Documentation applies to:
• Vessels of at least 5 net tons (refers to
volume, not weight), wholly-owned by a
U.S. citizen
• Vessels over 25 feet in length
Documentation identifies the vessel by
name, port, and documentation number
(issued by the Coast Guard); the number
must be permanently affixed to the interior
of the boat. Documentation is handled by
the Coast Guard, and information on the
procedure can be obtained by calling (tollfree)
1-800-799-8362.
HOMELAND SECURITY
MEASURES
Recreational boaters are assisting and collaborating
with the Department of Homeland
Security and the United States Coast
Guard, playing a vital role through a program
called America’s Waterway Watch
(AWW). AWW is an extension of the
Homeland Security program where the
public and recreational boaters augment
the USCG as the eyes and ears of all waterways.
Requirements
• Stay at least 100 yards from all military,
cruise-line, or commercial shipping vessels.
Violating the Naval Vessel Protection
Zone is a felony offense, punishable by up
to six years imprisonment and/or up to
$250,000 in fines.
• Maintain minimum speed within 500
yards of U.S. Naval vessels.
• Check charts and stay away from security
zones and port operation areas.
• Check charts, check with local authorities.
• Generally, stay at least 100 yards from
military areas, cruise lines, petroleum
facilities. Also, stay away from dams and
power plants.
• At the request of the Cap tain of the Port,
or District Commander, an area may
also be designated a Security Zone. This
zone may be highlighted in magenta (on
charts) to bet ter stand out and warn the
public to stay clear. Unauthorized vessels,
without specific permission to enter,
must stay out of these marked areas.
Armed military, harbor po lice, or civilian
authorities will likely con front violators.
Guidelines
• Don’t stop or anchor beneath bridges or
in the channel; if you do, be prepared to
be boarded.
• Keep a sharp eye out for anything that
looks suspicious. Immediately report all
activities that seem suspicious to local
authorities, the United States Coast
Guard, or port or marina security officials
using: (see Figure 7-3)
• Telephone National Response Center
at 877 24WATCH (877 249 1824)
• Telephone 911 if immediate danger
to life or property
• VHF Marine Radio channel 16
• Always secure and lock your boat when
not on board.
• Check charts and check with local authorities
for security areas.
Section 7: Government Regulations 85
Figure 7-2. Documentation number
Tip: Do not linger
near bridges or
dams; these are
areas of high concern
to authorities
and any loitering
may be misinterpreted
as a threat.
Do not photograph
bridge structures
while transiting
under them.
Tip: Authorities
may choose to
shut down a harbor
or area at any
time without prior
notice. If they do
so, you MUST go
to the nearest dock
or mooring immediately
and tie up
until the harbor is
reopened.
Figure 7-3. Keep a sharp eye out and report any suspicious activity.
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