Protecting the Pacific Northwest
The
Enforcement Division
serves to protects those on the sea by providing security to the
Maritime Transportation System, improving safety of recreational boaters,
and rescuing those in distress; and protects Americans from threats
delivered by sea by enforcing laws and treaties, securing federally
protected living marine resources, and ensuring the integrity of our
maritime domain from illegal activity.
Another asset within the Enforcement Division is the Vessel Boarding and
Security Team (VBST). An estimated 40 million tons of cargo, valued at
$23 billion, crosses the Columbia River Bar every year via 3600 annual ship
transits. The VBST's presence and visible operations deter threats and
ensure mandated security practices are in place and fully functional on
incoming vessels via approved security plans. The VBST also works in
conjunction with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to assess and respond to
vessels with high risk crewmembers.
·
Columbia Cup Challenge/Tri-Cities Follies (July):
70 to 80,000 people attend the annual hydroplane races near Kennewick,
Washington every year. CG Station Portland and CG Auxiliary flotillas
ensure recreational boating safety as well as the preservation of the
commercial waterway.