WAWG’s new relationship with the US Coast Guard

Post date: Apr 15, 2014 11:34:17 PM

The USCG Sector Puget Sound has contacted WAWG to assist in reporting oil spills or oil slicks or “mystery sheens” on the Pacific Coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Columbia River and associated waters and rivers. This is not a one-time mission but an ongoing effort by the Coast Guard to facilitate rapid reporting of environmental pollutants (oil) so they can respond swiftly to contain the damage.

This program is for both seniors and cadets. In particular, aircrews on missions, training flights, proficiency flights, O-rides, etc. that fly over these waters.

The USCG’s interest in CAP goes beyond simply reporting and they would like to train our professional volunteers to observe characteristics of the spill. To this end the first step is complete the training on-line available at: http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/training-and-education/training/workshops/aerial-observation-training.html

This Aerial Observation of Oil Spills training was designed for USCG aircrew. You will have to create a user name and password once you're in the site. Once you complete the training, about 1 hour, you will take a quiz. It is important that you take the quiz so that your course completion is recorded but you do not have to have the results sent to me. Alternatively, send me an email that you have completed the course.

If there is sufficient response (interest) from WAWG personnel, as shown by the course completions, the local USCG would like to present particulars of oil spill spotting in Washington waters in person that we will also make available via webinar to everyone in the Wing.

Prevention, mitigation, and, clean-up of environmental disasters is a primary activity of the USCG. This could be the start of a broader relationship between the USCG and WAWG.