WHAT IS MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS?

MDA is defined as “the effective understanding of anything associated with the global maritime environment that could impact the security, safety, economy or environment of the United States.” (Also see:  ALCOAST 160/04)

What is OPERATION PATRIOT READINESS?

OPR is an Auxiliary campaign for focusing all Auxiliary resources in support of the Coast Guard's Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) maritime security duties in U.S. waters.

WHERE DOES THE AUXILIARY FIT IN?

Serving both the Safety and Security missions of the Coast Guard, and as graphically illustrated on the chart below, the Auxiliary provides both direct and supplemental services in support of the MDA strategies of Awareness, Prevention, Protection and Response:

America's Waterway Watch (AWW) is currently one of the most visible components of MDA/OPR, and is an important part of both the Coast Guard's maritime security initiative, and the involvement of the Auxiliary.

AWW is a coordinated counter terrorism public outreach effort by the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and numerous federal, state and local agencies. Much like the well-known Neighborhood Watch programs, the purpose of America's Waterway Watch is to use the "eyes and ears" of waterfront users, such as boaters, marina operators and other waterfront concessionaires, to detect and report suspicious activity that may be terrorist related

Though America's Waterway Watch is primarily a Public Outreach and Awareness program, enlisting Auxiliary support in the traditional areas of Vessel Safety Checks, Public Education, Visitation and Public Affairs, the program also addresses the Prevention mission the Coast Guard's multi-mission strategy of  Prevention, Protection and Response -- promoting public awareness and involvement in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) activities of both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary.

America's Waterway Watch involves all Auxiliarists, and bridges the gap between those performing direct operational missions and those involved in the Auxiliary's core mission of promoting Recreational Boating Safety (sometimes referred to as "operational support" activities).

The Auxiliary's activity in America's Waterway Watch is focused specifically on the Recreational Boating Community, and on assisting the Coast Guard in outreach to others in the maritime community.

On 18 August 2005, the responsibility for the Auxiliary AWW program management transferred to the Auxiliary's Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department (M). The Announcement Notice describes the cross-functional team approach to managing AWW, and appoints Auxiliarist Mike Renuart (DVC-MW) to lead the M department's new America's Waterway Watch (AWW) Division. Additional information about "The Expanded Role of the Auxiliary" in AWW can be found in the September 2005 edition of "Safety Lines."

More information about AWW can be found on the Recreational Boating Safety page of this website and at the National America's Waterway Watch Website.

TOPICAL HYPERLINK INDEX TO MDA/OPR PAGES