Marine Patrol - Uniformed Services

Sergeant Lawrence Keating
Program Coordinator

NEW LONDON MARINE OFFICERS
2008

Officer L.M. Keating
Officer Garry Sloan
Officer Roger Baker
Officer Max Bertsch
Officer Roger Newton

       The City of New London is located at the mouth of the Thames River, where Fisher's Island Sound meets Long Island Sound. New London Harbor is the finest natural harbor between New York and Boston. Submarine Base New London, homeport to Submarine Group Two, and the United States Submarine School are located on New London Harbor. The United States Coast Guard Academy, homeport of the tall ship Eagle is located in New London. The harbor is also home to a commercial shipping port, General Dynamics / Electric Boat, the USS Nautilus submarine museum and Pfizer's Global Research and production facilities. As a transportation hub, ferries run to Block Island RI., Orient Point NY., Fisher's Island NY., and Montauk NY. It is not unusual to see a high-speed ferry, fast attack submarine, Coast Guard Cutter, and lumber freighter all leaving the river at the same time.

The New London Police Department operates a 2001, 23' Edgewater patrol vessel. It is powered by a 225 HP Yamaha, 4 stroke outboard. The boat is equipped with radar, color GPS chart plotter and color sonar/depth. New London's Marine Officers work closely with Coast Guard Personnel from Station New London, Department of Environmental Protection's marine officers, the U.S. Navy, and marine officers from neighboring municipalities. Marine officers are responsible for the enforcement of boating laws (including boating while intoxicated), and for ensuring the safe operation of vessels, and the security of the port.

New London Harbor has been host to many maritime events including OPSAIL 2000 Connecticut, the annual Yale / Harvard Regatta, Tall ship Challange 2004, and Boats, Books and Brushes (which include a schooner race). The culmination of the annual Sail Festival is the east coast's largest fireworks display.

Notice - It is illegal and dangerous to operate a vessel so as to cause a wake within 200' of docks and piers. The violation carries a $100.00 fine, and boaters can be held responsible for up to three times the dollar amount of any damage they cause. (C.G.S. 15-16.) New London marine officers strictly enforce this violation.