advisory:
"Operation Liberty Shield"
The Coast Guard is increasing patrols while maintaining the highest level of vigilance in concurrence with the President’s directive - raising the national threat level from Yellow (Elevated) to Orange (High) and with the start of Operation Liberty Shield.The U. S. Coast Guard is taking appropriate security measures consistent with the change in the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level. Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, and boats are patrolling to protect the homeland and closely monitor maritime activity more than ever.
This includes one of the largest increases of homeland security patrols off the Georgia coast.
“It is important for people to know that the we are at a high level of alert and will quickly and forcefully stop any vessel that is unresponsive or refuses to obey the orders of law enforcement officers,” said Captain Wayne Justice, chief of operations for the Seventh Coast Guard District.
“We are protecting our borders with more assets and personnel than ever,” he said.
The Coast Guard will continue to engage its interagency and international partners in
the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, FBI, and other federal, state, and local security and law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of ports, waterways, and facilities.
We encourage the maritime industry, boaters, and the general public to be alert and notify the Coast Guard of any unusual or suspicious activity by calling 1-877-24-WATCH (1-800-249-2824), or their nearest Coast Guard station or law enforcement agency.
Mariners can expect to see a greater Coast Guard presence on the water and in the air. Boaters should be prepared to show picture identification and may be questioned about their activity, particularly if they are operating or loitering in an area that might be of concern. Under Operation Liberty Shield, boaters should:
· Be aware of existing security zones and Restricted Navigation Areas (RNA)
· Stay at least 100 yards clear of any Navy vessel and maintain slow speed and comply with directions when within 500 yards of any Navy ship.
· Monitor VHF-FM channel 16 for CG boating safety and security broadcasted information.
· Avoid areas and activities that might be perceived as threatening or suspicious.
· Be alert and report any suspicious or unusual activity to the Coast Guard or local law enforcement. The National Response Center Terrorism Hotline is: 1-800-424-8802
· Be prepared to be stopped or questioned by the CG or local law enforcement, particularly if you are boating near bridges, restricted areas or port facilities.
Information on waterways restrictions is available at any time on the U. S. Coast Guard Port Operations
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