Security Zone for Fleet Week in NY

The potential exists for unanticipated delays affecting ship movements and/or the control of vessels with little or no warning within the Port of New York and New Jersey from Tuesday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

"The Coast Guard encourages every boater to enjoy the Parade of Ships during Fleet Week, but we want them to be safe and respect the established safety zones," said Lt. j.g. Nasif Gordon, a Coast Guard Sector New York waterways management officer.

The following are general restrictions for the Hudson River and Upper Bay during the parade of ships:

• Vessels shall not cross the parade route while naval vessels are in parade formation. Following the passage of the last naval vessel in formation all transits shall be coordinated by the Vessel Traffic Service New York (VTS NY.)
• All vessel traffic in the Hudson River shall transit to the west of the parade column, while naval vessels are in transit on the Hudson River, and shall not enter within 500 yards of any vessel without Coast Guard Patrol Commander (PATCOM) permission.
• When the naval parade commences parallel north and south bound transits in the Hudson River (coming about south of the George Washington Bridge), only commercial vessels on established ferry routes with VTS NY permission are permitted to cross the parade route.
• All traffic shall not enter within 200 yards of any moored U.S. Naval vessels. 

Entry into or movement within these zones is prohibited without the authorization of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or his designated on-scene representative. Persons violating this regulation are subject to a penalty of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than 5 years.

For additional closures and information on current restrictions that will be in effect prior to and during Fleet