Puget Sound Has New Tank Ship Security Zone

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary moving security zone of 500 yards surrounding tank ships while within the waters of Puget Sound and adjacent waters, WA. All vessels within 500 yards of a tank ship shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course, and shall proceed as directed by the Official Patrol or tank ship master. The Official Patrol will consist of a Coast Guard patrol, or a General Authority Washington Peace Officer, Limited Authority Washington Peace Officer, Specially Commissioned Washington Peace Officer, or the tank ship master. This order is issued under the authority of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, Title 33, U. S. Code 1221 et. Seq., and the regulations issued thereunder, Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations Part 165. The following area is a security zone: All waters of Puget Sound, Washington State east of 123° 30'00"West Longitude [Datum: NAD 1983] within a 500 yard radius centered on tanks ships while they are underway, anchored or moored. The Coast Guard has determined it is necessary to prevent access in order to safeguard all tank ships from sabotage, other subversive acts, or accidents. Recent events highlight the fact that there are hostile entities operating with the intent to harm U. S. National Security. This security zone will be effective from October 15, 2002 to April 15, 2003 unless cancelled sooner by the Captain of the Port. All vessels within 500 yards of a tank ship shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course, and shall proceed as directed by the Official Patrol or the tank ship master. No vessel is allowed within 100 yards of a tank ship, unless authorized by the Official Patrol or tank ship master. REQUESTS TO ENTER THE ZONE: Vessels requesting to pass within 100 yards of a tank ship shall contact the Official Patrol or tank ship master on VHF-FM channel 16 or 13. PENALTIES: The Ports and Waterways Safety Act prescribes that whoever violates an order issued under the act is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $27,500 for each violation. Each day of continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. If such a violation is willful, you are subject to a criminal penalty of not more that $250,000 and/or six years imprisonment. This criminal penalty is classified as a class "D" felony under federal law. APPEALS: Should you feel aggrieved by this security zone, you may, under the procedures as prescribed in 33 CFR 160.7, appeal orally or in writing to the Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, Jackson Federal Bldg., 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174. However, if the initial appeal is made orally, a written submission is required within five days of the oral presentation. While any appeal request is pending all provisions of this security zone remain in effect.