MAY 14, 2009

Public vigilance at marine sites helps keep state, country safe

With increased activity around the state's waterways as the weather warms up, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and U.S. Coast Guard officials are asking residents to keep their eyes and ears open for suspicious activity.

It is the voluntary participation of local homeowners, boaters and businesses in the America's Waterway Watch campaign that is key to protecting the state's waterways from terrorist threats and other illegal activity. America's Waterway Watch is based on the same principle of citizen involvement as community-based neighborhood protection programs.

"To be successful, the America's Waterway Watch campaign requires everyone to do his or her part," Land said. "If you see or hear of something that seems unusual, please report it to the authorities. By taking this simple, yet effective, step toward protecting your community, you become one strong link in a chain that secures the entire state."

Information about the campaign is available at all Secretary of State offices and on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

This the fifth year that the Department of State has joined with the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons in promoting the campaign. Capt. Fred Midgette, commander, Sector Detroit; Capt. Mark Huebschman, commander, Sector Sault Ste. Marie and Capt. Bruce Jones, commander, Sector Lake Michigan, representing the Great Lakes region, noted that the campaign acts as a deterrent to potential terrorist activity.

"Although we have not experienced the rash of terrorist attacks that other nations have, protecting our state and country is a duty that requires constant attention," Midgette said. "America's Waterway Watch is an effective means of promoting greater public awareness about the importance of defending our waterways. No special equipment or training is needed to participate, just a watchful eye and common sense. We are pleased to again work with Secretary Land in making information about the campaign available at all Secretary of State offices."

America's Waterway Watch asks residents to report:

• Any suspicious person who misuses boats or seems strangely unfamiliar with them.
• Any person or watercraft that appears to be loitering or has no specific reason for being in the area.
• Anyone trying to access a boat by using force.
• Unattended vessels in odd locations.
• Unusual night operations.
• Lights flashing between boats.
• Anyone recovering or tossing items into waterways or onto shorelines.

Residents are cautioned to not approach or challenge anyone acting suspiciously. Any concerns should be called into the National Response Center at (877) 24WATCH (249-2834). Life-threatening emergencies and serious threats to property should be reported to 911 or called into the Coast Guard on Marine Channel VHF 16.

The Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsor America's Waterway Watch nationwide. More information is available on the Coast Guard Web site at www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

To locate the nearest Secretary of State office or to learn more about the department's programs and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.