America's Waterway Watch
America's Waterway Watch (AWW) is a public outreach program encouraging participants to simply report suspicious activity to the Coast Guard and/or other law enforcement agencies. Unlike some Neighborhood Watch programs, for example, you are not formally joining an organization -- there are no meetings, membership cards or membership requirements -- and you do not become an agent of the Coast Guard or any other law enforcement agency.
Goals
- Enhance maritime security by encouraging the public to report suspicious activities around U.S. waterways.
- Educate those who work, live, or recreate on or near the water to recognize and respond to potential security threats.
- Foster a community-based approach to maritime homeland security.
Sponsor
- Federal Agency: United States Coast Guard
- Sponsoring Office: Office of Port and Facility Compliance (CG-5P)[1]
Creation
America's Waterway Watch was formally established by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2005 through Commandant Instruction 16618.8, although its roots can be traced back to security measures following the September 11 attacks. This program was created to leverage the "eyes and ears" of the maritime community for security purposes.[2]
Funding
Funding for America's Waterway Watch is not publicly detailed as a separate line item but is part of the broader U.S. Coast Guard budget. There's no specific end date for funding as long as the program remains a part of the Coast Guard's security strategy.
Leadership
The program operates under the oversight of the Office of Port and Facility Compliance within the Coast Guard, without a single named leader but managed by various Coast Guard and Auxiliary personnel.
Website
https://www.americaswaterwaywatch.org
Social Media Accounts
- No official social media accounts are listed for America's Waterway Watch.
Wikipedia article
[wikipedia:America's Waterway Watch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America%27s_Waterway_Watch)