For the boater, who may not be of “enlist-able” age or may have other plans, the Coast Guard can use your skills, and talents. Since 1939, men and women have been volunteering their time and energy to the Coast Guard, first in the Coast Guard Reserves, and later in the Coast Guard Auxiliary (in 1941, Congress re-created the Reserves into military service, and re-designated the volunteer force the Auxiliary). The Auxiliary will be involved in all aspects currently allowed by both law (Title 14, USC Chapter 23) and Coast Guard Policy, the 37,000 members of the Auxiliary will be involved in both homeland security and all the other missions they have been performing side by side with the active duty members of the Coast Guard. Proposed areas in which the Auxiliary will become more involved in are: “While it likely means many things, from my view, it foremost means more on the water (and in the air) support to Coast Guard missions. More Auxiliary presence on our Nation’s lakes, rivers, coasts and bays. Clearly, the Coast Guard is counting, more than ever, on the Auxiliary to carry out boating safety activities, in the classrooms and on the boat ramps. That has been and will continue to be a major, cornerstone mission for the Auxiliary. But, at the same time, there is an operational need for the Auxiliary, as the volunteer arm of Coast Guard Forces, to carry out a major support role in maritime security operations. That role includes many things, starting with more backfill support for many normal as well as high tempos “surge” Coast Guard station, group, air station, and maritime safety office functions and activities. It also means more volunteer search and rescue, multi-mission safety surface patrol, and air operations capability and capacity. We will need more operational facilities [boats, and planes], more coxswains, pilots, and crew, and more training to do it all safely. With more and more Auxiliary presence on the water and in the air, a new and most significant supporting role for maritime domain awareness is likely to emerge. Who else knows our Nation’s waters better, than our thirty seven thousand Auxiliaries? Besides, America’s Volunteer Lifesavers are already out there, doing what they do best, every day.” [Capt. David B. Hill, Chief Director, USCG Office of the Auxiliary; A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF DIRECTOR AUXILIARY #1, December 24, 2002.] Keeping InformedAs members of the public and the boating public, how can you be kept abreast of the changes in homeland security, and its impact on boating? One way is to stay in contact with your local merchants who participate with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Marine Dealer program. These merchants, be they marinas, boat stores, or even your local dry cleaners or pharmacy, will be kept up to date with brochures and information about changes in boating laws, rules and policies. Frequent these merchants because not only do they provide you with normal services you need, they are there to educate you! The second way is to read articles such as these. The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary will be providing news organizations both in and out of the marine industry with articles on the changing tides of homeland security and how it effects and affects the boating industry, and the sport of boating. The last way is by stepping up to the proverbial plate and becoming a member of the United States Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve or Coast Guard Auxiliary. Team Coast Guard as these three units are called, working together to provide safety and security to the boating public and this country. To find out more information about the Coast Guard active duty and reserve, either see your local Coast Guard recruiter (tell them I sent you) or go on the web tohttp://www.gocoastguard.com/. If your interested in volunteering your time, and receiving valuable training, either contact your local Auxiliary flotilla, by contacting your local Coast Guard unit or go tohttp://www.cgaux.org. Homeland security and maritime defense, pleasure boating and you – information you need to know. [Authors Note: This is the first of a series of articles to inform the public and boatingpublic about changes in our sport.] |