DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty, left and Capt. Joseph Vojvodich, USCG Commander, Sector Long Island Sound (Contributed photo)
BOSTON, MA - The Coast Guard signed a cooperative agreement with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Friday.
The agreement set the framework and procedures for the relationship between the 1st Coast Guard District, which covers the northeastern United States, and Connecticut.
The agreement defines how Connecticut and the Coast Guard will work together to oversee recreational boating safety programs. These programs include mutual enforcement of laws relating to recreational boating safety on waters within concurrent jurisdiction of the state of Connecticut and the United States. These waters include Long Island Sound, coastal embayments and Connecticut’s major rivers.
The agreement also assists the agencies in exchanging relevant information on law enforcement, boating safety, and search and rescue incidents to enhance success for each organization in their missions to safeguard the public.
Daniel C. Esty, DEEP Commissioner, and Rear Adm. Daniel A. Neptun, 1st Coast Guard District commander, formalized the partnership. Capt. Joseph Vojvodich, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound commander, was also in attendance.
“This partnership unifies Connecticut and Coast Guard efforts to make waterways safer for all recreational boaters, including canoes, kayaks, powerboats, sailing vessels, stand-up paddle boards, and many other vessels found on our waters,” said Walt Taylor, Recreational Boating Safety program manager for the 1st Coast Guard District.
“This agreement continues a long-standing partnership between this agency and the Coast Guard and helps ensure the safety of the hundreds of thousands of recreational boaters who enjoy Connecticut’s waters,” said Esty. “Recreational boating is part of the fabric of life in our state and we appreciate the support of the Coast Guard for our boating programs.”
