Each year hundreds of lives are lost and millions of dollars in property damage are accounted for as a result of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. To address this situation, the Incident Management Division of the US Coast Guard (San Juan Sector) offered the “Pollution prevention and boater safety” workshop at Puerto Chico Marina in Fajardo, PR on June 29, 2019. The main purpose of the workshop was to promote awareness about the risks involved while operating a vessel and how to manage potential oil discharges and hazardous material releases.

CARICOOS outreach coordinator Mr. Adolfo González was one of the guest speakers at the event; along with personnel from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the USCG Prevention Department.  González addressed himself to the CARICOOS mission statement and emphasized the importance of the data they collect, and the numerical models being executed, for accurate, knowledge-based, decision making regarding marine conditions across our region. He announced the upcoming release of the CARICOOS boating app, which will soon be available in Google Play and in the App Store.  The audience, mostly boaters, tourism operators and kayakers, were very pleased with the announcement because they will soon have a tool that meets their specific needs.

This workshop was the first in series that will take place at different marinas around Puerto Rico. The USCG Incident Management Division was very satisfied with the enthusiastic attendance and invited CARICOOS for the continuing series of events.  Make sure to visit CARICOOS News for relevant announcements and schedule updates.