T&T: Waterway Watch

[Mel Kowal]

The following is from NATIONAL GMDSS IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE Newsletter 
and Summary Record of October 19, 2007 Meeting

f. America's Waterway Watch. LT John Taylor introduced this new program 
which encourages mariners of all types to be on the alert for suspicious 
activity and report any such activity to the Coast Guard. This program is 
endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security and is managed by the Coast 
Guard's new initiative in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). Other highlights 
include the following:

         1). The program is being supported by principal boating 
organizations including the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), State 
Vessel Licensing authorities, BOATUS, Sea Tow, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, 
and the U.S. Power Squadrons

         2). Local reports can be made to the 911 Operator who should 
connect the caller to the local Coast Guard Station. Other means of contact 
include the following:
                 Call the Coast Guard's National Response Center on 
1-800-424-9902
                 Call the Coast Guard on 1-877-24WATCH
                 Call the DHS National Reporting Center on 1-866-347-2423
                 Call the Coast Guard on channel 16 VHF or channel 70 VHF-DSC
                 Use the Coast Guard Universal MMSI 003669999 on DSC or AIS