Missions of Station Burlington

MISSIONS

SEARCH AND RESCUE

The primary mission of Station Burlington is Search and Rescue (SAR). The station averages over 200 search and rescue cases a year. This includes assisting boaters that are disabled or aground, locating overdue vessels, coordinating and responding to accidents on the lake, and responding to any other manner of distress on Lake Champlain. Winter operations include ice rescue training, as thousands of people head on to the ice to fish.

ATON (AIDS TO NAVIGATION)

It is the responsibility of Station Burlington's Aids to Navigation team to maintain over 140 buouys, lights, and markers on Lake Champlain. Having an Aids to Navigation team and a Search and Rescue unit at the same station has been particularly beneficial at Station Burlington and the two sections often work together to assist each other.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The stations Intelligence Officer coordinates law enforcement activities with Border Patrol and US Customs officials, as well as state and local officials from Vermont and New York. Coast Guard boarding officers and boarding team members enforce maritime law, and board vessels looking for boaters operating under the influence, violations of maritime law, and conduct safety inspections. Coast Guard Station Burlington's Boarding Officers and Boarding Team members conducted over 300 boardings this year on Lake Champlain.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

It is the Coast Guards duty to enforce all environmental laws for Lake Champlain. Besides federal law, state law is very specific concerning pollutants contaminating Lake Champlain. If a pollutant does enter the lake, Station Burlington coordinates with other environmental agencies (such as the EPA) to affect a swift, appropriate response.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

The station also provides a place for Coast Guard Auxillary to meet, Coast Guard and Navy reserve personnel to train, and State Police to train. Coast Guard personnel teach a basic Boathandling/Seamanship course to Vermont State Police Auxillary troopers assigned to the State Police marine unit. ASVABS are also administered at Coast Guard Station Burlington. Station personell give tours, talk to students about life in the Coast Guard, and give talks on boating safety.

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