The Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program is the National Standard for maritime law enforcement and emergency response training. It provides a unified framework for training, qualifying, and maintaining the proficiency of boat crews and investigators across federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.
Why the BOAT Program Matters
In today’s complex maritime environment, consistent and standardized training is essential. The BOAT Program:
Whether responding to natural disasters, conducting search and rescue, or enforcing maritime law, agencies trained under the BOAT Program operate with shared standards and expectations - critical for coordinated response and public safety.
Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard
The BOAT Program is formally recognized by the
United States Coast Guard through a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that designates it as the N
ational Standard for maritime law enforcement and emergency response training. This recognition underscores the value of the BOAT Program in building a unified and capable maritime response community.
The Coast Guard’s endorsement reflects the program’s alignment with federal operational expectations and its role in strengthening national preparedness through standardized training and credentialing.
Notable Achievements
- Nationwide Adoption: The BOAT Program has been adopted by hundreds of agencies across all 50 states, enhancing maritime response capabilities nationwide.
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Certification Infrastructure: The creation of a centralized National Database allows agencies and Incident Commanders to verify responder qualifications and currency directly with NASBLA.
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Currency Standards:
Currency requirements for key courses - Boat Crew Member (BCM), Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR), Tactical Operator’s Course (TOC), and Pursuit & STOP (PAS) -
ensure that responders remain proficient and ready for deployment.
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Interagency Collaboration: The program has facilitated joint training and operations between local, state, tribal, and federal agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness during maritime incidents.
For more information, contact:
Director, BOAT Program