COMDTINST 16618.8
4. BACKGROUND.
a. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 (9/11), clearly emphasized the need to recognize
and report suspicious activities that may be indicators of terrorist activity. Immediately
following 9/11, the Commandant encouraged the maritime industry to report suspicious
activity to the National Response Center (NRC). Subsequently, Commandant (G-M) also
signed Memorandums of Agreement with several national maritime organizations to support
maritime homeland security initiatives and encourage the organizations' membership to be
aware of and report suspicious activity.
b. Also shortly following 9/11, Coast Guard field units realized the need to enlist the maritime
and recreational boating industries and the public in an effort to improve homeland security.
The units recognized that industry and the public could act as a force multiplier, providing an
essential MHS service by maintaining a heightened awareness of activity in the maritime
domain and reporting suspicious activity. Consequently, numerous Coast Guard units around
the nation established MHS outreach programs in their local areas often with the active
support of the Auxiliary and other government agencies. The intent was to reach out to
industry and the public to encourage them to be aware of and report suspicious activity,
thereby providing local, state, and federal officials with critical information necessary to
identify, prevent and respond to potential terrorist attacks. Any observations of suspicious or
unusual activity could be extremely valuable to our national security and may provide clues
to help uncover patterns of possible terrorist activity.
of our field personnel. It is apparent, though, that a national program is needed to provide
support and policy direction to field commanders. The development of the national program
outlined in this instruction serves to: provide overall direction, validate local initiatives,
encourage efforts to develop local programs where programs currently do not exist (new
local programs should be consistent with the national program), provide resource and
training support, and promote consistency and awareness of best practices. The national
oversight program has been branded with the name "America's Waterway Watch." This
program encourages outreach initiatives that are locally focused but nationally connected. It
recognizes regional differences and promotes local program autonomy, while providing
national oversight and support. The national program also provides an excellent return on
investment since it energizes the American public and industry to assist the federal, state and
local governments in improving national security.
d. The local programs were created to encourage the voluntary reporting of suspicious activity.
Subsequent to the development of these programs, Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations,
Subchapter H (reference (a)) was promulgated under the Maritime Transportation Security
Act (MTSA) and includes mandatory reporting requirements. In accordance with Section
101.305 of reference (a), an owner or operator of a vessel or facility required to have security
plans must report activities that may result in a Transportation Security Incident (TSI) as well
as breaches of security to the NRC. America's Waterway Watch encourages the voluntary
reporting of all suspicious activity, but the program will also provide information on
examples of suspicious activities that could result in a TSI or which are considered security
breaches so that owners and operators may better comply with the mandatory reporting
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