Final answer:
To safeguard waterways, it's essential to follow Homeland Security Measures, including keeping boats and equipment clear of contaminants, complying with BW discharge regulations, and ensuring civil defense and emergency preparedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To keep our waterways safe and secure, there are several Homeland Security Measures that need to be followed. These measures are not only vital for environmental protection but also for implementing civil defense and emergency preparedness, including anti-terrorism legislation and ensuring the resilience of critical national infrastructure. In Maryland, for instance, individuals can contribute to water security by ensuring that no visible plants, animals, mud, or debris are present on their boats and equipment before they are launched into the water. Moreover, it is imperative to drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers to prevent the introduction of non-native species and potential pollutants into the waterways. All fishing and SCUBA gear should be properly rinsed with a hard spray from a garden hose to remove any potential contaminants.
Beyond individual actions, security in international waters is also critical. The stability of regions like Yemen is imperative for the security of regional waterways due to the threat of piracy, emphasizing the importance of security for safe international shipping. Furthermore, in the US, ships must comply with regulations set by the US Coast Guard (USCG) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding Ballast Water (BW) discharge, as part of the efforts to prevent biological invasions by nonindigenous species through ships' ballast water, as outlined in the National Invasive Species Act of 1996.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security oversees multiple law enforcement agencies including the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs to safeguard U.S. borders and ensure the effective management of these security measures.