LOS ANGELES — Following a recent incident involving a laser strike of a Coast Guard member in Morro Bay, the Coast Guard is reminding the public of the significant hazards caused by laser strikes. In this particular case, a laser was pointed from an inspected small passenger vessel in the direction of a Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Morro Bay and struck a Coast Guard crew member in the eye.
A laser strike, or pointing a handheld laser at a vessel or an aircraft, is dangerous and illegal.
Laser strikes of Coast Guard personnel or assets greatly hinder theirability to successfully execute Coast Guard missions. If a Coast Guard member operating a vessel or aircraft is struck in the eyes by a laser, the individual’s vision will be temporarily impaired for up to 30 minutes severely compromising the ability to effectively respond and safely operate, ultimately endangering the safety and lives of the general public. Laser strikes experienced at night are even more hazardous as the eyes have adjusted to compensate for illumination limitations. In all cases, a laser strike could result in permanent eye damage.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and felony offense under Title 18 U.S. Code Section 39. Violators may be fined up to $250,000 per violation or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. Violators found to be interfering with the safe operation of a vessel are liable to pay $32,796 per violation under Title 46 U.S. Code Section 2302, and Suspension & Revocation enforcement action will be pursued if the violator possesses a Coast Guard issued Merchant Mariner Credential.
All actions should be taken to prevent these high-intensity lights from causing undue danger and harm in the maritime and aviation communities.
If you have any further questions regarding this bulletin, please contact the Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Investigation Division at 310-521-3770, or email to: seclalb@uscg.mil.