Coast Guard to Enforce Fleet Week Security Zones

Various U.S. Coast Guard units, including elements from the newly commissioned Maritime Safety and Security Teams, will work with local law enforcement agencies to enforce Naval Vessel Protection Zones around military vessels attending San Francisco’s Fleet Week, Oct. 10 to October 15. Naval Vessel Protection Zones require that non-military vessels remain at least 100-yards away from U.S. Naval vessels and operate at a no-wake speed when within 500-yards of a Naval vessel. Violation of the protection zone is a felony offense, punishable by up to six years imprisonment and / or up to $250,000 in fines. These permanent zones were established following the terrorist attacks of September 2001, and mariners should be especially aware of their restrictions during Friday’s parade of ships and while the Naval vessels are moored. Coast Guard units will also enforce a security zone during the festival’s air shows. This zone will run along the San Francisco waterfront from Anita Rock east to Blossom Rock and will extend one-half nautical mile into the bay. No mariner will be allowed to enter this area during the air shows. Mariners requesting bay transit information should contact the patrol commander on channel 13 VHF-FM for transit instructions.