As Region III supervisor for enforcement, I have become aware of instances in which some confusion may exist as to who is the proper authority to handle or investigate certain situations regarding boating safety enforcement in particular.

First of all, let me make it clear that we recognize that all law enforcement is a team effort and, as commissioned wildlife enforcement agents with full police authority, we operate within that concept. However, in certain situations, the question often arises as to who should you call. The first thing that comes to mind in an emergency situation is to call 911, which is the correct thing to do. They, in turn, will notify the proper emergency and law enforcement response personnel. The location and type of emergency will often determine who is first notified. Whoever is closest and has the proper equipment to respond is a prime consideration.

Regarding any type boating emergency, whether search and rescue or to report an accident or boating violation, we should be notified as soon as possible. The quickest way to contact an agent is through our Baton Rouge 800 number. The number is 1-800-442-2511. Enforcement division dispatchers man this number twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Our dispatchers have radio contact statewide to agents through our 800-radio system. Some of our local sheriff's departments maintain an active water patrol division, while others are limited due to manpower and equipment limitations.

Regardless, the first consideration should be to respond and render aid as soon as possible. Often we are contacted by sheriff's dispatchers, informed of situations, and asked to respond. This is the teamwork concept that I mentioned earlier. Once the initial response is complete and an assessment is made of the situation, we react accordingly. Supervisors are contacted and decisions made as to procedures to follow. The point I want to make is that just as we may have assisted the state police in an initial response to a traffic accident and the scene is secured, we then turn the investigation over to the agency with the expertise and training to handle it, even though we received some training in this field as part of our overall law enforcement training. In this example, we would play a supporting role and not the leading role. This same principle would apply to any boating accident. We are mandated by state law to investigate and file a report on any boating accident where either loss of life, serious physical injury, or property damage in excess of two hundred dollars has occurred. We train all of our agents thoroughly in both enforcement of Title 34, the Uniform Pleasure Boat Act, which includes coast guard regulations and also investigative techniques regarding boat accidents. In addition, we send some of our agents to specialized schools for advanced training in boating accident investigative techniques. Our department also maintains a dive team, which is headed up by Major Keith La Caze. In addition, Lt. Col. Charles Clark is a nationally recognized authority on boating safety and investigative techniques.

To sum up, we recognize the importance of our role in meeting the needs of our citizens regarding enforcement of boating safety regulations and also boating accident investigations. As part of our efforts, we conduct boating safety classes on a regular basis throughout the state free of charge. You may contact your nearest region office for times and locations. With our rapidly increasing boating usage, along with the mixing of recreational and commercial traffic, along with high performance bass boats and personal watercraft, safety becomes more important than ever. We patrol our waterways for D.W.I. just like state police; sheriff's departments and police departments do on our highways. The penalties for conviction are the same as if you were operating a vehicle on a public highway.

In conclusion, while boating safety is not the only mission we perform, we fully realize it's importance and stand ready to provide professional law enforcement service when needed.