[Paddlewise] Coast Guard Safety Zone Warning

This may apply to some of you.   Be careful out there.  These are wartime
type regulations and consider that when you are out recreating.  Contact the
Coast Guard for regulations in your area.

John Bartos


Release No. 7-01  - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2001   4:45 PM
RECREATIONAL VESSELS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY ZONE REQUIREMENTS
GALVESTON, Texas -The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP)
Houston-Galveston reminds all recreational boaters that safety zones have
been established around all liquefied hazardous gas (LHG) ships and
passenger cruise ships transiting the COTP Houston-Galveston zone.      The
moving safety zone around all underway LHG ships and passenger cruise ships
extends outward 500 yards in all directions.  Watercraft less than 50 feet
in length are prohibited from entering this zone, unless specifically
authorized by the COTP Houston-Galveston.  In addition, a 100-yard safety
zone has been established around all cruise ships while moored.
        Coast Guard or other law enforcement vessels will be on scene to
enforce the safety zones and ensure that prohibited vessels do not enter the
zones.  Recreational boaters can contact the Coast Guard vessel on scene on
VHF-FM Ch 16.  Enforcement of these safety zones may include the use of all
force necessary to compel compliance.  Additionally, violations of these
safety zones are punishable by a civil penalty of up to  $27,500.
Recreational boaters should stay well clear of all vessels under Coast Guard
escort.
        For questions concerning this safety zone, contact "Houston Traffic"
on VHF-FM channels 11/12 (for vessels on the Houston Ship Channel), or
contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 (for vessels on all other
waterways).
R/s,
Jeff Ramos, LCDR
Chief, Merchant Vessel Safety Department
USCG Marine Safety Unit Galveston
Tel: 409-766-5404 / Fax: 409-766-5414
E-mail:  jmramos_at_msugalveston.uscg.mil
Web:  www.uscg.mil/d8/msu/galveston/index.htm

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