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Editor’s note: This post was updated Feb. 21, 2020 at 9:16 a.m. to correct the location of Roosevelt Inlet. The original post incorrectly listed it as being located in Pennsylvania.

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that it is seeking public comments on the planned consolidation of redundant Coast Guard boat stations.

Many stations were established at a time when boats lacked engines and were powered by oars and paddles. With modern boat operating speeds and improved direction finding technology, many calls for Coast Guard assistance can be responded to by multiple units significantly faster than when these boat stations were first established. The combination of significantly improved response times, along with an overall reduction in rescue calls due to boating safety improvements throughout the nation, has resulted in a number of boat stations becoming redundant. This consolidation will result in a more robust response system by increasing staffing levels and capacity at select nearby boat stations. Such a consolidation creates synergy and more opportunities for boat operators to properly train instead of missing training opportunities while standing ready to respond to calls that do not come.

The stations identified for consolidation with neighboring stations are:

• Oxford (Maryland)
• Fishers Island (New York)
• Shark River (New Jersey)
• Roosevelt Inlet (Delaware)
• Salem (New Jersey)

Submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2020-0042 using the Federal rulemaking portal on or before April 14, 2020.

For more information, read the Federal Register notice, or contact Todd Aikins, Coast Guard Office of Boat Forces, at 202-372-2463 or todd.r.aikins@uscg.mil.

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