COMDTINST 16618.8
the organizations' outreach events, guidance on development of their own watch
programs and program materials as long as the local programs are consistent with the
national program and the local materials incorporate the AWW logo. As noted in
paragraphs 5.j., 6.d. and 6.e., the Auxiliary will coordinate the activities of
organizations desiring to support waterway watch outreach activities for the
recreational boating community. However, because AWW is strictly a reporting
mechanism and because participants do not actually become members of a formal
organization, no stakeholder organizations are authorized to act on behalf of, or in
any way represent, the U. S. Coast Guard.
(2) The need to inform industry and the public what action should be taken upon observing
suspicious activity, where to forward reports of suspicious activity (collection point), and
how to identify the circumstances in which the reports should be submitted to a specific
collection point.
a. National program material and outreach efforts will encourage persons to report all
suspicious activities. This information should be reported to the NRC's toll-free
numbers, which are 1-800-424-8802 or 1-877-24WATCH (249-2824). However,
program material and outreach efforts will emphasize that upon observance of
activity that is perceived to present imminent danger or some other type of
emergency, the public should not take any direct action. Our outreach efforts will
stress that, in such situations, the public should immediately contact local law
enforcement authorities by dialing 911, using VHF Channel 16, or by other rapid
means.
b. During outreach forums, Coast Guard Forces should discuss the need for judicious
use of Channel 16 to report suspicious activity, even in emergency situations, due to
privacy and security concerns. To better ensure the proper use of Channel 16 for such
reporting by untrained persons, program material will normally not list Channel 16 as
reporting means unless adequate space is available for explaining the proper,
judicious use of a radio (See paragraphs 5.m and n).
(3) The need to encourage industry and the public to report suspicious activity without
infringing on an individual's right to privacy.
a. To overcome this challenge, the program will train Coast Guard Forces to conduct
outreach and awareness activities, informing the public about the program and its
goal. These members must be able to clearly explain the program and provide
examples of suspicious activities that should be reported including activity indicative
of potential terrorism or other illegal activity (See the definition of suspicious activity
in paragraph 5.b).
b. AWW and associated local programs are not considered intelligence programs. The
focus of the waterway watch program is to encourage members of industry and the
boating public to be aware of and report activities considered suspicious or different.
When conducting outreach, members should emphasize that individuals should not
engage in surveillance or other activities that could be considered intrusive or which
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