For more than two centuries, the Coast Guard has been protecting U.S. maritime interests all over the world. They are known to have presence at sea, in ports and some rivers.
However, in Missouri, this military service is in the unique position of having jurisdiction at Lake of the Ozarks.
Many who visit the popular destination are surprised when they see the orange boat cruising the lake.
Don Altstadt, visiting from Indiana, says, “We were staying at a Wyndham there in Osage Beach. And my son, we're just sitting there on our deck and watching boats come in and out. And we saw the Coast Guard out on the water, so we were wondering why they were here."
The short answer is that Congress determined the Lake of the Ozarks was a "navigable waterway" in 1931 and therefore a federal mandated body of water. That term allows the Coast Guard's jurisdiction.
As far as the mission of the Coast Guard, Boarding Officer Matt Marler says, “We'll do the safety patrol and actually be doing law enforcement boardings, as well as inspections. Just be able to make sure they’re in compliance with all the safety gear for their type of boat."
The four-man crew is based out of St. Louis but can be seen patrolling the lake during the busiest times of the year, usually during the summer months.
Marler said, "We'll usually spend up to our fatigue limits. We break that up. We'll have a work-rest ratio and come out here throughout the day, throughout the night and be patrolling the waters."
If you are interested in talking to a recruiter, the Coast Guard just opened a recruiting office in North Kansas City.
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Jane Monreal can be reached at JANE.MONREAL@KSHB.com.
