Table of Contents -
Home -
Commander -
Flotillas -
Join -
Calendar -
Classes -
Photos -
Environmental Protection
Member Training -
Responsible Boating -
Links -
Web Policies

This web page is sponsored by Division 6 of District 11N of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX). The contents on this page are in the part taken from the GOOD MATE Recreational Boating & Marina Manual published by The Ocean Conservancy, 1725 DeSales Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036, 202-429-5609, http://www.oceanconservancy.org ©2001, The Ocean Conservancy.
Additional materials were provided by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary http://www.montereybay.noaa.gov/. The National Marine Sanctuary System is an office of the National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This web page is designed by Division 6 of District 11N of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to be an educational tool for recreational boaters; marina owners, operators, and staff; and others in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. This document does not constitute a legal or complete reference to the vast array of federal, state, and/or local laws that may be applicable to recreational boating or marina operations. We strongly suggest that all concerned individuals contact the appropriate governmental agency to determine legal requirements.
To learn more about responsible boating in The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, please see our Responsible Boating and Living Page on this site.
NOTICE: Links to non-Coast Guard entities are not under the control of the United States Coast Guard or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and are provided for the convenience of those who visit our site. They do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented there. We cannot make any warranty or representation concerning the content of these sites, or secondary sites from the pages to which they link.
Life began in water over 3.5 billion years ago and life as we know it can only survive with the presence of water. Water is critical to practically every biological process in plants and animals. Our own bodies are nearly two-thirds water-our brains are 95% water, our blood is 82% water, and our lungs are nearly 90% water. And while we can live for about one month without food, we can survive only a few days without water. Although nearly three-quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water, nearly all of this water is either permanently frozen or salty, leaving only 1% of the Earth's water fit for human consumption.
Not only do we rely on water for our daily functions, we rely on it for our livelihoods as well. In the United States alone, commercial and recreational fishing, boating, tourism, and other coastal industries provide more than 28 million jobs nationwide.
The U.S. Marine Transportation System employs more than 13 million individuals, contributes more than $742 billion to the U.S. domestic product, and supplies goods to every U.S. state. For all it gives to us, our waters certainly deserve protection! Unfortunately, environmental damage and pollution threaten this valuable resource. We have only years, not generations, to undo this damage and bring our waters to the point where they can maintain themselves naturally. We must use and manage our resources and the environment so that they maintain both a strong economy and preserve a healthy environment for years to come. Fortunately, each of us can make thoughtful choices in our efforts to protect this important resource while still enjoying all it has to offer.
The vastness of our planet's oceans is difficult to comprehend. The enormity of these waters can only be fully seen from outer space. The oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface; contain 97% of all the water on Earth; house 80% of all life on Earth; and contain 95% of the habitat space on the planet. Over 62% of our planet lies beneath 1,000 meters (3,273 feet) of seawater.
And the average global ocean depth is 3,795 meters (12,450 feet). The Atlantic Ocean alone covers over 82 million square kilometers (32 million square miles) with an average depth of 3,600 meters (11,810 feet). It contains productive fisheries on its continental shelves.
The deepest place in the world's oceans, however, is off the coast of Guam in the Pacific Ocean-the Marianas Trench. It is over 11.7 kilometers deep (36,198 feet or nearly 7 miles!) -much deeper than Mount Everest (29,028 feet) is tall. The Pacific Ocean holds more than half the seawater on Earth- nearly as much as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans combined.
The oceans supported the beginnings of life on this planet when the first living microbes and algae developed 3.5 billion years ago. The oceans are home to both the largest animal in the world, the blue whale, and the tiniest microscopic plankton. They are also home to giant kelp, which can grow to 213 feet in length. And each year the seas provide 29 million tons of fish for human consumption.
The oceans touch the lives of virtually every American regardless of whether we live in a coastal community or deep in the American heartland. One out of six jobs in the U.S. is ocean related. In 1998, fishing provided jobs for 170,000 Americans, pumping $3.1 billion into the U.S. economy. The U.S. ranked third in the world in fish exports and fishery products, and receives 95% of all incoming trade through American seaports. One out of every two Americans lives within 50 miles of the coast and the beach is the leading tourist destination in the country, generating an annual estimated income of $16.3 billion-85% of all tourist revenues.
The coastal waters, those areas of the ocean extending from the shore to approximately five miles out to sea, are where most of us enjoy our recreational activities - sunning, fishing, surfing, and boating. They are also very profitable. There are 25,500 recreational facilities along the U.S. coasts -almost 44,000 square miles of outdoor public recreation areas.
The average American spends 10 recreational days on the coast each year. In 1993 more than 180 million Americans visited ocean and bay beaches- nearly 70% of the U.S. population. Coastal recreation and tourism generates $8 to $12 billion annually. Sadly, as more and more Americans live, work, and play along the coast, our activities and actions are having more environmental impacts. It is estimated that the U.S. coastal population will reach 165 million people by the year 2015.
Along with increasing coastal populations comes increasing coastal pollution, mainly from polluted runoff. In agricultural areas, pesticides, fertilizers, and animal wastes enter waterways and are carried to the coast. In towns and cities, oil, grease, and other toxic chemicals along with litter and debris from our streets and parking lots are carried off into storm drains, which are rarely treated at sewage plants, and then into our waterways. Large amounts of sediment from construction sites annually enter our waterways, which can reduce vital sunlight required by plankton, smother seagrass, and clog navigable channels. Sewage from aging and overloaded systems also enters our waterways. All of these pollutants eventually reach our coasts. As a result, in 1998 there were more than 7,200 beach closures and advisories issued in the country due to high levels of bacteria or pollution. Coastal areas are more than just sandy beaches and pounding surf. Some other important coastal environments are discussed below.
Estuaries are special areas of coastal waters, formed wherever fresh water from rivers, creeks, or streams mixes with saltwater from the seas. These partially enclosed bodies of water are called bays, lagoons, harbors, inlets, marshes, sloughs (pronounced "slews"), sounds, or swamps. A few examples of familiar estuaries in Central California are San Francisco Bay, and Elkhorn Slough on Monterey Bay. These unique ecosystems, affected by the tides but sheltered by the land, have many important environmental, cultural, and economic functions.
Estuaries support tens of thousands of birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife. They act as nurseries for many marine organisms, including most commercially valuable fish species. Estuaries support wetlands, which filter water draining off the uplands, reducing the amount of sediments and pollutants that could enter the open ocean and creating cleaner, clearer water.
Estuarine wetlands also protect the uplands, acting as flood control, absorbing floodwaters and dissipating storm surges. In addition to their ecological importance, estuaries also provide cultural, educational, and aesthetic benefits. They support boating, fishing, swimming, and bird watching. They are a living laboratory, providing lessons in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and history for students and scientists. And their beauty provides enjoyment for those fortunate enough to live or work near them.
Finally, estuaries support the economy in many ways. They provide habitat for more than 75% of America's commercial fish catch, and for 80-90% of the recreational fish catch. Estuarine-dependent fisheries are among the country's most valuable. In just one estuarine system-Massachusetts' Cape Cod Bay-commercial and recreational fishing generate about $240 million per year. In that same estuary, tourism and beach-going generate $1.5 billion per year, and shipping and marinas generate $1.86 billion per year.
Think of water as the lifeline, or "blood" of an eosystem. If the blood is contaminated, then the health of the entire organism is compromised. And although our waterways support an incredible diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, they are incredibly vulnerable to our improper waste disposal practices.
All the waters of the United States - inland waterways, estuaries, other coastal waters, and the open ocean - are widely used for the disposal of various types of waste including municipal sewage, industrial and commercial waste containing heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals, and dredge spoils.
The term pollutant is defined for the purpose of this web page as any substance, manufactured item, or natural organism that is present in the waste stream or marine environment in such a way that may be harmful to the ecosystem or its inhabitants. Pollutants enter the aquatic environment in a variety of ways, but generally pollution inputs can be categorized as point or non-point discharges.
Point sources of pollution are confined discharges, generally within a pipe or other conduit used to move fluids or solid waste from point of origin to point of disposal. Classic examples include industrial and sewage or municipal outfall pipes. All point sources introduce pollution into the environment at a specific site or "point." Point sources of pollution are generally the easiest to identify, monitor, and regulate. By law, point sources of pollution are required to be registered and regulated by federal, state, and local laws.
In contrast to point source pollution, non-point source pollution comes from a wide variety of diffuse sources and is unconstrained or unchannelled in movement. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), non-point source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground reservoirs of drinking water.
Classic examples of non-point sources include storm drains and runoff from parking lots, roadways, or agricultural land. Non-point sources are more difficult to measure, quantify, and regulate because they tend to be diffuse and widespread. In fact, non-point sources of water pollution are virtually unregulated in the United States, even though they contribute about 60-70% of the pollution in our waters. The EPA has identified a number of potential boating and marina non-point pollution sources, including improper solid waste and sewage disposal, oil and fuel discharges, improper vessel maintenance, and storm water runoff. In addition, marinas may impede shoreline stabilization, and inattentive boating operations can damage wildlife and fish habitats.
Boating and marina activities use a wide variety of chemicals and materials that pose a threat to the environment if used or disposed of improperly. Boaters and marina operators must always be diligent in preventing even the smallest amounts of pollutants from entering the water. With more than 10,000 marinas and over 20 million recreational boats in the United States, small amounts of boat and marina-generated pollution can quickly add up to major water pollution problems.
Although the seas and other waterways have historically been viewed as convenient dumping grounds of human-made waste, in the last 20 years concern about declining water quality has prompted some changes. The following is a list of major laws or agreements governing the disposal of wastes into U.S. waters. The particular relevance of some of these laws to recreational boating will be addressed in Section III, but boaters and marina staff should know these laws exist, that they govern boating operations, and where to find more information.
In 1973, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships at Sea (MARINE POLLUTION) was drafted and signed by a number of seafaring nations. In 1978, it was updated to include five annexes on ocean dumping. In 1997, an annex on air pollution by ships was added. The annexes cover the following:
Annex I Oil
Annex II Hazardous liquid carried in bulk
Annex III Hazardous substances carried in packaged form
Annex IV Sewage
Annex V Garbage
Annex VI Air Pollution
By ratifying MARPOL 73/78, a country automatically adopts annexes I and II; the remaining annexes are optional. The United States has ratified optional annexes III and V. For a summary of MARPOL, see http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/OCPD/marpol.html
Clean Water Act (1972) - focuses on the use, discharge, and disposal of sewage, oil, and hazardous substances including dispersants. For a summary of the CWA and a link to the full text of the Act, go to http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/index.html#cwa http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/index.html#cwa
Oil Pollution Act (1990) - requires reporting and cleanup of all oil and hazardous substance spills. For a summary of the OPA and a link to the full text of the Act, see http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/index.html#cwa
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act - addresses the issue of how to safely manage and dispose of the huge volumes of municipal and industrial waste generated nationwide. For more information on the RCRA, see http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/lrca.html
For more information on the Monterey Bay marine Sanctuary, see:
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean, extending an average distance of 30 miles from shore. Supporting one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), designated in
1992, is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California's central
coast. At its deepest point, the MBNMS reaches down 10,663 feet (more than two miles). It is our nation's eleventh Marine Sanctuary and its largest- larger then Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks.
The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. The MBNMS is part of a system of 13 National Marine Sanctuaries administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education and public use. Its natural resources include our nation's largest kelp forest, one of North America's largest underwater canyons and the closest-to-shore deep ocean environment in the continental United States. It is home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, including 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fishes, and numerous invertebrates and plants. This remarkably productive marine environment is fringed by spectacular coastal scenery, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, rolling hills and steepmountains.
There are a variety of potential resource threats and opportunities within the Sanctuary due to the sensitivity of habitats and species in the region, the long stretch of adjacent populated coastline,and the multiple uses of the marine environment. Sanctuary research and monitoring programs evaluate the status and health of marine species, habitats and ecosystems, provide critical information to resource managers, and coordinate activities with the array of world-class research institutions in the region.
Resource protection activities use a variety of means to reduce or prevent detrimental human impacts, including collaborative planning efforts, regulations and permits, emergency response activities, enforcement and education. Education and outreach is used as a critical element in enhancing understanding and stewardship of this national treasure, ranging from public events and interactive teacher workshops to extensive written materials.
The following activities are prohibited within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and thus are unlawful for any person to conduct or to cause to be conducted:
Disclaimer: The "summary" of prohibited activities below was adapted from Federal regulations governing activities within the MBNMS and is intended for educational purposes only. For a complete legal text of regulatory prohibitions, see: http://www.montereybay.noaa.gov/resourcepro/prohibit.html
Exploring for, developing or producing oil, gas or minerals within the Sanctuary except:
Jade may be collected (meaning removed) from the area bounded by the beach access stairway at south Sand Dollar Beach, the westernmost tip of Cape San Martin, and from the mean high tide line seaward to the 90-foot depth line (“the authorized area”). Click here for other special restrictions concerning jade collection.
Discharging or depositing, from within the boundary of the Sanctuary, any material or other matter except:
Fish, fish parts, chumming materials or bait used in or resulting from traditional fishing operations in the Sanctuary;
Biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices approved in accordance with section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, (FWPCA), 33 U.S.C. 1322 et seq.;
Water generated by routine vessel operations (e.g., cooling water, deck wash down and graywater as defined by section 312 of the FWPCA) excluding oily wastes from bilge pumping;
Engine exhaust; or
Dredged material deposited at disposal sites authorized by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)) prior to the effective date of Sanctuary designation (January 1, 1993), provided that the activity is pursuant to, and complies with the terms and conditions of, a valid Federal permit or approval existing on January 1, 1993.
Discharging or depositing, from beyond the boundary of the Sanctuary, any material or other matter that subsequently enters the Sanctuary and injures a Sanctuary resource or quality, except:
Dredged material deposited at the authorized disposal sites described in Prohibition 2. above, provided that the dredged material disposal is pursuant to, and complies with the terms and conditions of, a valid Federal permit or approval, and
Discharges resulting from the other activities listed in Prohibition 2. above.
Moving, removing or injuring, or attempting to move, remove or injure, a Sanctuary historical resource, except as an incidental result of:
Kelp harvesting, Aquaculture, or Traditional fishing operations.
Drilling into, dredging or otherwise altering the seabed of theSanctuary; or constructing, placing or abandoning any structure,material or other matter on the seabed of the Sanctuary, except as an incidental result of:
Anchoring vessels;
Aquaculture, kelp harvesting or traditional fishing operations;
Installation of navigation aids;
Harbor maintenance in the areas necessarily associated with
Federal Projects in existence on January 1, 1993, including dredging of entrance channels and repair, replacement or rehabilitation of breakwaters and jetties;
Construction, repair, replacement or rehabilitation of docks or piers; or
Collection of jade (as described in section 1 above), provided that there is no constructing, placing, or abandoning any structure, material, or other matter on the seabed of the Sanctuary.
Taking any marine mammal, sea turtle or seabird in or above the Sanctuary, except:
As permitted by current regulations for the Marine MammalProtection Act (MMPA), 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq..
Flying motorized aircraft at less than 1000 feet above any of the four overflight restriction zones within the Sanctuary except:
As necessary for valid law enforcement purposes.
Operating motorized personal watercraft within the Sanctuary except:
within the four designated zonesand access routes within the Sanctuary.
Possessing within the Sanctuary (regardless of where taken, moved or removed from) any historical resource, or any marine mammal, sea turtle or seabird taken in violation of current regulations for the MMPA, ESA or MBTA except as necessary for valid law enforcement purposes.
Interfering with, obstructing, delaying or preventing an investigation, search, seizure or disposition of seized property in connection with enforcement of the Act or any regulation or permit issued under the Act.
Attracting any white shark in that part of the Sanctuary out to the seaward limit of State waters.
The Department of Marine Safety and Environmental Protection is responsible for the planning and administration of Auxiliary programs to support the Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Marine Environmental Protection Programs. This includes support for such things as spill reconnaissance and sampling, port safety and security, remote area inspections, vessel factory visits, licensing exam administration, public affairs, local planning, MSIS support, and environmental education.
We are the Coast Guard Auxiliary's core team of specialists in marine safety and environmental protection. Our mission is to support the marine safety and environmental protection programs of the United States Coast Guard and to train and support members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who join us in this effort.
These are some of the things that we do:
Conduct Harbor Safety Patrols to protect the recreational boating public and the waterways environment.
Educate boaters and the general public on clean boating practices, responsible environmental practices in marinas, and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Conduct voluntary dockside examinations of commercial fishing vessels to insure that boats are properly equipped and crews properly prepared to venture out in this most dangerous of occupations.
Prepare emergency response plans and train Auxiliary members to effectively support emergency mobilization of the Coast Guard.
Augment the staffing of Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers and conduct remote testing of applicants for merchant mariner licenses.
Conduct field sampling, prevention and public education programs designed to mitigate the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
Conduct abandoned vessel surveys and bridge inspections and promote public education and awareness of waterways conservation and management.
Educate and communicate with Coast Guard Auxiliary members about opportunities for service in marine safety and environmental protection missions of the Coast Guard.
Learn more about living and boating responsibly in coastal areas. See our Responsible Boating Web Page for information on the marine environment for recreational boaters, marina owners, operators, residents, and others in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.
Assist the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's (non-law enforcement) core team of specialists in marine safety and environmental protection. Positions are available in locations all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Volunteers are needed in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary at our Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey Bay and Morro Bay flotillas.
Requirements: 17 years of age; US Citizenship, a strong desire to volunteer your time to serve both the United States and United States Coast Guard/Coast Guard Auxiliary. Willingness to enter free local, regional and national training program(s) - if selected for regional or national training, travel and meals are either reimbursed or subsidized (subject to limitations). Marine Safety Officer Candidates should enjoy educating boaters and the general public on clean boating practices, responsible environmental practices in marinas, and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Additionally, what is called the Working Blue (Utility) and Tropical Blue Uniforms may be required. These items are not reimbursed, but may be tax deductible; talk with a qualified tax advisor about your specific tax situation.
Time Frame: Marine Safety training is offered at the local level year round (in most locations). In addition, Auxiliarists have the opportunity to participate in the Trident Program, a series of courses (usually done on a self-study basis through the Coast Guard Institute) which can lead to certification as a Marine Safety Specialist, and the right to wear the coveted Trident device.
Training: Training consists of "on-the-job" training, plus self-study and classroom instruction on the various Coast Guard Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Programs (Sea Partners, Dockwalkers, etc). There are also "hands on" training conducted by the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO).
Advancement: Candidates may be appointed as Flotilla, Division, District or National Staff Officers in the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection programs. Advancement is determined by your education and experience, and local needs.
Please note: Should you decide to enlist in either the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserves, Marine Safety training classes and other Auxiliary and Coast Guard courses taken while an Auxiliarist, can/may be used to accelerate your qualifications process in both the active duty Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve.
Summary: So if you want an exciting volunteer career, which can not only satisfy your desire to help protect the environment and educate boaters about protecting our waterways, but also satisfy your desire to serve your country, the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary may be just right for you!
For information on how to joing the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary see our flotilla contact information on our Gold Coast Division 6 Home Page: http://a11306.uscgaux.info/
For information on how to join the Coast Guard the Coast Guard Reserve, call 1-800-GET-USCG, or visit http://www.uscg.mil or for information on how to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary, call 1-877-875-6296 or visit http://www.cgaux.org .
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its partners offer a variety of positions and volunteer stewardship possibilities. Please note that all internship positions are volunteer (not paid) and will be selected on a competitive basis. The MBNMS main office is located in Monterey,California with satellite offices in Santa Cruz, San Simeon, and HalfMoon Bay.
The MBNMS accepts applications year-round. To apply for an internship position, please see the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Internship web page
If you are a teacher, find out more about the MBNMS Teacher Curriculum at: http://www.montereybay.noaa.gov/educate/teachprg.html A variety of programming, resources and marine science conservation opportunities are available to teachers today. The Sanctuary’s educational resources are greatly enhanced by the wealth of programming and resources offered by our partners.
Learn more about responsible boating on our Responsible Boating and Living Page on this site.
See the extensive USCGAUX Division 6 marine resources link list on our Link Page on this site.
Visit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) Website
Visit The Ocean Convervancy Website
June 8, 2008