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together in dealing with the public, especially when someone appears to be interfering with naval operations and the Navy cannot immediately address the issue “This happens more frequently than one may think,” Dreher said. “We are notified by the Navy if one of their security boats have someone who refuses to move out of a security zone or is interfering with their mission. We assist with educating or removing the problem so they can stay focused on their security perimeters.” All three agencies also work together on missions and training, Dreher added. “We work not only with the Navy,


but the Coast Guard as well for specific missions, problems in the bay and even training,” he said. “We sometimes have training exercises where we are all involved. Our Harbor Police Dive Team train with Navy personnel and the Coast Guard goes out with us for certain patrol missions. “Usually things flow very smoothly


and we do not have many issues with interference from the public boater. If we do it is usually a navigational rule or state law/ordinance violation where we usually stop the individual and either educate them, leave them pamphlets


of information or cite them if violation is serious enough.” Dreher said boaters are


generally kept abreast of naval operations occurring on the water. “Any specific operation conducted by the Navy or Coast Guard is usually broadcasted on VHF radio for all public to be aware and avoid the area depending on what the operation is,” Dreher said. “We are also always notified so our patrol boats can either assist them or help keep the area clear of boaters for their operation.”


Law Enforcement The Harbor Police is


San Diego Harbor Police monitors that bay up to 3 miles out; however, the agency works with the Navy on missions and trainings.


generally responsible for enforcing state law, port or navigational codes, and Fish and Game regulations, according to Dreher. However educating the public on how boaters can co-exist with the various agencies navigating San Diego Bay is the top priority. “We (Harbor Police) are generally


the only ones who enforce state law, Fish and Game, Unified Port Codes, Harbor and Navigation codes and many others within San Diego Bay,” Dreher said. “Typically we are not out just wanting to issue citations. We more look into educating the public so we can make our waters safer. We can issue verbal warnings, written warnings, issue citations and arrest if needed. Most of the time we leave pamphlets or paperwork with information on boating so they can reference for learning more about safe boating.”


Boater Perspectives


The guided-missile destroyer USS Russell returns to her homeport of San Diego after completing a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet area of responsibility.


Recreational boaters need to understand the Rules of the Road, said Richard Benscoter, commodore of Silver Gate Yacht Club. “It is my belief that the naval


operations in San Diego bay and adjoining water is always within the international and inland Rules of the Road and beyond reproach. The problem is private boating,” Benscoter told The Log in an email. “It is the only mode of transportation that I know of where training and licensing for size and weight is not a requirement. Boating on San Diego Bay is akin to having 75 percent of the drivers on the road with no training and licensing. The difficulty with the Navy is not the Navy, it is the untrained boater that does not know or cares to know the Rules of the Road when it comes to operating a vessel.” Of course not all interactions


between recreational boaters and the Navy are negative or eventful. Randy Sysol, a liveaboard at Pier 32


in National City, said he occasionally crosses paths with the Navy and its operations but otherwise exchanges are quiet to nonexistent. “I have not had any experience with


the Navy outside of the patrol boats they station around the shipyard and the carriers on Coronado,” Sysol said. “They sometimes make us hug the outside of the channel when passing by but nothing I would consider an issue. We’ve always had good experiences with them and the Coast Guard.”


The Log • Apr. 22 - May 5, 2016 • 21


ABROAD LOG


The Log loves adventure! Bring it along on your next getaway and snap a photo for Log Aboard! See page 4 for details.


U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Phil Ladouceur


Port of San Diego photo


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