U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston

Spring has officially sprung in Boston! That can only mean one thing - the iconic Duck Boats are back on the road and splashing into the Charles! With over 550,000 passengers set to explore the city this season, safety is our top priority. Thanks to the rigorous work of our local Marine Inspectors here at Sector Boston, the entire fleet has completed comprehensive inspections, including visual checks and functional sea trials. These annual inspections ensure compliance with federal safety and firefighting regulations. Come take in the sights and sounds of Boston knowing these historic Ducks are safe and ready to swim! #USCG #MarineSafety #SectorBoston #SemperParatus #BostonDuckTours

Coast Guard members from across Northeast District recently completed the Basic Aerial Drone Course at Westover Air Reserve Base.

Over five days, participants trained on the Parrot Anafi USA drone, building essential piloting skills while preparing for the FAA Part 107 exam and srUAS Ground School. Hands-on flight sessions focused on real mission needs, including aids to navigation verification, pollution response, and search and rescue support.

Training alongside Air Force partners at a centralized regional facility strengthened interoperability, improved interagency communication, and expanded Coast Guard readiness to meet growing mission demands across the Northeast.

These members return to their units with stronger skills, greater confidence, and enhanced small unmanned aircraft systems capability to support Coast Guard operations.

The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Watch for Boston Harbor and a Storm Force advisory for Massachusetts coastal waters. Sustained northeast winds of 20–25 knots with gusts up to 60 knots are expected from late Sunday night through early Tuesday morning. Hazardous conditions include 25–30 ft seas offshore, significant snowfall, reduced visibility, and potential minor to moderate coastal flooding.

Mariners should remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, or secure vessels as needed. High winds may also impact regional bridge operations.

Maintain a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 and monitor National Weather Service updates, as conditions may change. For urgent safety concerns, contact Sector Boston Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (857) 416-3015. Check the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center for updates.

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/

https://www.weather.gov/

Station Merrimack River: Where the Coast Guard Began

The United States Coast Guard traces its origins to the Merrimack River, where one of the nation’s first life saving stations stood watch over the dangerous bar at the river’s mouth. That legacy of service continues today at U.S. Coast Guard Station Merrimack River.

From challenging surf conditions and shifting sandbars to heavy recreational and commercial traffic, Station Merrimack River’s crews conduct search and rescue, enforce maritime law, protect the marine environment, and safeguard all who work and recreate on the water.

As part of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, the station’s men and women carry forward a tradition of lifesaving professionalism rooted in history and executed with modern skill, professionalism, and readiness.

Semper Paratus.

⚠️Unmanned Dinghy – Gloucester, MA

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the owner of a 12–14 ft dinghy found unmanned and adrift in the vicinity of Gloucester Inner Harbor.

If you have any information regarding this vessel or its owner, please contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (833) 449-0539 or via VHF Channel 16.

DUE TO THE LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, INFORMATION ON THIS SOCIAL MEDIA SITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED

🚨 Unmanned Kayak Adrift – Provincetown, MA 🚨

The Coast Guard received a report of an unmanned kayak adrift approximately 4 nautical miles north of Provincetown, Massachusetts.
• Description: Blue Teton model kayak
• Registration Number: LPEA0692H121

If you have any information regarding this kayak or its owner, please contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (833) 449-0539 or via VHF Channel 16.

Your assistance is vital in helping us determine if there is any associated distress.

Hurricane Preparation and Safety 🌀🛟🛥️🚁✔️

Hurricane Erin is expected to remain offshore, but dangerous conditions will still impact our coastal communities. The National Weather Service has issued advisories, and we would like to remind everyone to be SMART during hurricane season:

S – Stay away from the water. Enjoy watching the storm from a safe distance indoors, and take roads less impacted by flooding.

M – Make a plan in the event you need to leave your neighborhood.

A – Avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t take your boat out in rough conditions, and choose activities that keep you safe from the weather.

R – Review your household inventory of important emergency supplies. Make sure you have water and food for a few days, batteries, flashlights, etc. For a list of supplies to consider, visit ready.gov/kit.

T – Tie up your boats! Ensure your vessels are securely fastened to prevent them from drifting away during the storm. This also helps reduce false alerts for our Search & Rescue teams, reserving critical rescue assets for people in need.

📢 The Coast Guard encourages all New England residents, mariners, and beachgoers to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices.

🚨 For emergencies, dial or text 911 on land, or use VHF Channel 16 on the water.

📸 Courtesy: U.S. National Weather Service Boston MA

🇺🇸 Safe Celebrations on the Water: Operation Dry Water in Full Effect 🚤

As we celebrate Independence Day, the Coast Guard and local partners are out in force as part of Operation Dry Water . Part of a nationwide effort to reduce boating under the influence (BUI), this effort keeps our waterways safe.

At Sector Boston, crews are conducting increased patrols throughout the holiday weekend, focusing on boating safety, life jacket use, and removing impaired operators from the water. Alcohol is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents — and we’re committed to preventing tragedies before they happen.

🎆 Enjoy the 4th, but remember: Boat sober. Boat smart. Boat safe.

HARDENING OUR PORT. SECURING OUR MARITIME BORDERS.

USCG Sector Boston, in close coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, conducted a targeted enforcement operation at Conley Terminal in Boston, MA. Over 120 containers were thoroughly inspected before being allowed to enter or exit the facility, ensuring no hazardous or illicit cargo could pose a risk to port personnel, maritime infrastructure, or national security.

This operation is part of the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to proactive maritime security—leveraging partnerships, intelligence, and enforcement to protect critical supply chains and prevent criminal activity from exploiting our borders.

Together, we’re strengthening America’s ports and safeguarding the flow of legitimate commerce.

🔬 Behind the Scenes: The Vital Role of Marine Science Technicians (MSTs) in Port Safety

Every day, thousands of containers move through the Port of Boston, carrying goods from around the world. Behind the scenes, Marine Science Technicians (MSTs) work diligently to inspect these containers for compliance.

MSTs check for hazardous materials, proper labeling, and secure packaging to ensure that nothing onboard poses a risk to maritime safety or homeland security. Their inspections help prevent chemical spills, fires, and environmental threats before they can happen.

It’s detail oriented and technical work but it’s essential to keep the supply chain moving safely. Their hard work ensures the Port of Boston remains secure and resilient.