SAN FRANCISCO — A 100-yard safety zone has been established around an America’s Cup Team Artemis vessel that capsized in San Francisco Bay today.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco command center were notified at approximately 1:00 p.m. of the vessel capsizing near Treasure Island while practicing.

The Artemis 72, a Swedish-flagged vessel, had 12 people aboard when it capsized. All 12 people were taken out of the water by the America’s Cup support vessels. One of the crewmembers was transported to the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital.  

Crews from two 45-foot response boat – mediums from Coast Guard Stations Golden Gate and San Francisco along with the Coast Guard Cutter Pike, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station San Francisco responded to the incident. Crews from the San Francisco Fire Department and Police Department also responded.

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A Coast Guard helicopter aircrew rescued an injured paraglider off a Daly City, Calif., cliff Tuesday night.

At approximately 9 p.m., Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received notification of a paraglider sailing into the side of a cliff at Mussel Rock. Due to the nature of the terrain, and the extent of his injuries, San Mateo County Fire Rescue personnel ashore requested Coast Guard air assistance.

A Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station San Francisco was diverted from nighttime training to assist. Once on scene, the aircrew hoisted the injured paraglider and transferred him ashore to an awaiting civilian medical transport helicopter.

For video of the rescue, click HERE.

LOS ANGELES - Nearly 250 first responders participated in a National Preparedness Response Exercise Program in Los Angeles including U.S. Coast Guard, Chevron, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response, NOAA, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Los Angeles County Fire Department, El Segundo Fire Department, Oiled Wildlife Care Network, Marine Spill Response Corporation, National Response Corporation, The Response Group, CardnoEntrix, Clean Harbors, Environmental Science Services, and Gallagher Marine. Several other local first responders attended the exercise as observers, May 14, 2013.  

The National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) is designed to test oil spill response plans of certain vessels and facilities. The PREP was developed to provide a mechanism for compliance with the exercise requirements, while being economically feasible for the government and oil industry to adopt and sustain. The PREP is a unified federal effort and satisfies the exercise requirements of the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety, and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Completion of the PREP exercises will satisfy all OPA 90 mandated federal oil pollution response exercise requirements.

The outcome of the exercise resulted in improved communication and multi-agency response capabilities in the event of an actual incident of this type.

Capt. Mohammad Nazmul Karim Kislu heads a formation of Bangladesh navy sailors during the transfer and decommissioning ceremony of the Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis held on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Thursday, May 23, 2013. The Jarvis was commissioned in 1972 and will be transferred to the Bangladesh navy as the BNS Somudra Joy. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Pamela J. Boehland

U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, Pacific Area commander, and Vice Adm. Muhammad Farid Habib, Chief of Naval Staff for the Bangladesh navy, sign the official paperwork to transfer the Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis to the Bangladesh navy during a decommissioning and transfer ceremony held on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Thursday, May 23, 2013. The Jarvis was commissioned in 1972 and became the BNS Somudra Joy. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela J. Boehland

Crew members of the BNS Somudra Joy, a Bangladesh navy ship and the former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, hoist the Bangladesh flag on the stern of the ship following the official transfer ceremony held on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Thursday May 23, 2013. Commissioned in 1972, Jarvis is the fourth in its class of High Endurance Cutters to be decommissioned. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Pamela J. Boehland

Crew members of the BNS Somudra Joy, a Bangladesh navy ship and the former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, march to the ship during the official transfer ceremony held on Coast Guard Island, Alameda, Calif., Thursday, May 23, 2013. Commissioned in 1972, the Jarvis was the fourth in its class of High Endurance Cutters to be decommissioned to be replaced by National Security Cutters. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Pamela J. Boehland

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, a 378-foot High Endurance Cutter homeported in Alameda, was decommissioned and transferred to the Bangladesh navy as the BNS Somudra Joy during a ceremony on Coast Guard Island in Alameda Thursday. 

A 20-member team from the Bangladesh navy, led by prospective commanding officer Capt. Mohammad Nazmul Karim Kislu, arrived in Alameda in March to begin preparations to receive the Jarvis. An additional 70 members of the Bangladesh crew arrived in May. Until the BNS Sumudra Joy's departure from California later this year, 26 former Jarvis crew members will serve as advisors and assist the Bangladesh crew.

Commissioned in 1972, the Jarvis was the fourth in its class of High Endurance Cutters to be replaced by the National Security Cutters.

The National Security Cutters, compared to 378-foot cutters, is designed to provide better sea-keeping and higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability to launch and recover small boats from astern, as well as aviation support facilities and a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. For more information click here.

Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay rescue crew members, from left, Seaman Noah Perry, Petty Officer 2nd Class Torre Taylor, Seaman Jacob Roberds, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Louis Ciccoli, pause for a photo after saving two fishermen from the surf after a wave overturned their 16-foot boat off a jetty near Samoa, Calif., Thursday, May 23, 2013. Station Humboldt Bay has two 47-foot Motor Lifeboats and a 25-foot response boat to assist distressed boaters. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/940125/coast-guard-rescue-crew#.UZ-nZuBspm0#ixzz2UEX1X6Qx

ALAMEDA, Calif. - A Northern California Coast Guard boat crew rescued two fishermen from the surf yesterday when their 16-foot recreational vessel was overturned by a wave.

The two men were clinging to the hull of the boat in 12-14 feet of breaking surf when the Station Humboldt Bay rescue crew arrived on scene and threw them a life line.

"One of the men was able to swim to the line and grab hold, but the other was too cold to let go of the boat," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Torre Taylor, the coxswain on the rescue boat. "He swam back and grabbed him and the crew pulled them to the boat."

"It was my first time seeing everything come together," said Seaman Noah Perry, a newly-qualified crewman. "And even though it was really intense, and we took a few breakers, everyone fell back on their training. It felt really good." 

The Coast Guard received the report from a good Samaritan who witnessed the event, and he stayed on scene to help vector the Coast Guard crew to the rescue. Thanks to his efforts, the Coast Guard was able to take the two men to shore, where one of the survivors was transferred to local emergency management services and treated for hypothermia. The two men were wearing life jackets, and the Coast Guard would like to remind everyone of the importance of a properly-fitting life jacket. Other safety equipment includes, hypothermic kits or first aid kits, flares, survival knife and strobe lights.

This case is a good reminder of the importance of boating safety. A small-craft advisory is in effect for much of the California coast. Boaters are strongly encouraged to monitor the weather conditions before heading out and while underway. For marine weather forecast click here. (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/)

While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, VHF-FM radios are the most reliable forms of communication in the marine environment and work in areas where cell phones sometimes may not.  Additionally, when a mayday is broadcast over VHF-FM channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency, response agencies and other nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance. It is also a good idea for a boater to carry a cell phone in a waterproof container as a backup form of communication.

The Coast Guard also highly recommends all mariners equip their boats with emergency position-indicating radio beacons or personal locator beacons. EPIRBs and PLBs may be activated manually by the push of a button or automatically when coming in contact with water, depending on the model.

"Anyone can purchase an EPIRB at a marine supply store," said Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, commanding officer for the 11th Coast Guard District. "When a vessel in distress, the EPIRB will float free automatically sending a signal which will be picked up by satellite and rescue coordination center worldwide will know the exact location."

If there are any signs of distress, never hesitate to contact emergency crews for help. Call for help at the first signs of distress, and the Coast Guard is always standing by on marine channel 16. 

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th District commander, speaks about the importance of being prepared for National Safe Boating Week, at Coast Guard Base Alameda, Calif., Friday, April 12, 2013. The purpose of NSBA, which runs from May 18 - 24, is to educate individuals about the importance of boater safety and life jacket use. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena. Also available in high definition

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/290434/rear-adm-karl-schultz-safe-boating-week-2013#.UZ-moeBspm0#ixzz2UEWCqTym

Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay, the Coast Guard command responsible for operations from the California-Oregon border south to the Mendocino-Sonoma county line, was renamed Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay during a May 31 ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay)

 

MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. -- Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay, the U.S. Coast Guard command responsible for operations from the California-Oregon border south to the Mendocino-Sonoma county line, will be renamed Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay effective May 31, 2013.

Group Humboldt Bay is changing its name as a result of a service-wide standardization initiative, but the switch will not impact any services provided to the public.

"There will be no changes to operations or services provided to the public," said Capt. Salvatore Palmeri, Commander of Group Humboldt Bay. "The only difference the public may notice is how we identify ourselves on marine radio broadcasts, how we answer the phone, and the name change on our new unit welcome sign.

The command is responsible for coastal and offshore search and rescue, law enforcement and emergency response operations in the region and also assists state and local agencies with inland emergency response operations.  The Sector will continue to operate its main headquarters in McKinleyville, which includes a command center and three search and rescue helicopters.  Coastal search and rescue small boat stations will remain in Eureka and Fort Bragg, along with an aids-to-navigation team in Samoa, two coastal patrol boats -- one in Eureka and one in Crescent City -- and several civilian volunteer groups, namely Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas.  In 2012, Coast Guard units based in the Humboldt Bay area responded to 264 search and rescue cases, saved 26 lives and assisted local officials with eight inland rescues.

Certain Coast Guard matters occurring in the Sector Humboldt Bay area such as commercial vessel and facility inspections, and accident and pollution investigations, fall under Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) authorities which will continue to be overseen by Coast Guard Sector San Francisco and its Marine Safety Detachment in Eureka.

For more information please contact Lt. Thomas Jones: (707) 839-6122.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard, in partnership with the Port of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Harbor Safety Committee has established the region’s first maritime fog sensor in the Port of Oakland to enhance navigation safety in San Francisco Bay.

The fog sensor will serve as an additional tool for mariners to determine conditions for their voyages, enhance safety, and protect the environment.  The Oakland Bar Channel is one of nine areas in the Bay determined by the Harbor Safety Committee to be Critical Maneuvering Areas.    These CMAs were established in 2008 with the goal of enhancing navigation safety during periods of heavy fog. 

Recognizing the need for more reliable weather data in the area, the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Harbor Safety Committee and Port of Oakland, made the decision to install a fog sensor, the first meteorological station on the Bay specifically designed to interpret maritime visibility data.  The Coast Guard and the Harbor Safety Committee will assess the efficacy of this pilot sensor, and determine whether additional sensors could be beneficial in the future to provide a more accurate assessment of the ever-shifting fog patterns throughout the Bay.   

“The San Francisco Bay is an environmental gem and a critical part of our regional and national economy,” said Capt.Greg Stump, Sector San Francisco Commander.  “The installation of this fog sensor will help mariners and the Coast Guard continue to enhance navigation safety and facilitate vital commerce.”

Sector San Francisco personnel worked closely with several stakeholders, including the Marine Exchange of San Francisco Bay, the Port of Oakland and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to determine the most reliable meteorological system and identify the most beneficial location to deliver accurate visibility data to the users of the San Francisco Bay.

The group selected the Port of Oakland, adjacent to the Oakland Bar Channel, as the pilot location for the fog sensor.  The Vaisala FS11 Visibility Sensor was selected based on stakeholder input due to its reliability and proven ability to interface NOAA’s Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System. This sensor provides a unique benefit to recreational users, the scientific community and the general public because the information is displayed in real time at NOAA’s PORTS website.

“We are pleased to partner with the U. S. Coast Guard and the Marine Exchange of the San Francisco Bay Region to deliver real time fog conditions to mariners,” said Richard Edwing, Director NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services.  “Our mission is to provide accurate real time information for the continued safe navigation in this challenging marine environment.” 

The installation of the Vaisala FS11 Visibility Sensor in the Port of Oakland at Berth 38 began transmitting information via the PORTS website on June 3 and marks the introduction of reliable visibility data to one of the Nation’s busiest ports.

MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. – The Coast Guard is evaluating the continued need for two aids to navigation located off the Northern California coast. 

The two buoys considered for removal are: Little River Bell Buoy LR (LLNR 435) and Mendocino Bay Whistle Buoy MB (LLNR 440), and because neither town has a harbor committee, the Coast Guard is asking for feedback from mariners who could be impacted by their removal. Questions and comments regarding the aids can be directed to Chief Warrant Officer Curtis Barthel at Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay Curtis.J.Barthel@uscg.mil or 707-839-6589.

The Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Humboldt Bay primary mission is to service and maintain all aids to navigation in Sector Humboldt Bay's area of responsibility. These consist of six major sea coast lights, including three historic lighthouses, forty primary assigned lights, five sets of range lights and three private lights. ANT Humboldt Bay is co-located in Samoa, Calif. with Station Humboldt Bay.

Coast Guard crewmembers aboard the Cutter Aspen, a 225-foot buoy tender homeported at Yerba Buena Island, conduct training with members from the Pacific Strike Team stationed in Novato, Calif., on the cutter's Spilled Oil Recovery System equipment on the San Francisco Bay Thursday, June 13, 2013. The Aspen and other buoy tenders are required to keep this equipment on board in the event of a marine hazardous material spill. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard members aboard the buoy tender Aspen, homeported at Sector San Francisco, train with the Pacific Strike Team members stationed in Novato, Calif., on the Spilled Oil Recovery System on the San Francisco Bay Thursday, June 13, 2013. Rice was placed in the water to simulate oil to test the skimming system, a function of SORS. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard crewmembers aboard the Cutter Aspen, a 225-foot buoy tender homeported in Sector San Francisco, conduct training with members from the Pacific Strike Team stationed in Novato, Calif., on the cutter's Spilled Oil Recovery System equipment on the San Francisco Bay Thursday, June 13, 2013. The Aspen and other buoy tenders are required to keep this equipment on board in the event of a marine hazardous material spill. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

The Pacific Strike Team, stationed at Novato, Calif., and the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, homeported in San Francisco, conducted an oil spill response training in the San Francisco Bay, Thursday, June 14, 2013.

Coast Guard members assigned to the PST supported the members from the Aspen to ensure their spilled oil recovery system is in working condition, and to help the crew become more proficient.

A trained crew of ten is able to install the SORS equipment in the “in transit” mode in less than one hour with assistance of a lifting crane on board the Aspen. Once on the scene of the oil spill, the equipment can be fully deployed and begin recovering spilled oil in less than one hour.

Cmdr. William Carter, the commanding officer of the PST, said that the training provided by the team prepared the Aspen crew to better respond if an oil spill should occur.

“Responding to pollution incidents is a team effort in the Coast Guard and joint training with other units only strengthens our ability to effectively act,” Carter said.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Richards, a damage controlman assigned to the PST, said this training turned out to be a success.

“Anytime you do a SORS training things can go wrong, but this drill went well due to everybody coming back to the shore safely, training was complete, and the crews were able to operate the systems safely,” said Richards.

The skimming system, SORS, has four main steps: concentrate the oil sheen, skim the oil/water mix, pump the oil skimmed from the water’s surface, and contain the skimmed oil in a tank or other form of storage so the oil can later be transferred to an appropriate recycling or disposal facility.

The PST also launched a 26-foot boat in which member’s dumped rice into the water to simulate oil once the skimming system was ready to operate.

Petty Officer 1st Class James Rogers, a boatswain mate assigned to the PST, said, “most of the cutter crews are familiar with the system, but we are there as the subject matter experts to help train and assist because they don’t do it as frequently as we do.”

There are three teams that make up the National Strike Force. The Pacific Strike Team is just one. They are comprised of unique, highly trained members of the Coast Guard who maintain and deploy with specialized equipment and incident management skills: Any time, any place, any hazard.

Members from the Bangladesh navy don firefighting equipment during a drill aboard a Bangladesh navy vessel, BNS Somudra Joy, moored at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., June 19, 2013. Coast Guard members assisted sailors from the Bangladesh navy during a fire drill designed to test the crew's readiness. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Miller explains the functions of a simulated bilge fire to members from the Bangladesh navy aboard the Bangladesh ship, BNS Somudra Joy, moored at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., June 19, 2013. Coast Guard members assisted sailors from the Bangladesh navy during a fire drill designed to test the crew's readiness. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd David Flores

A member from the Bangladesh navy practices firefighting procedures during a drill aboard a Bangladesh ship, BNS Somudra Joy, moored at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., June 19, 2013. Coast Guard members assisted sailors from the Bangladesh navy during a fire drill designed to test the crews readiness. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Coast Guard members conduct a firefighting drill for the Bangladesh navy aboard a Bangladesh ship moored at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

The firefighting drill is a test to determine the Bangladeshi crew’s ability to get their ship underway safely.

For several months, Coast Guard members from the former Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis -- which was transferred to the nation of Bangladesh during a ceremony on May 23, 2013 -- helped the Bangladeshi sailors understand the logistics and operations of their new ship, the BNS Somudra Joy.

“Everything that we have been doing led up to this fire drill,’’ said Cmdr. Joseph LeCato, former executive officer of the Jarvis.  “It’s a 42-year-old ship; things are going to break and things are going to happen on their way back to Bangladesh. It is important they know this drill because of the different circumstances that could occur during a fire aboard the ship.”

The fire drill has three main safety steps: Turning on the engines to ensure the proper protocols are met, demonstrating firefighting techniques and medical evacuation procedures and showing the team’s ability to evacuate injured personnel who might be overcome by smoke.

Lt. Vincent Escobedo, former engineering officer assigned to the Jarvis, said the drill is a big deal. “To perform to the level that they did, exceeding the passing score, I think it says a lot about their training and level of dedication.”

At the end of the drill, the Coast Guard members and Bangladeshi sailors gathered together in the officer’s room, where the Bangladesh sailors gave three “hip hip hoorays” thanking the Coast Guard for supporting them and helping them pass the drill with success.

SAN FRANCISCO – Coast Guard and local agency crews responded to four people who were swept off Bonny Doon Beach near Santa Cruz, Calif., Sunday.

Two men and two women were swept from the shore after being struck by a wave. The two men were able to reach nearby rocks and await assistance. The two women were taken from the water by lifeguards and the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol. The two women were then transferred to a hospital in Santa Cruz.

The two men were rescued from the rocks by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco and delivered to waiting EMS personnel on shore.

A Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Monterey, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco, members from California Fire, State Park Lifeguards and the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol responded to the distress call. 

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard will implement safety zones in San Francisco Bay for the Independence Day fireworks shows Thursday.

One safety zone will be located approximately 1,000 feet off of San Francisco Pier 39 and the other will be located near the San Francisco Municipal Pier at Aquatic Park.  Each of these safety zones will apply to the navigable waters around and under the fireworks launch site within a radius of 1,000 feet from 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Thursday.  The safety zone incorporates Aquatic Park. There is no waterside viewing within Aquatic Park. 

The loading of pyrotechnics onto the fireworks barges is scheduled to take place at San Francisco Pier 50 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.  The Coast Guard will prohibit persons or vessels from entering or remaining in the navigable waters around and under the fireworks barges within a radius of 100 feet during the loading of the fireworks barges, while the barges are being towed to the display location, and until the start of the fireworks displays.

Entry into or through any of these zones is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized entry may result in civil and, or criminal penalties, including fines of up to $40,000. 

People who plan to watch the fireworks display from the water are reminded to wear proper fitting life jackets.  In 2011, 84 percent of all fatal boating accident victims were not wearing a proper life jacket.  Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal in California.  To increase the odds of a safe holiday for everyone, vessel operators should check that all safety gear is aboard their vessel before departing the pier and ensure they have a sober boat driver.

In the event of an emergency the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center can be reached on VHF-FM channel 16 or at 415-399-3547.

An information buoy sits in the water approximately 500 feet from Alcatraz in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 2, 2013. Coast Guard members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, homeported in San Francisco, worked with the National Park Service to protect the sea birds on Alcatraz during the 2013 America's Cup. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard members talk to Bill Merkle, a wildlife ecologist with the National Park Service, aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, homeported at Sector San Francisco, Tuesday July 2, 2013. The Coast Guard assisted the National Park Service with establishing an information buoy to protect the sea birds at Alcatraz in San Francisco during the 2013 America's Cup event. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, homeported in San Francisco, place an information buoy in the San Francisco Bay, Tuesday, July 2, 2013. The Coast Guard worked with the National Park Service to protect the sea birds at Alcatraz in San Francisco during the 2013 America's Cup.(Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)  

Coast Guard members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, homeported in San Francisco, worked with the National Park Service to place two temporary “information” buoys approximately 500 feet from the Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay to protect the local seabirds during the America’s Cup event Tuesday, July 3, 2013.

The birds are sensitive to disturbance from nearby boats, which can cause nest failure, said Bill Merkle, a wildlife ecologist for the National Park Service.

“We been thinking about placing buoys here for a long time and with the Coast Guard’s help we are finally able to; it’s fantastic,” Merkle said.

Staff from the National Park Service discussed the design process with the Coast Guard, and both worked together to come up with the idea of placing the buoys.

There are three steps to placing a buoy in the water. First a sinker -- a heavy block of stone – is connected by a chain to the buoy. Then the sinker is placed into the water at the assigned position.

Merkle said there were many pitfalls with the process, but with the Coast Guard’s support and interaction they were able to come up with a plan.

Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Salas, chief of the waterways branch at District 11 in Alameda, Calif., said, “The equipment used for this task is different than the standard gear for the Coast Guard.”

The Coast Guard typically works with metal buoys while the National Park Service uses buoys made of foam. The chain is also of a different material then what the Coast Guard is used to.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarin Coob, a boatswain mate assigned to the Aspen, said that even though the material given was different, it was a success.

“During the evolution, everyone worked together, and we were able to complete the mission safely and smoothly,” Cobb said.

Lt. Cmdr. Salas said the Coast Guard and the National Park Service both benefited from this experience.

“The park service’s didn’t have the means or resource to complete the task, and with our help we were able to work together and get the job done to preserve the safety of boaters and natural wildlife,” Salas said. 

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard will establish a safety zone in San Francisco Bay for the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Finals from July 7 to Sept. 21.  

The safety zone extends from Crissy Field to Pier 23 and will be in effect from approximately 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each race day. 

The interior of the regulated area will contain a race area marked by stake boats that will fly large red America’s Cup flags.  Vessels that have systems that can pick up the Automatic Identification Systems signal will see the race area outlined with virtual buoys. Vessels may enter the regulated area but may not enter the race area defined by the stake boats.   

Entry into or through the race area is strictly prohibited without receiving permission from the Patrol Commander via VHF-channel 23. Unauthorized entry may result in civil and, or criminal penalties. 

People who plan to watch the America’s Cup races from the water are reminded to wear proper fitting life jackets.  In 2011, 84 percent of all fatal boating accident victims were not wearing a proper life jacket.  Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal in California.  Vessel operators should check that all safety gear is aboard their vessel before departing the pier and ensure they have a sober boat driver.

In the event of an emergency the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center can be reached on VHF-channel 16 or at 415-399-3547.

The race area is within the green shaded area, except for the finish line that will be near Pier 27. Vessels may not enter the race area that will be outlined by stake boats.  Recommended waterside spectator viewing areas are shown as blue ovals on this chart. 

More information:

Local Notice to Mariners

Broadcast to Mariners on VHF channel 22A 

Media interested in covering Coast Guard operations or related stories during the America’s Cup races should contact Chief Petty Officer Mike Lutz at 415-399-7317, or at Michael.Lutz@uscg.mil, at least 24 hours prior to their requests deadline.  

ALAMEDA, Calif -- The Coast Guard and other agencies responded to a plane crash at San Francisco Airport Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a call around noon of a Boeing 777 that crashed at the SFO airport.

San Francisco Fire Department personnel are on scene. Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco launched an MH- 65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew and medically evacuated two individuals to Stanford Hospital.

Air Station San Francisco is on standby to launch another helicopter; personnel are with the setup with a triage station.

The severity and number of injuries are unknown.

The plane crash is under investigation.

For more information call San Francisco Airport Manager at 650-821-5222

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, Calif., is scheduled to hold a change-of-command ceremony at 10:30 a.m., July 12 at the air station, 6037 Price Ave., McClellan, Calif., 95652.

During the ceremony, Capt. Michael Eagle will transfer command of the air station to Capt. Douglas Nash.

Eagle is departing to the Coast Guard's 11th District to be chief of response enforcement. Nash is reporting from Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served as Chief of Aviation Forces.

Presiding over the ceremony will be Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander.

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command. The ceremony is attended by all members of the unit so they all witness the transfer of leadership.

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th District commander, provides his remarks during the change of command ceremony held at Air Station Sacramento, Calif., July 12, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition transferring total authority and responsibility of a unit from one individual to another.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

Coast Guard Read Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th District commander, looks on as Capt. Michael Eagle relinquishes command of Air Station Sacramento, Calif. to Capt. Douglas Nash during a change of command ceremony held at Air Station Sacramento July 12, 2013. Nash reported from Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Eagle will be reporting to the 11th Coast Guard District in Alameda, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

Coast Guard Capt. Michael Eagle, Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander, and Capt. Douglas Nash, Air Station Sacramento, Calif., commanding officer, pose for a photo after the change of command ceremony held at Air Station Sacramento July 12, 2013. During the ceremony, Nash relieved Eagle as commanding officer of the only fixed-wing Coast Guard unit on the West Coast. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

McCLELLAN, Calif. – Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, Calif., held a change-of-command ceremony where Capt. Michael Eagle transferred command of the air station to Capt. Douglas Nash Friday.

Eagle departed to the Coast Guard's 11th District to be chief of response enforcement. Nash reported from Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he served as Chief of Aviation Forces.

Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander, presided over the ceremony.

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command. The ceremony is attended by all members of the unit so they all witness the transfer of leadership.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Clifford Grader, a food service specialist at Base Alameda, Calif., provides a tour at the base to Hire America's Heroes personnel Friday, July 19, 2013. Hire America’s Heroes seeks to promote best practices and success strategies where members of the military family are welcomed into the corporate workforce after separation from the armed services. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team personnel, stationed in Novato, Calif., provide a demonstration at Base Alameda for personnel from Hire America's Heroes Friday, July 19, 2013. PST personnel displayed their ability to detect various chemicals and respond to natural disasters. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Dunham, from the 11th Coast Guard District, assists a participant from Hire America's Heroes in donning a survival suit during a tour of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche Friday, July 19, 2013. The Coast Guard hosted the symposium in order to show what valuable experience veterans can bring to a company if hired. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Erika Lindquist

Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Hartman, from Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco, gives a presentation on the use of explosives detection K-9s within the Coast Guard to a group from Hire America's Heroes Friday July 19, 2013. The Coast Guard and Hire America's Heroes worked together to connect major corporations with the skills and abilities of veterans for the purpose of employment in the civilian workforce. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Erika Lindquist

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Coast Guard personnel from around the San Francisco Bay Area participated in a Hire America's Heroes event held at Coast Guard Base Alameda Friday.

During the event various unit personnel demonstrated some of the capabilities the Coast Guard offers such as K-9 explosives detection dogs, chemical detection and underwater serveilance.

Hire America's Heroes seeks to connect America’s major corporations with the skills and abilities of military service members and their families for the purpose of employment in the corporate workforce.