Cutting through ocean chop at a good clip — just under 25 mph — the 45-foot Coast Guard boat plied the clear, turquoise waters off Waikiki.

At the helm, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Davis, a boatswain’s mate, and fellow crew members kept alert for any signs of trouble. At sea so many things can go wrong, especially for inexperienced mariners.

“Weather can change in an instant,”said Petty Officer 1st Class Brad Wolf, a maritime enforcement specialist. “And there’s all kinds of different things that come into play when you’re on a boat. The ultimate goal is for people to have fun on the water, enjoy beautiful Hawaii and be safe while they’re doing it.”

The past week, the Coast Guard stepped up its patrols around the Hawaiian Islands with public safety in mind as large numbers of college students and other visitors arrived for spring break. The agency invited members of the news media on an orientation cruise Friday to spell out the scope of the challenge.

“There is an increase in recreational boating,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Holly Heddinger, a maritime enforcement specialist. “There’s an increase in passenger vessels in (Mamala) Bay, so it’s just essentially us being out here ensuring that everyone is acting safely and responsible.”

Typically, the Coast Guard’s 87-foot boat conducts patrols in Hawaii’s waters daily. Until spring break ends this weekend, the agency is expanding its presence with the cutters Ahi and Kittiwake and other personnel, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The auxiliary is a team of civilians trained by the Coast Guard who volunteer to assist in various capacities such as search and rescue efforts. Law enforcement will also assist in patrols over the weekend.

“They augment us in a lot of different missions,” Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Melissa McKenzie said.

Overloaded boats are one thing the Coast Guard keeps an eye out for, both personal craft and tour boats with more passengers than allowed.

“When they exceed that capacity, it creates stability concerns,” Heddinger said.

If the boat’s hull is low in the water, the vessel can capsize, especially if wind and sea conditions are unfavorable.

“We’re ensuring that they’re operating safely, ensuring the safety of all of the passengers on board, the crew, the captain, the people that are here trying to enjoy their vacation,” she added.

Last Fourth of July, more than 1,000 people took to the ocean off Waikiki in a flotilla of boats, stand-up paddleboards and blow-up floats. The Coast Guard and state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement ordered a catamaran to return to Kewalo Basin because it was overloaded.

The Coast Guard also watches out for drunken boaters, reminding the public that operating a boat while intoxicated could bring up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.

Heddinger also advised ocean users to keep enough flotation devices on board and to keep rubbish out of the water.

During Friday’s patrol, Davis stopped the boat as crew members and local media spotted a small school of dolphins at a distance. Enthralled, all watched as the mammals glided underneath the water’s surface as they swam past the boat.

Heddinger said protection of marine life is as important as ocean users’ safety.

“Here in Hawaii, part of the reason why it’s so special is because of its diverse marine environment, how beautiful it is. So we just want to ensure that not only the people are safe, but the marine habitats and the animals are also as safe.”