CG, Golden Gate Ferry – Emergency Exercise

Residents of Corte Madera located on the northeast side of the , saw an increased emergency response activity as area responders participate in an industry-led exercise on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

The interagency exercise, sponsored by Golden Gate Ferry in coordination with Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, took place at 4 which is located off the . The exercise was designed to test the Bay Area Vessel Mutual Assistance Plan including agency emergency evacuation capabilities, and mass rescue operations, as well as the ferry system transportation infrastructure.

The Golden Gate Ferry exercise allowed all participants the opportunity to test interagency coordination, communications, and planning effectiveness, and strengthened agency partnerships invaluable in maintaining a highly effective safety and security posture within the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Coast Guard participated by enforcing a safety zone around the two ferries and several response vessels participating in the exercise, as well as provided boats for exercise play. Over 150 students played the role of passengers as emergency responders simulated response efforts.

Exercise participants also included Marin County Sherriff's Department, the National Park Service, and Marine units from , Contra Costa, and Marin counties. The fire departments from Larkspur, Tiburon, , and Southern Marin also participated.

(Source: Eleventh Coast Guard District-Northern News)