MDA is taking on and will continue to play a very important role in Home Land Security. It is well beyond the Land Based Mobile Radio Patrols.( they are only one aspect of the overall MDA program) .
The MDA program encompasses PE,PV,MS,OP,CM and VE. MDA is, to make the boating public aware of Americas Waterway Watch ( AWW ) program and impressing to the public the need for them to report any unusual sightings. Its a nation wide program to recruit the boating public being run in cooperation with the "Gold Side" and headed by National Commodore Gene Seibert on the Aux. side, and Admiral Collins, Commandant of the Coast Guard. It will affect the above mentioned departments, for they will be the ones to spread the word out and the ones that have the public contact.
Both Frank and myself attended the conference in Orlando and we were given information on the program. The program will not alter any existing operation of any department, rather will add to what they are now doing. With this in mind , as coordinator , I plan to contact the respective DSO's for them to pass on the word through their ADSO's down the chain to PE classes, VE sessions, etc. and eventually to the general boating public. I also plan to keep the COM, VCO , RCO's in the loop.( The DSO level would be the best point to introduce and disperse the program material).
I will be prepared, and so will be Frank, I'm sure, to talk about it at the conference with you , the RCO's or any one that you may feel ,should be involved, at this time.