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Public Affairs Detachment New York |
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News Release |
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Coast Guard invites media underway for "Operation Clear Channel" NEW YORK – Members of the media are invited to get underway with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Sandy Hook Pilot's Association in an effort to educate boaters on the dangers of navigating through shipping channels in support of "Operation Clear Channel". Imagine a freight train attempting to stop for a remote-controlled car on a railroad track with less than 100 feet to do so. This is roughly the equivalent of a tanker vessel attempting to stop for a small recreational boat that has drifted into the channel 1,000 feet in front of the ship. The recreational boat would have less than one minute to get out of the way before being struck by the tanker. "Operation Clear Channel is aimed to educate the public about the shared-use navigable waterways," said Lt. Edward Munoz, Coast Guard Sector New York’s Chief of Waterways Management division. “In a mixed-use harbor like New York, it is important to appreciate the constraints under which commercial vessel operate. The speeds of a ship or tugboat can be deceptive - large vessels must maintain sufficient speed to steer the vessel and they must stay in the channel at all times. Powerful vessel's propellers can cause smaller boats to be pulled towards the hull of these ships. In addition to always wearing life jackets, recreational boaters should maintain a good lookout, avoid crossing in front of vessels and utilize safe anchorage areas outside navigable channels for their safety.” The "Operation Clear Channel" program, initiated in 2005, is designed to educate boaters about the hazards of navigating small vessels and personal water craft in the confines of the narrow navigational channels used by larger commercial ships that enter and depart the various ports in New York Harbor. The federal navigation rules, also known as "Rules of the Road", address this safety concern by giving commercial vessels the right-of-way over smaller vessels when navigating in narrow channels. Coast Guard units in New York and New Jersey actively promote boater awareness through vessel enforcement patrols and visits to local marinas. The Coast Guard targets high-traffic regions, such as the Ambrose Channel, Sandy Hook Channel and Raritan Bay, but also includes all of New York Harbor. Mariners interested in increasing their knowledge of boating safety, including the Rules of the Road, should consider a Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course. Course information is available online at http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/pubframe.htm or by calling 1-800-336-BOAT. For information about National Safe Boating Week and safe boating practices, visit: http://www.uscgboating.com Further information regarding Operation Clear Channel can be found at http://homeport.uscg.mil/newyork under the New York port directory page. Media should R.S.V.P. by contacting Petty Officer 3rd Class Barbara L. Patton at 212-668-7114 no later than 8 a.m. May 15. What: Boat ride with photo, video and interview opportunities for the media Who: U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Sandy Hook Pilots Association When: Friday, May 15, 2008 at 9 a.m. Where: Sandy Hook Pilot Station |
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