COMDTINST 16618.8
(1) AWW programs will strongly encourage persons to call 911 or local law enforcement
numbers to report imminently dangerous or emergency situations. However, if a call is
made directly to the NRC that is of an urgent matter, the NRC watchstander will gather
the basic information and request the reporting source to call an emergency contact
number. The NRC will then immediately contact the appropriate federal response
agencies in the area, including the COTP, to inform them of the incident or activity. The
NRC does not normally relay reports to local agencies.
(2) In both emergency situations and when receiving reports of suspicious activity in a non-
emergency situation, the NRC will take the report from the caller, log and forward the
information to the Homeland Security Operations Center and the Information Analysis
and Infrastructure Protection Directorate (IAIP) of the Department of Homeland Security.
Simultaneously, the NRC will forward the information to the appropriate COTP as well
as the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Centers for any necessary action. IAIP also shares
the information with other agencies as appropriate. IAIP and the other agencies compare
the suspicious activity reports received from the NRC to other information from
throughout the nation and world for trends and anomalies, which might provide possible
indicators of terrorist activity or other threats. Based upon trends and anomalies noted
from the collected reports and occasionally individual events, IAIP, in consort with other
agencies, will produce threat-warning products such as information bulletins, advisories,
alerts or assessments to advise government agencies, industry and/or the public.
(3) When a field unit receives a report of a security breach or other activities that "may"
result in a TSI from a vessel or facility required to have security plans by reference (a),
the unit shall record the information in accordance with 33 CFR 101.305, and initiate any
immediate action required. The unit shall then also transmit the report as soon as
possible on a Field Intelligence Report (FIR) in accordance with reference (f).
(4) When a field unit receives a report of suspicious activity, other than activity required to
be reported as noted in paragraph (3) above, the unit shall record the information,
encourage the reporter to make similar reports directly to the NRC in the future but
inform the reporter that they need not report to the NRC this time, initiate any immediate
action required, and forward the information by telephone to the NRC. The unit should
then also transmit the report as soon as possible on a FIR in accordance with reference
(f), including on the FIR the NRC Incident Report Number, which indicates that the
report was relayed to the NRC.
o. Public Affairs. Units should look for opportunities to highlight their waterway watch
program. Ways to encourage the reporting of suspicious activities include using the media
and speaking to local members of the maritime community. Auxiliary units shall coordinate
with the COTP prior to initiating efforts to advertise the program to the boating community
through news releases, solicited interviews, or advertisements. Speakers should incorporate a
reminder to the public to contact the Coast Guard if they see something suspicious.
Examples of appropriate venues to discuss the program include: boat shows, industry days,
speaking engagements, etc. Written materials can also be distributed at such events and
should be part of the standard literature a unit provides to the public, such as at exhibit booths
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