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Archive for the ‘Coast Guard’ Category

Calvert County’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla is now at http://www.drumpoint.org

Shameless promotion, because I created the site. Check it out. Southern Maryland’s boating safety website.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that, “Maryland has already EXCEEDED last year’s total for boating fatalities.” Marylanders have been extraordinarily careless on the water water resulting in numbers of fatalities almost exceeding the worst year year, 2006. None of the those who died were wearing life jackets.

It is consistent with what I have seen just eight hundred feet from home off the beach near Breezy Point. Last weekend residents witnessed a careless PWC operator with four young children speed through swimming areas. None of the PWC occupants were wearing life jackets.

Maryland, wake up. Be safe on the water please.

SAN FRANCISCO — Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco participated in a tribute on Wednesday and Thursday in honor of the Honolulu-based helicopter crew who perished in a nighttime training accident in September 2008.

read more | digg story

Calvert County Commissioners signed a National Safe Boating Week Proclamation at their Monday morning meeting, May 11, 2009. Present to accept the proclamation were members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Drum Point Flotilla and a member of the regular Coast Guard BM Logan from Station St. Inigoes.

On Friday, May 8, Commissioners Linda Kelly and Susan Shaw went boating on the Patuxent River with members of the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard to see first hand how America’s Volunteer Lifesavers do what they do.

Drum Point Flotilla Commander Dan McConnell accepted the proclamation for the Auxiliary.

All boaters are strongly urged to boat safely this boating season. Read more about National Safe Boating Week. Wear that life jacket please!

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WAVY.COM 13 May 2009 – HAMPTON, Va. – Local marinas and the U.S. Coast Guard are seeing a significant spike in the number of boaters who are heading out on local waterways, and they warn that also means an increase in the potential for disaster.

The full story at WAVY.COM. Boaters on the Chesapeake Bay need to be conscious of all boater safety regulations and the rules of the road. Please don’t become a statistic this boating season. Thanks to @NASBLA on Twitter for  pointing out this story.

I enjoy bragging about our Guardians! Our Coast Guard is absolutely top notch. Today Public Affairs for Sector Baltimore released a unit spotlight news release about the brave guardians that are trained in law enforcement in order to board vessels.  In Southern Maryland we are fortunate to have our Guardians as well as agencies like the Calvert County Sheriff protecting our way of life on the Chesapeake Bay. Just knowing these guys and gals are there makes us all feel warm and cozy in our most vulnerable moments.  Now the Baltimore Sector Vessel Boarding and Security Team:

News Release: Date: May 12, 2009

Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(410) 576-2541

The Vessel Boarding and Security Team is located at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md. Their mission is to detect, deter, and respond to terrorist activity and ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure in the Port of Baltimore. The VBST performs more than 100 boardings a year in the Upper Chesapeake Bay and the National Capital Region on commercial vessels. There are currently seven active duty members and 29 reserve members serving with the VBST. Members of the VBST go through extensive law enforcement training, weapons training and first responder training such as first aid and CPR. The VBST conducts training both internally and externally with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Leonard Posluzny uses a training baton on Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Anderson during law enforcement training at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md., Monday, May 11, 2009. Members of the Vessel Boarding and Security Team must be proficient in self-defense standards before performing law enforcement. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)

Robert Taylor of the Baltimore SWAT team goes over different maneuvers of tactical entry with the members of the Coast Guard Vessel Boarding and Security Team at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville, Md., Wednesday, May 6, 2009. The VBST regularly trains to improve their law enforcement skills and builds working relationships with state and local agencies. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)

Petty Officer 2nd Class Karl Banks approaches a suspect for handcuffing during law enforcement training at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Md., Monday, May 11, 2009. Vessel Boarding and Security Team members practice proper handcuff techniques to keep themselves protected without harming the suspects. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard announced Tuesday the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the regulations governing waterfront facilities that handle liquefied natural gas and liquefied hazardous gas, 33 Code of Federal Regulations part 127.

The proposed modifications would affect the process for the submittal of Letters of Intent by owners/operators, as well as issuance of Letters of Recommendation by the Coast Guard Captains of the Port.

Under the proposed rule, when an owner/operator proposing to build or modify a liquefied natural gas/liquefied hazardous gas facility submits a Letter of Intent to the Captain of the Port, the owner/operator would be required to conduct a Waterway Suitability Assessment for liquefied natural gas/liquefied hazardous gas marine traffic.

After the Captain of the Port receives the Letter of Intent and reviews the Waterway Suitability Assessment under 33 Code of Federal Regulations part 127, the proposed rule would require the Captain of the Port to issue a Letter of Recommendation to the federal, state and/or local agencies that have jurisdiction to permit and approve the facility. The Letter of Recommendation conveys to the final approving authority the Coast Guard’s recommendation regarding the waterway’s suitability for liquefied natural gas/ liquefied hazardous gas marine traffic.

These proposed revisions would update the regulations to require what are currently voluntary industry practices and Coast Guard activities. These revisions will also align the Coast Guard’s regulations for liquefied natural gas with those established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Coast Guard encourages the public to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2007-27022. All comments received will be posted without change.

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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History.  Powerful Future.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 29, 2009 – Having friends and family aboard is what boating is all about. But in an emergency could they quickly locate a fire extinguisher or provide accurate location information to rescuers — without your help?

read more | digg story

We have Guardians serving in near Djibouti. This Monday Admiral Thad Allen of the Coast Guard was on the Boutwell and published a great blog entry on his journal iCommandant. He asked that we take a minute to send a shoutout to our brave Guardians on the Boutwell. Take a minute to say hello and send a greeting to the Guardians serving on the Boutwell!

Click here!

MCINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard held a memorial service here today, at Azalea Hall, for the 27-year-old Coast Guardsman who died after a swimming accident April 22, 2009. Seaman James A. Salac, a food service specialist at Group Humboldt Bay, was recovered from the Trinity River at Kimtu Beach in Willow Creek, Calif., by the Humboldt County

read more | digg story

PORTLAND, Ore. — Floating down the river on a raft under the influence of intoxicants turns out to be a violation of state boating laws, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled this morning. The Court said that a raft is covered by the laws regulating boating in the state.

read more | digg story

(Photo Release)

Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(410) 576-2541

Members of Nate Bruckenthal’s family attend the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009.  “I’m grateful for the dedication to Nate’s Memory,” said Laurie Freiman, Nate Bruckenthal’s mother.  “I want to thank everyone for honoring him and his service to our country.” (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)

Noabeth Bruckenthal, Nate Bruckenthal’s sister, speaks to the runners prior to the start of the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009.  Approximately 17 different Coast Guard units participated in this year’s event.  (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmy DiCanio, a member of Engineering Logistics Center Baltimore,  participates in the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009.  Participants of the run ranged from age five to 64 years old.  (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)

Chief Petty Officer John Wright, a Coast Guard recruiter in Fredericksburg, Va., participates in the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Run at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Friday, April 24, 2009.  The 205 participants included Coast Guard active duty, reservists, retirees, civilians and military dependents.

(Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill)

Read more about our Guardian Nathan B. Bruckenthal at CGblog.org.

See the video of a Coast Guard  memorial service for Nathan also held today.

This press release was issued by the United States Coast Guard 11th District Public Affairs Detachment for Los Angeles as a Notice to Boaters. While it is primarily aimed at the boating public in the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, we around the Chesapeake Bay can get something out of the release as well.

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Notice to Boaters April 23.2009

Coast Guard Urges Awareness to Recreational Boaters of Boating Safety Laws

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -In light of recent near misses and the start of the 2009 boating season, the Coast Guard will be increasing the enforcement of small vessel navigation rules.  There have been several recent near misses in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach which were the direct result of dangerous maneuvers by small craft impeding the movement of large commercial vessels. Reports include small craft impeding port channels, cutting through Pilot Operating Areas, and cutting across the path of large ocean going shipping, all violations of federal regulations.

Recreational, commercial fishing, and small passenger vessels must use extra care when transiting in port channels, Pilot Operating Areas, as well as the entire Precautionary Area. The Precautionary Area is a convergence zone for the two major shipping lanes in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area and extends approximately seven nautical miles from the federal breakwater.

Increased Coast Guard Patrols to Begin

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach has taken a heightened posture towards addressing these violations. Taking a tiered approach, the Sector is nearing the end of the Outreach and Education Stage. This included coordination with the Los Angeles – Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee, distribution of safety pamphlets, and increased boating safety classes and exams offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Enforcement Phase will begin in May with increased water patrols focused on navigation violations within the Port area. This corresponds with the National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2009 and Memorial Day weekend which is the traditional start of the recreational boating season.

Important Navigation Rules for the Port Area

Stay Clear of Pilot Operating Areas. Part 165.1152 Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations prohibits any vessel from entering the Pilot Operating Areas unless they are entering/departing through the respective gate. Vessels are further prohibited from stopping or loitering (including fishing) in the area unless they are embarking or disembarking a pilot. The Pilot Operating Areas are shown on NOAA charts as purple trapezoids extending seaward from each gate (extending approximately 1.5 nautical miles from Los Angeles’ Angel’s Gate and 2.5 nautical miles from Long Beach’s Queen’s Gate).  NOAA nautical charts 18749 and 18751 have notes printed on them alerting boaters to this rule.

Don’t Impede Vessels in Narrow Channels. Rule 9 of the International and Inland Navigation rules stipulates that vessels less than 20 meters (approximately 65 feet), sailing vessels, or vessels engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only in a “Narrow Channel or Fairway”. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Public Notice 1-96 applies Rule 9 to the Pilot Operating Areas and all channels leading to deep draft berths within the port. This means that any large commercial vessel operating anywhere in the Pilot Operating Areas or anywhere in the port should not be impeded by small vessels. This supersedes the navigation rule which gives sailing vessels right of way over power vessels.

Rule 9 further states that vessels shall keep as near to the outer limit of the narrow channel which lies on the starboard side as is safe and practicable. This means that small vessels should not proceed down the middle of port channels or down the middle of the Pilot Operating Areas.

Maintain a Proper Lookout. Rule 5 of the International and Inland Navigation rules requires a proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means.

Maintain a Proper Radio Watch. Required by the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act for power driven vessels over 20 meters (approximately 65 feet), as well as towing vessels over 26 feet, and vessels 100 gross tons or more while carrying one or more passengers. Vessels should monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 as well as passively listen to Vessel Traffic Service channels (CH 14 VTS outside breakwater, CH 73 Los Angles pilots, CH 74 Long Beach pilots).

Negligently Operated. Small vessels operating too close to a large vessel and impeding their safe passage are considered to be “negligently operated” and may be cited as such.

Avoiding Dangers inside a Commercial Port

The combined port complex of Los Angeles and Long Beach is one of the largest and busiest ports in the entire world. Thousands of recreational boaters, ships, tugs, barges, ferries, and other commercial vessels must share the use of the waterways everyday. This can be a challenge!

· Stay clear of commercial traffic lanes.

· Never pass between a tug and its tow or you may hit the long submerged tow line.

· Steer clear of large ships. Large ships have the right-of-way in channels and Pilot Operating Areas.

· Ship speeds can be deceptive. They cover distance much faster than it appears and it generally takes up to a mile and a half for these vessels to come to a complete stop. If a water skier or windsurfer falls a thousand feet in front of a moving tug, that person in the water has less than one minute to get out of the way of that vessel.

· A large ship’s blind spot can extend for hundreds of feet in front of them, so they may not even see a small craft which cuts in front of them.

· Take a Boating Safety Class. Get a Free Vessel Exam. http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.html

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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History.  Powerful Future.

West Marine has an excellent advisor article on selecting sunglasses for boating.

There are locations in Solomons, Deale, and Annapolis.

On the mid-Chesapeake (Annapolis to Cove Point) marine VHF channel 68 156.425 MHz has become a toilet of pornographic filth. Sadly some adults have no personal standards. On Sunday afternoon April 19, I heard some of the filthiest diatribes I have ever heard. Most of what was said beats the garbage mouths one hears on the CB radio.

The VHF marine band exists for three reasons:

!. Safety
2. Navigation
3. Commerce

It does not exist so a mindless jerk aboard a Bayliner imitating the accent of a foreign speaking fisherman can harass others and exchange gay jokes with other mindless fools. Pornographic behavior does not belong on VHF marine. It is time it ended – now would be good.

The general public has very few channels they are allowed to use on marine VHF. Using one of those channels for filth makes no sense. It is a waste of a valuable two-way radio resource. When is it going to end? It is probably a waste of my time to remind the morons that abuse the privilege that their little show is a violation of Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations under FCC Part 80. These nutcases have probably never looked at a regulation.

I encourage anyone that knows who these people are to turn them in to the FCC. It is high time someone brought the behavior to the FCC’s attention. It went on last year and has already resumed again at the start of a new season.

In the last hour and a half this Friday afternoon three vessels have called for radio checks on marine VHF Channel 16. The Coast Guard reminds boaters on the air and in their various boating courses that radio checks are not permitted on channel 16.

Why are radio checks not permitted on Channel 16? Channel 16 is a calling and distress frequency. It is NOT intended for casual radio traffic or for making blind general calls for radio checks. Keeping the radio channel free of superfluous radio traffic is vital to boater safety – your safety. Every person using channel 16 for other than the channel’s intended purpose could potentially interfere with an emergency call for assistance or in other words prevent or delay a call from being heard.

Look at the issue from the point of view of the Coast Guard. Their watchstanders listen to marine radios connected through an array of high antenna sites. The Coast Guard hears far more on these high sites than you ever will on your boat radio. Your radio horizon may be just a little farther than your visual horizon but the Coast Guard’s radio horizon extends four to five times as far. Radio checks in the area of responsibility for Baltimore Sector would quickly jam channel 16 with junk radio traffic on a busy boating weekend.

It still amazes me that inconsiderate boaters still use channel 16 to test their marine radios even after they must have heard the Coast Guard periodically remind violators over the radio. The recommended channel for radio checks is the alternate boater calling frequency, VHF channel 9. The method for making the radio check call is to direct a call to a vessel you can hear and call them asking for a radio check. Should you not hear a vessel on channel 9 you can listen to one of the non-commercial radio channels and call a vessel you hear there. Making a directed call is the preferred method. You should NEVER make a general call to any boater using channel 16.

Please don’t clutter channel 16 with unnecessary radio traffic. Do not make or respond to radio checks on channel 16.

Coast Guard Baltimore Sector has been featuring photographs of our Guardians hard at work at duties critical to their various missions. The following is another press release that features our Guardian, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean T. Smith:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean T. Smith, an Electrician’s Mate with Coast Guard Sector Baltimore’s Engineering Department, installs a new breaker and inspects the wiring of a 27-foot utility boat Thursday, April 16, 2009. The utility boat was brought to Sector Baltimore for installation of the Scalable Integrated Navigation System package which includes a new radar, depth sounder, heading sensor and GPS. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill.)

Date: April 16, 2009

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.

You may be seeing some of these Guardians on the Bay this boating season. Don’t forget to say hello, give them a big smile, and be wearing your life jacket! Congratulations Reservists!

Coast Guard reserve members graduate from Sector Baltimore’s Boatcrew College at Station Curtis Bay, Md., Friday, April 10, 2009. Reservists from all over Maryland attended a two-week long course to learn about the Coast Guard’s 25-foot response boat and performed boatcrew tasks in order to become qualified rescue boatcrew members. (Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer 3rd Class Ayla Kelley)

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 11, 2009
Contact: Anthony Turner
Public Affairs Officer
310-488-0723
[email protected]

http://www.news.auxpa.org/

Don’t be fooled by warmer weather, the water is still cold.

As air temperatures around the country get warmer more and more recreational boaters are taking to the water. The Coast Guard Auxiliary cautions boaters not to be fooled by the warmer air temperatures, the water is still cold.

“Even though the weather is warmer, the water is still extremely cold,” said Anthony Turner, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “With water temps still very cold hypothermia occurs very quickly.”

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below its normal level of 98.6°F to 95°F or cooler.

Hypothermia is dangerous because it affects the body’s core – the brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Even a mild case of hypothermia affects your physical and mental abilities, and increases the risk of accidents. Severe hypothermia causes loss of consciousness and may result in death. Cold water is especially dangerous because loss of body heat occurs 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary strongly urges the public to wear life jackets anytime while out on the water and to check weather conditions before heading out. Having proper survival gear while underway and filing a float plan (www.floatplancentral.org) with a friends or family member is strongly recommended.

Now is also a good time to take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Power Squadron. For more information visit www.safetyseal.net.

For more information about safe boating, please visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions.

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The West Marine Official Blog writes about selecting personal flotation device (life jacket) for use on the water. Everything you ever wanted and needed to know about this life-saving personal accessory. Excellent read.

Visit the West Marine Blog.

The “Unofficial Coast Guard Blog” has an excellent article on the new 406 MHz EPIRBs required on some vessels. I suggest anyone that carries an EPIRB read this article and make sure they are familiar with how it works, registration requirements and so on.

CoastGuardNews.com reminded us all today of the ultimate sacrifice paid by the four Guardians of Coast Guard Helicopter 6505 in September 2008. I have taken the liberty to treat their article like a press release reproducing it here in hopes that more people will read it and Honor the brave men and women of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point by supporting the construction of a memorial to our fallen Guardians.

Our active young heroes in the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserves need our unwavering support, our love, and our continued encouragement as they give the best years of their lives and sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our coast lines, provide essential rescue services, and keep us safe on our nation’s waters:

“On the night of 4 September 2008 Coast Guard helicopter 6505 was conducting an over-water training mission south of Honolulu, Hawaii. While delivering a rescue basket to a Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat something went terribly wrong and the aircraft descended to the water with two pilots, a flight mechanic and a rescue swimmer onboard.

On this fateful night the following men lost their lives:

Commander Thomas Nelson
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Wischmeier
Aviation Survival Technician First Class David Skimin
Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class Joshua Nichols.”

In order to preserve the legacy of these Guardians for generations to come, a memorial site is being constructed at Air Station Barbers Point Hawaii. To accomplish this, the Coast Guard Aviation Association is managing a fundraiser to raise the approximately $50,000 it will cost to fund the memorial.

The goal of those involved in the memorial site is that it be constructed in time so that it can dedicated on September 4, 2009.

In order to help fund the creation of this memorial you or your group may purchase and engrave a brick to be used in construction of the pathway leading to the memorial. Bricks must be ordered by April 14, so there’s only a week left to order.

When considering your donation amount please remember that tens of thousands of dollars must be raised to ensure the success of this timeless remembrance.

Standard 4 inch by 8 inch bricks may be donated by individuals for a minimum donation of $60. Your text may be up to 3 lines with 16 characters available per line.

Larger 8 inch by 8 inch bricks may be donated by groups for a minimum donation of $250. Your text may be up to 5 lines with 16 characters available per line.

For additional information or to purchase a brick, please visit http://my.brixbase.biz/coastguard6505/

There’s a nice story in the Honolulu Advertiser that describes the memorial design and construction plans.

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It was my honor to purchase a brick for this memorial. I hope that you will do the same. Thank you CoaststGuardNews.com for making us all aware of this memorial.

PORT ARTHUR, Texas - (Coast Guard Press Release) The Coast Guard will establish the Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise in Port Arthur, Texas, April 9, 2009.  This NCOE will be the third such center of expertise and is part of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Enhancement Program.

The center will serve as the Coast Guard’s focal point in the operation and examination of gas ships.  The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring that ships transporting liquefied natural gas to the United States meet international and domestic standards for construction and operation that promote the safe transport of LNG.

The center is a training facility that will focus on establishing and maintaining expertise in cryogenic and compressed gas carrier technology and operations, and provide Coast Guard personnel with the technical knowledge and skills they need to carry out their missions.  The center’s ultimate goal is to improve marine safety.  In addition to LNG, other gases that are shipped on specialized carriers, such as liquefied petroleum gas and anhydrous ammonia, also will be part of the center’s focus.

“ This center will allow the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Program to keep pace with maritime industry growth and specific needs,” said Capt. John Plunkett, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur.

Maintaining and administering a ship-rider program to familiarize students in ship design, systems and operations is one of the many functions the center will provide. Other functions of the center include: providing training to personnel at Coast Guard sectors who perform LNG ship and facility examinations, providing assistance to units working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission during an LNG  facility approval process, and providing on-the-job training opportunities for marine inspectors from other Coast Guard units who examine foreign LNG carriers.

Date: April 6, 2009
Contact:  Petty Officer Patrick Kelley(713) 578-3080

Lt.j.g. Kim Kaiser  (409) 723-6589

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(Press Release) BALTIMORE April 5, 2009- The Coast Guard rescued two people and their dog from an aground boat in the Potomac River Sunday.

Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, Md., deployed a rescue boatcrew at 5 p.m. to a 30-foot sailing vessel that had run aground and was taking on water near St. Clement’s Island.

The rescue crew removed Jeffery Shauberger, his son Jeffery Shauberger Jr., and their pet rottweiler from the boat and transported them to a campground near St. Patrick’s Creek.

The sailboat is lit and anchored on the shoal near St. Clement’s and does not affect navigable waterways.

“Both people, including the dog, were wearing their lifejackets,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jon Lee.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to wear their lifejackets when on the water.

(Coast Guard Press Release 020209 – Cleveland, Ohio) – CLEVELAND - William J. Edwards, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Rear Adm. Peter V. Neffenger, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, today announced the filing of a criminal indictment charging Frederico C. Flores, age 21, of Toledo, Ohio, with communicating false distress messages to the United States Coast Guard.

The indictment charges that on about March 12, 2009, Flores issued distress messages to the United States Coast Guard knowing no such emergency existed.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

“We take false distress calls very seriously,” said Edwards. “It diverts valuable resources and time while also wasting a tremendous amount of taxpayers’ money.”

“Hoaxes are a tremendous concern, not only because of the waste of resources, but especially because resources responding to a hoax are not available to respond to an actual person in distress. It could cost somebody more than just money,” said Rear Adm. Neffenger.

The investigating agencies in this case are the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Federal Communication Commission. The case is being handled by Asst. U.S. Attorney Thomas O. Secor who may be reached at (419) 259-6376, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Fowles of the Coast Guard.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

For additional information on false distress calls, also known as hoax calls, contact the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020.

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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard: Proud History.  Powerful Future.