All police officers assigned to the Marine Bureau first attend the D.C.J.S. 7 month basic police training program at the department's Police Academy. Police Officers are also required to serve a minimum of 3 years service in the department's Patrol Division prior to requesting a change of assignment to the Marine Bureau. The Marine Bureau is unique in that a variety of state approved marine related training programs are especially provided to its members. This training is approved and certified by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. One hundred percent (100%) of the patrol officers are currently certified as Marine Patrol Vessel Operators. Instructors from the Department also participate in regional marine law enforcement training programs which are provided annually throughout the marine district of the state. All patrol officers are E.M.S. certified as either EMT-D or CFR-D. The D.C.J.S. approved departmental training programs include:
- Standard Marine Patrol Vessel Operator Curriculum.
- Jet Propulsion Vessel Operator Curriculum.
- Safe Boat Operation Orientation.
- Marine Patrol Security Interdiction.
- 3 Day Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement.
- Impaired Boater Recognition Program.
- Water Safety, Survival and Rescue Course.
- Marine Fire Safety and Control Course.
- Accident Investigation and Management Course.
The Nassau County Police Marine Bureau also provides training for the United States Coast Guard. Many training programs are provided for Coast Guard regulars and reservists each year. This instruction may include: Impaired Boater - S.F.S.T. training; Federal Documentation Program training; State Vessel Registration training; Certified First Responder (E.M.S.) training; Accident Management and Investigation training and Water Safety, Survival and Rescue training. The Coast Guard has also been a good partner in providing our members search and rescue (S.A.R.) training, participating in joint helicopter hoist operations training, and training with MarineBureau patrol units on marine towing operations. In June of 1999, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard recognized the Marine Unit and its members for its continued marine law enforcement activities, search and rescue support and the marine law enforcement training that it has provided to Coast Guard personnel. The Commandant awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation to the Commanding Officer and members of the Marine Unit. (Military Ribbon Below)
The Marine Bureau personnel who responded to the World Trade Center disaster on and after September 11, 2001 have also been awarded the United States Department of Transportation/Coast Guard commendation for their rescue and support efforts. (Medal Below)
Police Officers assigned to the Marine Bureau have participated in Department of Homeland Security training delivered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officers are thereafter cross-designated as United States Customs Officers. This designation is important for our officers particularly for border security and interdiction, and when working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard on joint patrol operations. The events of September 11, 2001 have reinforced the need for the Nassau County Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to become more inter-operable and to regularly engage in joint patrols to improve the security of Long Island waterways.
U.S.C.G. and Nassau County Police marine and aviation units on Long Island's south shore.