MIAMI – As a result of the arrival of the Navy vessel, USS Gridley (DDG 101), and NFL Super Bowl festivities located at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami, the Coast Guard will establish two security zones starting Saturday and remain in effect until Feb. 10.
The Coast Guard and its partners will also enforce the Naval Vessel Protection Zone around the Gridley as it transits to its mooring and while it remains at the port.
Any person or vessel seeking to enter or transit a security zone must seek permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated representative on VHF Marine Channel 16.
Vessels seeking to enter the security zone and vessels located within the security zone as it becomes effective will be subject to a security screening by Coast Guard law enforcement personnel.
Security Zone 1 — This zone is in effect Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Miami Channel which is the north side of Dodge Island or the Port of Miami.
Security Zone 2 — This zone is in effect from Saturday 4:30 p.m., until 10:30 p.m. in the Turning Basin east of Bicentennial Park.
Naval Vessel Protection Zone — Non-military vessels within 500 yards of a naval vessel must proceed at no-wake speed and may not come within 100 yards of a naval vessel, whether underway or moored, unless authorized by an official Coast Guard or Navy patrol.
Coast Guard Sector Miami will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners to advise the boaters of the exact time the security zones become effective.
Penalties for Violation
Maximum civil penalty for violation of a security zone is $32,500 per violation.
Maximum criminal penalty for knowing and willful violation of a security zone is 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
Violation of a NVPZ is a felony offense, punishable by up to six years in prison and fines up to $250,000
The Coast Guard is seeking the cooperation of the boating public and maritime industry in complying with these regulations to maintain the safety and security of the established security zones for this event.
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