[FedCom] Scannists can help prevent terrorism.

[fedcom@mailman.qth.net]

     We scannists have often been maligned for "snooping" on comms, but here 
is a great opportunity for scannists to redeem their reputation and to help 
keep the country safe.  Below I have placed the notice that many of us boat 
owners are receiving in our monthly "7th District (USCG) Local Notice to 
Mariners."
     Few groups of people have the opportunity to help identify potential 
terror opportunities as boater and scannists.  We are familiar with our 
"territories," and can quickly spot something that appears to be out of the 
ordinary.
     If the USCG will follow the lead of the IRS and provide rewards and 
anonymity to those of us who report suspected wrongdoing, I think they might 
even 
be more sucessful.  And the USCG/USCS could do it; they probably seize more 
assets of wrongdoers than the IRS !!  And imagine how many more scanners 
Radio 
Shack would sell !!

AL STERN  Satellite Beach FL

Operation "On Guard"
     US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Miami announces Operation "On 
Guard." This operation is designed to employ Coast Guard active duty, reserve 
and 
auxiliary, FBI, USCS, INS, and FDLE personnel in response to suspected 
terrorist 
activity at the waterfont facilities of the US.  South Florida is extremely 
vulverable because it is the terminus of illegal aliens and narcotics 
smuggling 
routes from the Bahamas, the Caribbean and South America.  These routes are 
well establlished and are readily available for use by terrrorist 
organizations.  An urgent need existed to make the American Public equal 
partners in the 
fight on terrorism.  Operation "On Guard" creates an effective deterrent 
measure 
that employs the eyes and ears of the marine industry and the boating public, 
people that know every inch of the coastline because it is where they work 
and play. Potential terrorists are put on notice that their activities will 
be 
seen and reported.
     Operation "On Guard" takes a two pronged approach consisting of face to 
face visits by USCG, FBI, USCS, INS and FDLE personnel combined witgh a 
coordinated joint agency media campaign to reach Marina Operators, Marine 
Dealers,Bridge Tenders, Commercial Fishermen, and the Boating Public.  This 
operation 
relies on Coast Guard Auxiliary programs already in place like the "Clean 
Marina" program, Vessel Safety Checks, Marine Dealer Visits and the 
Commercial 
Fishing Vessel Safety Program to reach their normal customers, the waterfront 
users.  THE PUBLIC IS PROVIDED WITH THE TOLL FREE NUMBER (1-800-424-8802) for 
reporting suspected terrorist activity to the National Response Center, and 
the 
1-800-BE-ALERT number for USCS along with a list of reporting criteria. 
                           Report:
Suspicious persons cnducting unusual activities
Individuals establishing businesses or roadside food stands in proximity to 
marina or
     bridge
Unknown persons photographing or creating diagrams.
Unknown or suspicious persons loitering for extended periods of time
Unknown or suspicious persons renting watercraft
Suspicious venders attempting to sell/deliver merchandise or drop off 
packages.
     For additional information contact: LCDR Armin Cate (305) 535-8735.