MARITIME PATROL

GLOSSARY 

PURPOSE 

SCOPE 

MISSION OF THE MARITIME UNIT

SECTION I: CHAIN OF COMMAND

SECTION II: OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES

SECTION III: UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

SECTION IV: LAUNCHING AND DOCKING

SECTION V: OPERATONAL PROCEEDURES

SECTION VI: SAFE HANDLING TECHNIQUES

SECTION VII: TACTICAL BOARDING PROCEEDURES

SECTION VIII: UNDERWATER RESCUE OPERATIONS

SECTION IX: RECRUITMENT

SECTION X: TRAINING

SECTION XI: RIDE ALONGS

SECTION XII: PASSENGER LIABILITY WAVER

SECTION XIII: APPROVING OFFICIAL

SECTION XIV: AMENDMENTS

PURPOSE

This policy outlines the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)s for the San Andreas State Police (SASP) Maritime Patrol Unit. This SOP outlines the structure, operations, and responsibilities of all employees of the Marine Unit. 

SCOPE

The guidelines and procedures outlined within this SOP apply to all SASP personnel who are authorized to conduct operations within the Marine Unit. 

MISSION OF THE MARITIME UNIT

The very nature of the Maritime Patrol Unit is to protect the coastal waters of the State of San Andreas and the citizens who occupy them. Major areas of concern for the Maritime Unit include, but are not limited to: proper utilization of unit vessels and specialized equipment; providing assistance to the U.S. Coast Guard in search and rescue operations; participating in drug and weapon trade interdiction operations in cooperation with Federal, State and Local partners; investigation of marine related thefts; enforcement of boating safety equipment regulations and vessel operation codes; enforcement of Hunting and Fishing laws and regulations; removal of derelict vessels; hurricane preparedness and assistance; underwater search and recovery operations.  

SECTION I: CHAIN OF COMMAND

1.  Superintendent

2. Assistant Superintendent

3. Operations Commander

4. Commander of the Maritime Patrol Unit (CMP)

5. Captain of the SASP vessel

6. SASP vessel crew

7. SASP Troopers

SECTION II: OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES

To provide the citizens of the State of San Andreas with enhanced marine support and service. In addition to, but not limited to:

• Deployment of SASP personnel who are highly trained in vessel and underwater recovery operations.

• Facilitate search and rescue operations.

• Interdiction of drug, alien, and weapon smugglers.

• Assist all other law enforcement agencies in marine operations as necessary and as requested.

• Reduce the number of injuries/fatalities resulting from unsafe boating practices.

• To suppress criminal activity and marine thefts on the waterways and shorelines of the State of San Andreas.

• To enforce all maritime related City of Los Santos ordinances, Los Santos and Blaine County ordinances, State of San Andreas statutes, and Federal laws and statutes directly related to waterways and shorelines.

• To respond to all water related incidents that threaten public safety and health.

• Provide support for law enforcement entities, which require marine law enforcement service.

• To respond to all incidents requiring underwater recovery divers and specialists.

• To assist other elements of law enforcement in the investigation and/or recovery of stolen vessels.

SECTION III: UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

The standard working uniform of all SASP personnel assigned to, and performing the duties of, the Maritime Patrol Unit will be as follows:

• Regular issue of foul weather jackets, rain suits, or other SASP approved uniform items will be worn as weather conditions dictate.

• No civilian clothing will be worn by on duty Maritime Patrol Unit personnel, unless approved in advanced by the Unit Commander or higher.

• A life-preserver jacket will be worn by all crewmembers who are aboard a SASP vessel. All SASP crewmembers will have a set of diving gear on their person while conducting enforcement functions. Diving gear will only be used/equipped when underwater operations are being conducted.

SECTION IV: LAUNCHING AND DOCKING

The following procedures are to be followed before, during, and after each operation. The vessel's crew will accomplish these tasks as a team to ensure nothing is overlooked/neglected. 

1. The vessel's Captain will contact the highest ranking SASP supervisor on duty to advise maritime operations will be conducted. 

2. Conduct a Float Plan. 

• Are Captain and crew fit to operate the vessel? 

• Check for possible inclement weather. 

• Establish range for times of launching/in-service operations/docking. 

• Record vessel registration number as well as names of Captain and crew. 

• Establish launching and docking locations. 

• Determine route of vessel (Destination specific or general patrol). 

4. Conduct a Vessel Inspection. 

• Check of vessel for loose bolts, obvious mechanical issues, and general wear and tear. 

• Ensure vessel is clear of debris and glass is clean. 

• Check gear, bumpers, and all fixtures attached to the body of vessel for damage. 

• Ensure all lights are functional and have proper illumination. 

• Ensure all gages are functioning as originally designed. 

• Ensure vessel horn and sirens are functioning as originally designed.

• Ensure in-game map is functioning as designed and is adequate for maritime operations.

5.  Conduct a Vessel Equipment Check.

• Ensure crew is wearing life-preserver jackets.

• Ensure each crewmember has a set of diving gear in their possession.

• Flares and a flare gun.

• Fuel reserves for operations (as necessary).

• Medical and first-aid supplies for both crew and recovery operations.

• Binoculars.

• Fire extinguisher

6. Communication is relayed to all appropriate personnel (Harbormaster/Ground) that vessel is in-service upon launch. Captain will monitor appropriate radio channel to remain in communication with onshore units. 

6. Captain will ensure completion all indicated mission parameters during maritime operations. 

7. The vessel will dock no earlier than indicated in the ending time of the float plan unless in the event of an emergency, unexpected event, or at the request of ground-force personnel. 

8. Communication is relayed to all appropriate personnel that vessel is out of service upon final docking. 

9. Post-operational inspection is completed. 

SECTION V: OPERATIONAL PROCEEDURES

The SASP Maritime Patrol Unit has established certain guidelines to ensure uniformity in the performance of all duties. In the event certain situations arise, the following procedures will be followed:

1. General Practices: 

   • Captain

Each vessel will have a designated Captain who will either be the designee of the Unit Commander, the highest ranking SASP member aboard or their designee, or in the absence of the previous two circumstances, the most experienced SASP member aboard in relation to maritime operations.

1. • Unit Callsigns

Each SASP vessel will use the callsign of "Marine-1" with numbers 2-10 in ascending order if additional watercraft are in operation.

2. Disabled Vessels: Mechanical Problems

• May assist but do not perform any repairs.

• Dead battery - Tow is required. Do not jump.

• Out of fuel - Tow is required. Do not transfer fuel.

• If tow is required but not possible - Occupants will abandon vessel and be transported to nearest marina/dock.

3. Fire Emergencies

• If in Marina or private dock - Call SAFR and ensure safety of occupants.

• If in bay - Call SAFR & U.S. Coast Guard (if available).

• Utilize on-board firefighting equipment as necessary.

4. Vessel Sinking

• Notify SAFR & U.S. Coast Guard (if available).

• Give assistance to those onboard.

• Do not board sinking vessel in an effort to save vessel from sinking.

• Order occupants to abandon their vessel if necessary.

5. Safety Inspections

• All vessels occupying waterways & shorelines are subject to a safety inspection to include vessels operating in an unsafe manner.

• Vessels must have the following: 

A. Functional horn

B. Visual distress signals (flares)

C. Vessel registration

D. Fire extinguisher

E. Personal flotation devices

F. Anchor and line

6. Boating Accidents

• The SASP Maritime Patrol Unit will respond to all boating accidents that occur within the jurisdiction of the San Andreas State Police. If a criminal element is identified and an arrest is necessary, the Captain will contact a shore unit and request a prisoner pickup at the nearest marina/dock.

7. Injured Persons

• Determine the severity of injuries

• Determine type of transportation needed:

A. If no extreme emergency exists and a capable operator is on board, the victim's vessel may be used to transport.

B. SASP vessel may be used to transport if necessary.

C. SASP/SAFR helicopter should be used for extreme emergency.

• Notify SAFR and U.S Coast Guard (if available).

8. Non-crew Passengers and Arrestees on SASP Vessels

• All non-crew personnel will wear a personal flotation device (if clothing option is available).

• Arrestees:

A. Arrestees will always be handcuffed and placed in the rear of the vessel.

B. Arrestee will be placed in a sitting position in the rear of the vessel, under the observation of a SASP crewmember who is not engaged in vessel operation.

9. Weapons

• The SASP Maritime Patrol Unit vessel crew will be equipped with their issued sidearms. A shotgun or patrol rifle may be used on the vessel while on patrol if so desired by the crewmember. Crewmembers using long-guns must be certified in the use of such weapons.

SECTION VI: SAFE HANDLING TECHNIQUES

All boat handling training will be conducted by a certified SASP Marine Unit Instructor. The art of boat handling may be defined as the application of knowledge and skill acquired by the study, observation, and experience in effecting safe and smart operation. No two boats will react of handle the same in identical situations.

1. Handling Techniques

   1. • Ensure that you are ready to get underway. All personnel and equipment is ready to go.

      • Use engine speed and throttles only to the degree necessary to maintain proper control.

      • Anticipate maneuvers in advance. This gives better control of the boat.

      • Be alert to your position and avoid getting into emergency situations if necessary.

      • Prepare in advance for bad weather.

      • Keep your stern free for maneuvering in close quarters.

      • Be aware of a loss of speed in making turns at all speeds. Loss of control could result in this period.

      • Watch your wake! You are responsible for any damages.

      • When coming alongside, have bumpers and lines at the ready.

      • Take your time. A slow approach is the best approach. 

2. Principles of Pressures and Currents

• Suction current is the water, which is drawn into the prop.

• Discharge current is the water, which is driven out astern of the prop.

• Rudder effect is the prop discharge in relation to the direction of the lower unit.

• Sideways blade pressure is the unequal thrust exerted by the ascending and descending blade of the prop.

• Wake current is the water carried along by the boat as it moves through the water overcoming friction. 

3. Navigation

• Defined as art and science of safely directing the movement of the craft from one position to another.

• Know relationship of shape, color, light flashing, frequency, and numbering system of channel markers.

• Depth sounding

• Distance between vessel and shoreline and harbors.

4. Radio/Radar

• Primary search and aid to navigation instrument during inclement weather or nighttime hours. 

• Generates radio frequency pulses which are transmitted through radar antenna. 

• A portion of the pulse is reflected back by solid objects within line of sight and range of the antenna. 

• Reflected pulse is displayed on screen, which is calibrated to allow measurement of range and relative bearing. 

5. Conclusion

Once you know your boat's capabilities and limitations. you will be able to direct her movements to a successful completion. Know your boat from bow to stern. Hands-on supervised training is essential. The San Andreas State Police has put you in charge of these boats, learn to operate them efficiently and properly. 

SECTION VII: TACTICAL BOARDING PROCEEDURES

Small boat crews are increasingly faced with the possibility of having a "routine" boarding develop into a much more hazardous situation (i.e. contraband, drug smuggling, etc.) The safety of the boat crew involved in these potentially dangerous situations is paramount. Therefore, observance of the standard operating procedures and adherence to the training requirements outlined herein are essential. These guidelines, no matter how explicit or well executed, can neither replace "common sense" nor can they cover every possible situation. When in doubt in any situation, contact the appropriate member in the chain of command for additional guidance. 

1. General Practices

   1. • Check all weapons for serviceability while you are enroute to the vessel or suspected vessel.

      • Notify additional units/Dispatch upon arrival to the scene. Provide location, description of suspect vessel and number of known occupants.

2. Contact with Vessel

• Order the vessel to halt and instruct engine to be turned off.

• All occupants of vessel are to declare themselves and be visible to SASP personnel prior to boarding.

• Occupants of vessel are detained and a systematic search of vessel for additional occupants will be conducted.

• An armed SASP crewmember will observe all detained occupants at all times during boarding operations.

• Detainees are to be paced in seated positions and will be within close proximity to the SASP vessel.

• Detainees will not be transferred to the SASP vessel absent a directive from the SASP Captain.

3. Use of Force

• SASP personnel will at all times comply with training, directives and all Use of Force policies and procedures.

• Use of Force should be objectively reasonable with the facts presented to the officer at the time.  

• The least amount of force necessary should be used to control a situation or eliminate a threat.

• Any Use of Force will immediately be reported to a SASP supervisor or highest ranking SASP member on scene. 

4. Arrest of Subjects

• Upon conclusion of boarding operations and investigative efforts, any arrestees will be handcuffed, searched, and transferred to the SASP vessel for transport back to mainland. 

• For situations involving multiple arrestees where there is too little space aboard the SASP vessel for adequate transport of all arrestees:

A. Contact additional law enforcement resources for assistance.

B. If necessary to make multiple "ferry" trips between shore and vessel, arrestees remaining in the temporary custody of a SASP trooper must be handcuffed and searched prior to the departure of the SASP vessel to the mainland.

C. Coordination must be established with shore-based units for transfer of custody upon arrival to shore. 

SECTION VIII: UNDERWATER RESCUE RESPONSE

If an emergency requiring the use of underwater rescue operations exists, the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit shall take the following actions:

• When a boat crew receives a call for diver assistance, they must make a determination if the location can be reached by boat or land vehicle. 

• A notification is made to both SAFR and SASP Command.

• If the location can be reached by boat, the vessel operator will proceed by the most direct route while the second officer immediately begins donning his wetsuit and preparing his scuba gear. Once on the scene, if two (2) divers are required the vessel operator will then prepare themself for the diving operation after anchoring the vessel.

• If the location can only be reached by land, the vessel operator will proceed immediately to the nearest port where a Marine patrol vehicle is located. The second officer will be donning his wet suit while en-route to the port. The diving gear must then be transferred from vessel to vehicle. The second officer will then drive the vehicle while the vessel operator prepares himself for the operation. 

SECTION IX: RECRUITMENT 

The SASP Maritime Patrol Unit Commander will recruit candidates from within the department who have applied for a position within the Unit. Applicants must be sworn officers and have no less than 30-days of employment within the SASP who have received no major disciplinary actions within their employment. Applicants will be interviewed by the Unit Commander and final recommendations will be forwarded to the Superintendent for final approval. 

SECTION X: TRAINING 

• All training will consist of an on-the-job (in-service) and classroom instructional lecture (as required) by a SASP Maritime Unit Instructor. The trainee must complete all initial training with a “Competent/Satisfactory” rating from the Instructor prior to assuming the duties of a full-time crewmember conducting maritime operations.

• The time period of training will be at the discretion of the Instructor and based on the trainees’ level of prior experience and comprehension/retention of training operations and lesson plans. 

• The Superintendent will sign off on a trainee’s final promotion order once a recommendation for graduation has been submitted by both the Instructor and the Commander of the Maritime Patrol Unit. 

• To maintain certification, the Trooper must work a minimum of 2 shifts per month within the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit (as scheduled with the Unit Commander). 

SECTION XI: RIDE ALONGS / PASSENGERS 

Outside of an emergency situation, only upon authorization of the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit Commander, may anyone other than personnel assigned to the unit, ride aboard a police watercraft. When such authorization is given, the individual, if other than an SASP employee, will read and sign the liability waver form provided for this purpose. 

SECTION XII: PASSENGER LIABILITY WAVER 

If an individual has received authorization from the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit Commander to ride aboard a SASP vessel, the Captain of the vessel will copy and paste the following message and send via a Direct Message to the rider’s Discord account: 

“I, [Type Name Here], wish to ride as a passenger within a San Andreas State Police emergency patrol vehicle or aircraft. I do so of my own free will, and hereby accept any risks of injury or death to myself as a result of my participation during this ride-along. I will not, nor will anyone on my behalf, seek any sort of legal action or financial compensation against the San Andreas State Police for any reason in relation to my willing participation in the SASP ride-along program. 

Signed: [Type Name Here] 

Date: [Enters Date of Ride-along]” 

The Passenger will then fill out the indicated sections contained within the message above and return to either the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit Commander or the Captain of the vesse. If returned to the Captain, that individual will forward the waver to the Unit Commander. This waver must be completed prior to the individual’s participation within the ride-along.  

SECTION XIII: APPROVING OFFICIAL 

Colonel Garrett Oakley 

Superintendent, San Andreas State Police 

SECTION XIV: AMENDMENTS

Amendment 08/24/2024:

1. Aside from the boat crew, there must be a total number of at least three (3) active units on ground-force patrol, not specific to any one police agency, in order for the SASP Maritime Patrol Unit to conduct waterway operations.