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Reporting Terrorist Activities

The National Mariners Association believes that part of our responsibility to our country, our mariners and the public at large, Is to promote and be a part of the effort in Homeland Security to defend our nation. This page is presented as part of our responsibility, but also is provided as a desire to serve all Americans.

U.S. Coast Guard

Homeland Security

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TERRORIST OPERATIONS

Since September 11, 2001, Americans have been increasingly aware of the threat from terrorist activities. The threat includes any boat, ship, or facility in The Gulf Of Mexico and highlights the need for all Americans to be aware of their surroundings and to report anything that appears to be unusual or out-of-place. This document provides guidance regarding the proper authority to report observations of suspicious activities.

PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

All personnel (recreational and commercial fishermen, licensed merchant mariners, offshore oil and gas industry personnel and helicopter pilots and passengers) can help protect U.S. resources in The Gulf Of Mexico. By being observant and reporting suspicious or unusual activity to proper authorities, you can greatly increase the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies. When in doubt, make the report. If it is something that looks out-of-place to you, then it is worthy of evaluation by proper authorities.

COMMUNICATION TO THE PROPER AUTHORITY

The proper authority to receive reports of suspicious/unusual or potential terrorist activity in The Gulf Of Mexico (including coastal or inland waters) is the United States Coast Guard National Response Center at: 1-800-424-8802. They will immediately notify the local Coast Guard, FBI and other appropriate law enforcement and intelligence personnel.

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

The following communications systems can be used to contact the United States Coast Guard.

Primary - Cell Phone or Satellite Phone
Secondary - Marine Radio using Channel 16 or 68
Other - If you are out of range for your cell phone or radio, you could attempt to contact a manned offshore facility or offshore service vessel who should be able to contact the Coast Guard
NOTE: If you are making a report over the radio, there is a good possibility that you will be overheard by other vessels or facilities including the suspect

SITUATION REPORT FORMAT

Name, address and phone number of reporting source:
Time of Activity:
Location; of activity (latitude/longitude, GPS coordinates or Platform #
Incident Description: Describe the suspicious/unusual activity with a description of the suspect vessel or facility (name, call sign, physical description, etc.)
Additional Information (as applicable)