MARCH 28, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that boaters and others can take a stand in protecting Michigan waterways by reporting suspicious activity as part of the America's Waterway Watch campaign. Complete information is included with the 250,000 watercraft registration renewal notices mailed at the start of March.

The America's Waterway Watch campaign encourages residents to become the "eyes and ears" of the country by watching over coasts, bridges, tunnels, ports, ships and other water-related resources. Land; Capt. Patrick Brennan, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit; Capt. Scott Larochelle, commander, Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan; and Capt. Quain Kahler, commander, Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie are championing the campaign to promote greater safety throughout the Great Lakes.

"Area residents are the best sources for identifying suspicious or unusual behavior around their hometown waterways," said Land, who oversees the titling and registration of nearly 1 million watercraft. "They are familiar with the rhythms of their marine communities and know when something is out of place. By reporting suspect behavior to authorities, everyone can help do their part to protect this wonderful state."

The Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsor America's Waterway Watch nationwide. In Michigan, cooperative outreach is provided by the Department of State, Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons.

The America's Waterway Watch brochure provides guidelines for identifying suspect or unusual behaviors or activity, along with reporting procedures. Residents are asked to report:

• Unattended vessels or vehicles in unusual locations such as near bridges, tunnels or overpasses, or by commercial areas or services like ports, fuel docks, cruise ships or marinas
• Lights flashing between boats
• Unusual night operations
• People near critical facilities who do not fit the surrounding environment such as individuals wearing improper attire

Residents are cautioned to not approach or challenge anyone acting suspiciously. They should call the National Response Center at 1-(800) 424-8802 or 1-(877) 24WATCH. For immediate dangers to life or property, calls should be made to 911.

The brochure and other related information is also available in Secretary of State branch offices. Materials are also available at select marinas and boat dealers compliments of the Michigan Boating Industries Association.

For more information about the America's Waterway Watch initiative, visit the Coast Guard Web site at www.uscg.mil