Founded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, America’s Waterway Watch (AWW) still has relevance, as recent attacks on electrical substations in North Carolina, Washington state and Oregon highlight the continued need for surveillance and public cooperation in defending our nation’s critical infrastructure. The U.S. Coast Guard seeks to partner with you through AWW to identify potential threats to national security and public safety.
How can you help?
The Coast Guard wants anyone who lives, works or plays on the water to help keep the waterways safe. By spending a lot of time there, you can readily identify suspicious behavior.
How can you participate?
AWW requires no membership dues, meetings or long-term obligations. You don’t become an agent, engage in law enforcement activities or patrol any area. The Coast Guard wants your expertise in recognizing suspicious activity while you engage in your normal waterfront activities.
Where should you watch for suspicious activity?
Watch areas with critical infrastructure for transportation or utilities:
- Under and around bridges, tunnels or overpasses.
- Near commercial areas, like ports, fuel docks, cruise ships or marinas.
- Near industrial facilities, like power plants and oil, chemical or water intake facilities.
- Near military bases and vessels, other government facilities or security zones.
- Near railroad lines serving these facilities.
Around Lake Allatoona, these areas might include the dam, fuel docks, hydroelectric plants, bridges or any area where major community damage could be done.
What are you looking for?
Watch for any activity that looks out of place: unusual operation of boats or vehicles; people taking photos or filming transportation infrastructure or government buildings or vehicles; or a physical breach of security, such as a hole in a fence.
What can you do?
Never approach someone you suspect might be about to commit a crime. Take notes about the person’s appearance, clothing, car license plate and type of boat or vehicle involved. Take a picture, if possible, but keep your distance. Gather as many details as you can, and be as specific as possible. Details carry weight and can aid authorities in responding quickly.
Where can you report information?
Call the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH, your local 911 or VHF channel 16 on your marine radio. Each of these will put you in contact with authorities who can investigate and take appropriate action. Your actions in assisting the Coast Guard can contribute to the safety and security of America’s waterways.
– Tyson Bond is a manager and educator in the University System of Georgia. He has served in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2007.
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