USCG Auxiliary Division 17 Penn Jersey

09/27/2026

09/24/2026

⚠️ Storm Update ⚠️

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay has received reports of three large navigational buoys that have washed up on beaches in the areas of Dewey Beach and South Bethany in southern Delaware.

Coast Guard responders are working to confirm exactly which buoys they are and their assigned positions.

Notifications will be made to the maritime community to communicate their absence through Local Notices to Mariners and other channels.

🚨 For safety reasons, the Coast Guard requests that the public please refrain from playing on, climbing, or attempting to move the buoys. 🚨

The displaced buoys will be recovered and either refurbished or recycled. New buoys will be placed on their assigned stations as soon as practicable.

Any reports of Aids to Navigation discrepancies are requested to be sent to [email protected] or call 215-271-4880.

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

🚨STORM WARNING🚨

A storm is anticipated to affect the Mid-Atlantic region starting Tuesday evening and is expected to persist across parts of the district through Friday afternoon.

Gale-force winds and hazardous seas are expected to impact the region from North Carolina to New Jersey.

These conditions create life-threatening beach hazards, such as dangerous rip currents and large battering waves, particularly along the coastal waters of Virginia and North Carolina.

The National Weather Service has issued gale warnings and small craft advisories for the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters throughout the region.

For relevant marine weather updates in your area visit:

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia
U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina

The Coast Guard urges the following heavy weather safety and preparedness tips:

🌊Respect the Water: Rough seas, high surf, and strong rip currents may occur as the storm passes through our area; heed warnings by local officials, law enforcement, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

🪢Secure belongings: Boat owners should verify moorings, secure loose equipment, and store trailer-able boats (including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle craft) in a place not susceptible to flooding.

📻Stay Informed: Boaters should monitor weather on VHF radio channel 16 and track local storm updates through television, radio, and trusted online sources.

U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command

09/23/2026

Notice of Port Condition Wh***ey (Modified)

The Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay, has set a modified Port Condition WH***EY due to the forecast of high winds in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware area beginning within the next 12 hours. A thorough explanation of port conditions can be found under the Port Hurricane Contingency Plan tab at URL: https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-5/District-Units/Sector-Delaware-Bay/.

The COTP has determined the region will likely experience gale force winds, increased seas, surf, coastal flooding, tidal surge and extremely low tides. Members of the port community should take adequate precautions and review the Severe Weather Contingency Plan. In preparation for high winds, the following provisions of Port Condition WH***EY are implemented:

Vessels must have effective mooring and anchorage arrangements for anticipated high wind; vessel agents are asked to notify vessel masters of this requirement.
Facilities must minimize debris that could become missile hazards.
Lightering, bunkering, and cargo operations must cease when sustained winds exceed 40 mph.
Vessels and facilities shall conduct a self-assessment for high winds and report any potential hazards or concerns to the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center at (833) 453-1007.
In the event that the COTP imposes further restrictions, they will be broadcasted on VHF-FM Channel 16. Additionally, all notifications will be forwarded to the Maritime Exchange and will be available as requested. The U.S. Coast Guard will provide the earliest possible advance notification before changing the port condition.

Mariners can also report conditions to the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center on VHF Channel 16 or call (833) 453-1007.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (206) 815-6688, option 3.

09/13/2026

At our Division meeting this past week, two of our shipmates were recognized for their dedication and service. James Maher was awarded the Sustained Service Award for 4,500 hours, and Sheldon Slusser received the Sustained Service Award for 6,000 hours.

Both awards were presented by DCDR Stanley Baxter.

Bravo Zulu to these outstanding members for their commitment to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

09/09/2026

Auxiliarist often operate in environments where medical help is far away. Medical readiness is one of the most direct ways the Coast Guard Auxiliary strengthens Coast Guard missions. Coxswain Dan Jacquish, Flotilla 51, District 7, is treated aboard his auxiliary facility by members of Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet during a joint training mission. Photo by Ken Sommers, USCGAux Flotilla 42 Rochester, New York

09/09/2026

⚠️ Check the vessel!

If you're paying for a charter with more than six passengers for hire, the vessel generally must have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI).

A COI identifies important operating requirements for the vessel, including how many passengers it is authorized to carry, required safety equipment, manning, and operating conditions.

Before stepping on board:
1. Ask to see the Certificate of Inspection.
2. Check that it is valid.
3. Make sure the passenger capacity covers your group.

If the operator cannot provide the appropriate inspection documentation, don’t get on the boat!

A few seconds of checking before leaving the dock can help ensure your charter is operating within the safety standards designed to protect you.

👀 See a suspicious charter? Report it through the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH (1-877-249-2824).

Fo immediate danger to life or property, dial 911 or call the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Marine Channel 16.



Graphic By: PA3 Lyric Jackson

06/08/2026

Be sure to join our examiners at D&S Marina this coming Saturday for your free Vessel Safety Check. Start your boating season right by being safe on the water.

🛟⚓ FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS – OPEN TO ALL BOATERS! ⚓🛟

Just because you don't keep your boat at D&S doesn't mean we don't want you to have a safe and enjoyable boating season!

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be at D&S on **Saturday, June 13** offering **FREE Vessel Safety Checks** for any boater who would like one.

✅ Free of charge
✅ Performed right at your boat
✅ Usually takes just 15–30 minutes
✅ Helps ensure your vessel meets current safety requirements

Whether you're a D&S slip holder, a local boater, or just passing through, we'd love to help get you ready for a safe summer on the water.

⚓ Appointments are encouraged, but we'll do our best to accommodate walk-ups as time allows.

📞 Contact us to reserve a time slot or stop by and see the Coast Guard Auxiliary team on the docks.

Because safe boating is for everyone. 🚤☀️