2023 DBW Course_for_Safe_Boating 12.6.23 Update

Chapter 1 u Personal Safety

Reporting Suspicious Activity: According to the U.S. Coast Guard, recreational boaters are NOT expected to patrol any particular areas. Your expertise in recognizing suspicious activities of vessels and individuals comes from your knowledge of your local waterways. If you see a pattern of behavior such as the following, and it does not “feel” right, you should immediately notify law enforcement or marina/ port officials: ƒ Suspicious/unusual activities near bridges or high security areas on or near the water. ƒ Persons photographing or creating diagrams of such things as the underside of bridges, the area around nuclear power plants, and waterfront facilities near military, cruise-line, or commercial vessels. ƒ Persons loitering for extended periods of time in waterfront areas. ƒ Persons renting or attempting to procure or “borrow” watercraft with little or no interest in learning about the boat or the water conditions. ƒ Suspicious vendors attempting to sell/deliver merchandise or drop off pack ages in waterfront areas. Be alert and boat safely!

REMEMBER

To report suspicious activity: Call the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH. If there is immediate danger to life or property, call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard on Channel 16.

REVIEW QUESTIONS: HOMELAND SECURITY

Answer the following questions by circling T for true or F for false. 1. Recreational vessels are not restricted from approaching military vessels. . . . . . . . . . . T F 2. Violators of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone can face up to six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. . T F 3. S uspicious activities should be reported to local authorities, the Coast Guard, or port or marina security officials. T F 4. Recreational boaters have no part in keeping our waterways safe and secure. . . . . . . . . . T F Turn to page 100 for correct answers.

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California Course for Safe Boating