Battalion Order 1630.2B
From: Commanding Officer
To: Distribution List
Subj: Waterborne Patrol
Ref: (a) 4th Marines (-) (rein) OpO 308-65
(b) 1st Bn, 4th Marines OpO 222-65
(c) Maps: Viet Nam 1:50,000 AMS L701 Sheets 6757 III, 6757 IV
Encl: (1) Checkpoint Overlay
(2) Special Orders for the Sergeant of the Waterborne Patrol
- Purpose. To establish and set forth responsibilities for a waterborne patrol within the TAOR assigned by reference (a) in order to: conduct surveillance of inland waterway approaches; enforce curfew on the waters within the TAOR; prohibit infiltration of VC/VCS.
- General. The waterborne patrol is under the direct cognizance of the Battalion S-3 Officer. Reference (a) requires that surveillance of all water approaches to areas occupied and defended by U.S. Forces within the TAOR be conducted to prohibit infiltration and repel landings. Foot patrols, observation posts and manned defensive positions contribute to this end as well as the waterborne patrols conducted by LVT’s and Coastal Defense Force 15. However, the characteristics of the surface craft (LVT’s and motorized junks) used in the past have restricted the enforcement of the established curfew within the TAOR. The procurement of boats with sufficient speed to overtake all watercraft normally within the TAOR provides a means of enforcing curfew and contributes to prohibiting infiltration of VC/VCS.
- Cancellation. Battalion Order 1630.2A.
- Mission. Patrol the waters within the TAOR in order to:
- Enforce curfew.
- Conduct surveillance of shoreline and inland waterways during hours of curfew.
- Prohibit infiltration of VC/VCS during hours of darkness.
- Waterborne Patrol
- The patrol consisting of two boats is composed of the following personnel:
(1) Boat #1
(a) Sergeant of the Boat Patrol (H&S Co.)
(b) Coxswain, (LVT Plat)
(c) Automatic Riflemen (H&S Co)
(d) Communicator/automatic Riflemen (H&S Co)
(2) Boat #2
(a) Automatic Rifleman (H&S C0)
(b) Coxswain (LVT Plat)
(c) Automatic Riflemen (H&S Co)
(d) Automatic Rifle (H&S Co)
- Special orders for the Sergeant of the Waterborne Patrol are contained in enclosure (2).
- Coordinating Instructions
- The Sergeant of the Waterborne Patrol report to the S-3 Watch Officer at 1900 and 0700 daily for briefing and debriefing.
- Boat patrol base is located at LVT splash point (BT 520117).
- Boats shall be operated and maintained only by qualified individuals designated by the LVT platoon commander.
- Boats shall be used only for assigned patrol and official business as directed by this Headquarters.
- Curfew enforcement:
(1) Hours: 2000-0500.
(2) In event surface craft are observed violating our curfew by approaching or departing the shore during curfew hours:
(a) Maneuver boat into such a position that rounds fired over bow of VN surface craft will not impact in friendly positions. During this time boat remain beyond grenade range of surface craft.
(b) Use megaphone to order surface craft to cease movement.
(c) If surface craft fails to heed verbal commands, then and only then will warning shots be fired across bow of boat. Marines will not fire upon craft or occupants unless they commit an overt act of hostility (opening fire, throwing grenades, preparing to fire, etc.). If overt act of hostility is committed, craft may be fired upon and /or sunk in accordance with current rules of engagement.
(d) Waterborne patrol inspects craft and check for proper identification. Under no circumstances shall any member of the waterborne patrol board VN craft. If persons of military age lack proper identification, notify this Headquarters immediately and apprehend and take custody of boat. If assistance is required, patrol boat remains with surface craft until assistance arrives.
- Communications
- Primary means of communication by radio on the Battalion Tactical Net.
- Secondary communications with portable public address system.
- Call sign for the patrol is SEA LION.
- Use red parachute flare in the event the patrol is attacked.
This page last updated 21 August 2011