SAN FRANCISCO – The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of San Francisco established safety zones and Naval Vessel Protection Zones on San Francisco Bay for the 2011 San Francisco Fleet Week. A 500-yard safety and security zone will surround vessels participating in Fleet Week events. Operators of vessels wishing to transit through the established safety zones must request authorization from the Patrol Commander.
“The Coast Guard’s number one goal is for Fleet Week to be a safe and enjoyable event for the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Lt. Cmdr. DesaRae Janszen, Sector San Francisco Waterways Management Division Chief. “The 500-yard safety and security zone helps to protect the participating ships and the spectators who come out to see them giving assets time to respond if they are needed.”
In accordance to the Boating Public Notice for Fleet Week, the following are general restrictions for San Francisco Bay during the parade of ships Oct. 8 and throughout Fleet Week:
- The Coast Guard will establish a safety and security zone around the parade of ships column including all waters 500 yards ahead and 200 yards astern and on either side of the designated vessels between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Oct. 8.
- The Coast Guard patrol commander may authorize commercial passenger vessels on established ferry routes and other vessels to cross ahead or between naval vessels. Vessels must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while crossing the parade formation. Following the passage of the last naval vessel in formation, all transits shall be coordinated with Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco.
- No vessels are authorized within 500 yards of any naval vessel for the duration of the time they are in port with the exception of vessels coordinating with the VTS.
- The Coast Guard patrol commander can be contacted via VHF-channel 23.
Entry into or movement within the restricted zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard COTP or patrol commander. Any person violating this regulation is subject to a penalty of up to $8,000.
The potential exists for unanticipated delays to ship movement and implementation of additional vessel controls with little or no warning within the port. For the most up to date information on current restrictions contact the San Francisco VTS at (415) 399-4700.
