The Harbor Patrol Reserve Unit supplements the Sheriff's Harbor Patrol activities in the three Orange County Harbors and Orange County coastline. The harbors include Dana Point, Newport Beach, and Sunset Harbor. Reserves in the Harbor Patrol Reserve Unit have the unique opportunity to train and work with Regular Deputies in all aspects of the job. Some of these aspects include routine patrol, deckhanding on the Fire Boat, boater education and public relations, emergency response and a multitude of other fascinating assignments.

Typical calls when on patrol or in the Fire Boat include vessels taking on water, boat fires, dead batteries, boat tows, vessels adrift, speeding, hazardous materials releases, and boating accidents.

Being a member of the Harbor Patrol Reserve Unit exposes the Reserve Deputy Sheriff to a significant number of activities not found in routine landside patrol. Harbor Patrol Reserves are given the opportunity to train in:

• Marine Firefighting
• Marine Navigation using charts, Loran and GPS, Radar, and RDF
• Hazardous Materials events
• County, City, and State enforcement codes
• Boat Handling and Deckhand Skills
• Oxygen Administration and First Aid
• Dive Team

Additionally, Harbor Patrol Reserves are part of an interactive unit where participation is encouraged and each individual is responsible for a different function of the program. This team approach allows individual contribution and recognition regardless of training or time in the Sheriff's Department.

Many seasoned Reserves often transfer into the Harbor for a change of scenery and an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful harbors and coastline the state has to offer. Whether you are educating boaters on the fundamentals of safe boating or assisting in a Medi-Vac to US Coast Guard Helicopter, you will be sure to enjoy the professionalism and camaraderie this unit has to offer.

Duties

The Harbor Reserve Unit works side-by-side with regular deputies in Dana Point, Newport and Huntington Harbors. These exciting positions provide qualified volunteers the opportunity to participate in General and Waterway Law Enforcement, for suppression and Rescue activities. Harbor Reserve Deputies receive many hours of formal instruction, followed by continual practical training in all phases of Harbor operations, including U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

If you are looking for a challenge and want to put your boating skills to the test, join the Harbor Reserves. The Harbor Patrol Unit is responsible for enforcing boating laws in Orange County Harbors and coastal waters and provide on the water search and rescue activities as well as general boating assistance.

Qualifications

• Must be 20 years of age at time of application.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or become a naturalized citizen within 3 years of appointment.
• Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
• Must have no felony convictions as a juvenile or adult and cannot currently be on probation.
• Must have no domestic violence convictions and cannot currently be the subject of a domestic violence restraining order.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.
• Must pass polygraph examination.
• Must pass a medical examination.
• Must be financially self-sufficient or a full-time student and have a good credit record.
• Must pass P.C. 832 course.

For more information on joining the Reserves, see our Join Our Reserve Team page, or call the Reserve Office: 714-566-2711.