In the Coast Guard’s Latest Issue of Proceedings: Recreational Boating Safety
July 21, 2026 |By Captain Brent R. Schmadeke Chief Director Auxiliary & Boat Safety U.S. Coast Guard
The Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety is honored to showcase the National Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program and the volunteer work of the proud Coast Guard Auxiliary. A lot has changed since the programs were highlighted in Proceedings’ Fall 2016 edition and we welcome the opportunity to educate readers on the responsibilities of the 46 active duty, reservists, civilians, and contractors within the Boating Safety program.
The Boating Safety and Auxiliary divisions work together seamlessly to improve boating safety. Organized into three branches, the Boating Safety division includes 40 people whose primary functions are to assist the 56 state and territory Recreational Boating Safety Programs, administer grant funding, and ensure recreational boats and associated equipment are safe
The six Auxiliary division staff members support the outstanding work of more than 18,500 Auxiliarists. Annually, Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million operational and administrative support hours across missions like boating safety, culinary support, chaplain services, interpreter assistance, health services, and public affairs. In 2025 alone, they saved more than 180 lives and $6.9M in property.
Since 2016, 5,085 boating deaths, 20,049 injuries, and 34,079 accidents have been recorded. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the many nonprofit partnerships are aiming to bring those incidents to zero. This issue highlights RBS Program initiatives that will help achieve those lofty goals. This includes the outstanding partnerships and educational outreach that have already achieved an annual nation-wide boating death average of 585 over the past three years, a historic low. The advancement of the RBS Program is part of an extraordinary investment America has made in the Coast Guard. Moving forward, revolutionized systems to handle technology, information, and financial management will support significantly improved delivery and application of our RBS Program services nationwide.
I want to thank the many members of the RBS community for their outstanding efforts to make all forms of boating safer. I hope you enjoy learning about the RBS Program and making boating safer by committing to boating sober, wearing a life jacket, taking a boating education class, wearing an engine cut-off lanyard, and being vigilant whenever boating.
Coast Guard raises awareness of hoaxes amid false distress calls transmitted in Great Lakes
Coast Guard Great Lakes District Public Affairs – (216) 902-6020
CORRECTION: The total number of false distress calls throughout the Great Lakes District was initially reported as 187 since January 2026. We have updated this number to reflect the total false distress calls in fiscal year 2026, beginning in October 2025. Coast Guard Great Lakes District receives an average of 187 false distress calls each year.
CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard is raising awareness of the dangers and penalties associated with hoax distress calls, including those transmitted via radio, phone, and on social media.
Since October 1, 2025, Coast Guard command center watchstanders in the Great Lakes District have received 156 false distress calls, including three confirmed hoaxes.
A hoax may include knowingly and willfully communicating a false distress message to the Coast Guard, while a false distress alert can result from misunderstanding, accidental transmissions or outdated information.
Initiating a hoax or causing the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed is a federal felony under 14 U.S.C. § 521(c) and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a monetary fine. The statute also provides for a civil penalty of up to $13,295 and holds the individual liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of their actions.
“Intentionally misleading emergency responders is both dangerous and illegal,” said Capt. Mark Kuperman, chief of staff, Great Lakes District. “Every false distress report creates a ripple effect across the entire emergency response community, draining valuable time and resources from the Coast Guard and agency partners, and potentially putting emergency responders at unnecessary risk. Ultimately, this reduces our readiness for actual emergencies. This can be especially detrimental during the summer months, when resources are in constant demand.”
The Coast Guard also encourages the public to avoid posting or sharing content on social media that falsely portrays an emergency.
“The growing influence of social media has added further challenges to search and rescue operations,” said Roger Rice, search and rescue program manager, Great Lakes District. “Social media content suggesting distress may not include critical details, such as an accurate location, the number of people involved, or immediate hazards. Misleading photos or videos may unnecessarily trigger emergency responses and divert critical resources."
The Coast Guard recommends that boaters in distress use VHF-FM channel 16 or 911 to call for help during a real emergency.
The U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District is responsible for a 1,500-mile international border spanning eight states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. More than 6,000 Coast Guard active-duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel serve within the district's area of responsibility.
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Are you ready for hurricane season?
By Zach Shapiro, MyCG Staff
Editor’s note: This article was adapted from a MyCG piece previously published on June 2, 2025 and updated to reflect the latest federal resources. The original piece may be accessed here.
This year, hurricane season (in the Atlantic and Central Pacific) is expected to last from June 1 to November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began May 15 and ends November 30. MyCG has assembled some tips and resources to help you and your families prepare for any hurricanes that may come your way. Become familiar with www.ready.gov and the Center for Disease Control’s hurricane guide. Both sites offer preparedness tips as well as how to weather a storm, and what to do upon returning home if you are evacuated. Read the article here. Check out NOAA's Hurricane Plan here. Check out the National Hurricane Center's website.
MARINE EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS MODERNIZATION
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center has launched a new online Marine Event Permit application process effective June 3rd. Marine event sponsors conducting regattas, marine parades, fireworks displays, swim events, or similar activities on navigable waters of the United States are encouraged to utilize the updated online submission capability. Applications should be submitted to the appropriate Captain of the Port at least 135 days prior to the scheduled event. Marine Event Permit Application and additional information are available at: https://navcen.uscg.gov/contact/Application-For-Marine-Event-Permit
Make sure you’re safe on the water
By Kathy Lynch and Zach Shapiro, MyCG Staff
May 16-22 was National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), and with boating season on the horizon, it’s important to remember how to be safe on the water. Here are six safety tips for recreational boaters:
Wear a life jacket
There’s a reason that National Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is always the kickoff to NSBW. Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself while on the water.
Each year, 75 percent of boating deaths are due to drowning and 87 percent of those victims weren’t wearing life jackets. Don’t become a statistic. Most states require children under 13 to wear a life jacket, and it is recommended that anyone older than that wear one as well. Boat operators are required by law to have a Coast Guard-approved wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for every person aboard their vessel, with boats over 16 feet required to carry a throwable flotation device. You can find more on these requirements in the Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.
Take a boating safety course
Knowing what you’re doing on the water makes all the difference. You can find Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety classes in your area here or go to the U.S. Power Squadrons website to find an America’s Boating Club course near you. You can find the boating laws in your state in this reference guide and get a copy of Coast Guard navigational rules for U.S. waterways here. There is also updated information on requirements for fire extinguishers.
Use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS)
An ECOS is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped to the operator’s life jacket or clothing with the other end connected to the cut-off switch, but there are now electric wireless models, too. Since 2021, an ECOS link has been required by law for anyone operating a boat in navigable U.S. waters. If you’re wearing one and you’re thrown from the boat, or fall away from the operating area, the engine will automatically shut off. This will prevent you from getting injured by the propeller if you’re in the water and make it easier to safely get back on the boat. You can find more information on ECOS devices here.
Don’t drink and boat
Alcohol is the single biggest contributing factor in boating deaths. That’s why it’s critical to stay sober while operating a boat.
Register your emergency beacon
Your emergency beacon can save your life; when every minute counts, it helps rescuers find you quickly. You can register online on the NOAA website.
Get a free vessel safety check
The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety checks to all boaters. Inspectors can do them in your driveway or in the water, and it takes 15-30 minutes. When you pass, you’ll not only have peace of mind that your boat is compliant with federal and state law, but you may get a discount on your insurance. If you fail, the Coast Guard will not issue a citation, but you’ll be given a list of discrepancies with recommendations on how to correct them. You can schedule an inspection here.
To find out more about safe boating, check out this FAQ from the US Coast Guard Boating Organization.
Coast Guard to modernize mariner credentialing experience through NAVITA
By CAPT Pat Drayer, commanding officer of the National Maritime Center, and Cathleen Mauro, acting chief of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing
The U.S. Coast Guard is modernizing the mariner credentialing experience through the development of NAVITA, a new digital platform designed to streamline the MMC application and issuance process for mariners.
NAVITA, Latin for ‘sailor’, is part of the Coast Guard’s broader digital transformation effort focused on improving user experience, modernizing prevention-related systems, and reducing administrative burdens for maritime stakeholders.
For many mariners, the credentialing process involves cumbersome paperwork, multiple sub missions, and lengthy back-and-forth communication with the National Maritime Center. NAVITA will offer a user-friendly and modern experience that simplifies credential application submission, reduces common errors, and improves transparency throughout the process.
The effort is driving toward one simple goal: making it easier for mariners to get the credentials they need so they are ready to work.
“This is about more than replacing a system,” said RADM Wayne Arguin, assistant commandant for Prevention Policy. “It’s about designing services around the mariner experience and improving the public’s interactions with — and trust in — the Coast Guard.”
The Coast Guard Mariner Credentialing Program is currently conducting user testing and working closely with stakeholders to better understand mariner needs and identify opportunities to improve the user experience. Early testing and feedback are shaping the platform ahead of its initial rollout in September 2026.
The initial version will allow mariners to set up their profiles and submit credentials and medical applications. System updates will be released periodically; stay tuned for more announcements!
NAVITA also represents the first major step in a broader effort to modernize prevention-related services and systems across the Coast Guard. And it is the latest effort to improve Coast Guard technology. The Service recently released its Digital Transformation Strategy, a roadmap to improve the Coast Guard’s information gathering and sharing.
Ultimately, NAVITA will create a more efficient, transparent, responsive, and user-friendly experience for mariners.
As development continues, the Coast Guard will provide regular updates, additional information, and user-focused resources leading up to launch. More information on NAVITA and future updates is available on the National Maritime Center website.
National Recreational Boating Safety Survey MSIB 02-26
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), which will provide detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they go boating. The survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the USCG. All recreational boaters – owners and renters of motorboats, sailboats and paddlecraft – are invited to complete a brief, one-minute sign-up page asking about their boating habits and to share their contact information with the Coast Guard so a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS later in the year. To access the survey see the MSIB here. For more information about the NRBSS, visit https://uscgboating.org/statistics/national-recreational-boating safety-survey.php For further assistance or questions, contact onthewater@norc.org or smb-comdt-cg-bsx-data@uscg.mil
First Notice: Major Ship Arrival Notification System (SANS) Update MSIB 01-26
The U.S. Coast Guard is undertaking a significant IT modernization project for the Ship Arrival Notification System (SANS) used by the Maritime community for Notice of Arrivals & Departure (NOAD) submissions. This will impact the “eNOAD Portal” and all other NOAD submission methods. This project will make the Notice of Arrival submission process more efficient for mariners, while upgrading system security and resilience. It will also provide the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal partners with enhanced visibility on maritime risks and threats in order to protect our Nation's ports and connected infrastructure. See the entire MSIB here.
NAVCEN Launches Redesigned Homepage to Improve Access to Maritime Safety Information
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) has launched a newly redesigned homepage at https://navcen.uscg.gov/, providing faster and more intuitive access to critical maritime safety information and operational services.
The updated design improves navigation and information discovery, enabling mariners, industry partners, and stakeholders to reach authoritative content with fewer clicks and greater clarity. The homepage places greater emphasis on operationally relevant tools and services that support timely decision-making and maritime domain awareness.
New features highlighted on the homepage include:
Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs):
NAVCEN now provides centralized access to Marine Safety Information Bulletins, making it easier for mariners to find national-level MSIBs addressing policy- and regulatory-driven safety matters issued by the appropriate Coast Guard Headquarters offices.
U.S. Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) Program:
The redesigned homepage improves visibility of the U.S. SARSAT Program, which supports global search and rescue operations through satellite-based distress alert detection and coordination.
These updates reflect NAVCEN’s continued commitment to modernizing maritime safety information delivery and providing reliable, user-focused services to the maritime community. Users are encouraged to explore the new homepage and submit feedback via the Contact Us page.
UPDATE TO HF Distress and USCG Contact Frequencies
Effective 7 February 2022, the U.S. Coast Guard ceased watchkeeping on all High Frequency (HF) shortwave voice (radiotelephone) distress calling frequencies within the contiguous United States and Hawaii, except for Kodiak AK and Guam on 4125 kHz only. Watchkeeping continues instead on HF digital selective calling (DSC) frequencies available from any DSC-equipped HF marine radio. Voice watchkeeping on 6215 kHz and 8291 kHz at Kodiak and Guam has also been discontinued, a change from that announced by USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB Number 10-21. See the complete update here.
