The Latest Word from the Prevention Outreach Division

OPR and MARSEC Preparedness Planning and Exercises. Several generic exercises for use by Auxiliary units to assist in preparing for "activation" in case of emergency or other surge operations. These exercises may be used as presented but ideally should be tailored to local needs and situations.

Direct Support Opportunities at RECs. An interim rule went into effect on January 13, 2006 requiring nearly all Merchant Mariners to present themselves to the Coast Guard for ID verification and fingerprinting. This has resulted in an increase of approximately 40 percent in walk-in traffic at the Coast Guard’s 17 Regional Examination Centers (RECs) and burdened the staffs with processing this additional business.

The RECs are not adequately staffed to process these applications and delays have occurred, all giving rise to voluminous complaints from mariners, maritime Industries and Congress.

This operation is of the highest importance and essential to maintaining the safety and security of our ports and waterways. This is an opportunity for the Auxiliary and our membership to make a needed and appreciated contribution of direct support to the USCG by augmenting at affected offices.

This SURGE OPERATION is of 12 to 18 months duration and is of the utmost importance to the USCG Homeland Security Mission.

For more information please refer to the Background Document and REC Survey.

2004 Emergency Response Guidebook. The US Department of Transportation in cooperation with Transport Canada and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of México have released a new edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook. This guide should be familiar to all Auxiliarists engaged in pollution response or investigation activities. Copies are made available free of charge to public emergency responders through the state coordinators. Public emergency response personnel can find their state coordinator contact information by visiting the Hazardous Materials Safety website at http://hazmat.dot.gov or by calling (202) 366-4900. The guidebook and additional information are available online at http://hazmat.dot.gov/pubs/erg/gydebook.htm.

Strategic Plan (2003) - Including short term and long term goals for the "M" Department

This Division includes Marine Safety and Security, Facility Safety and Security, Container Inspections, Special Projects and Regional Exam Center Support.