Division 7 What's New!

 Why should CG Auxiliary members participate in the Sea Partners Campaign?

By COMO Kenneth Jacobs
assistant district staff officer for marine safety and environmental protection

The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting our oceans and maritime environment. The Coast Guard’s core mission includes search and rescue operations, saving over 3,500 lives and more than $75 million in property annually. They enforce safety regulations to protect crews and passengers before danger strikes.

The Coast Guard is also responsible for safeguarding the maritime environment and, as we know, human activity poses threats to the world’s delicate ecosystems. The Coast Guard enforces U.S. and international laws to prevent marine pollution incidents. Additionally, it regulates and inspects vessels and facilities to reduce risks to the maritime environment.

The Sea Partners Campaign is the United States Coast Guard’s environmental education and outreach program. It aims to raise awareness about marine pollution issues and improve compliance with marine environmental protection laws and regulations. Sea Partners targets various waterway users, including boaters, fishermen, marina operators, and the public. It’s a proactive approach focused on protecting the marine environment by providing information, promoting responsible practices, and participating in cleanup activity.

 The program began in 1994 and in 1997 it expanded to include the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Auxiliarists can qualify as Marine Environmental Education Specialists (AUX-MEES) to conduct Sea Partners events. Key topics covered by Sea Partners include plastic pollution, recycling, and reducing plastic debris in the marine environment.

 Coast Guard Auxiliary participation in the Sea Partners Campaign plays a vital role in raising awareness and promoting responsible practices for protecting our marine environment. Additionally, our members serve as a force multiplier reducing the burden on active-duty Marine Safety Units throughout the enterprise.