[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

On any given day, the men and women of the Coast Guard:

• Conduct 109 search-and-rescue missions.
• Assist 192 people in distress.
• Seize 169 pounds of marijuana.
• Nab 306 pounds of cocaine.
Most important, the Coast Guard saves lives.
"Ten or 12 people today will go home to dinner with their family
only because the Coast Guard got them out of trouble,"
said Adm. James Loy, commandant of the Coast Guard.
Now that's a respectable day's work.

All from a service of only 35,000 people, fewer than the New York Police Department.


We Need You -- In the wake of the recent attacks on the United States, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be called upon to provide essential services to the Coast Guard as they focus more heavily on their military missions.  We will need all the help we can get.  You needn't own a boat or even be an experienced boater, since our missions are wide-ranging.  For information about existing Auxiliary missions and the Auxiliary in general, go to our Join the Auxiliary webpage.  You will find there a form through which you can ask that a local Auxiliarist make contact with you to explore the ways in which you can assist Team Coast Guard
and, in the process, do something for our country in its hour of need.
Age 17 and up (no upper age restrictions) Click Here for details.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PING

[Carry_Okie]

I can think of a number of narrow channels where these regulations make no sense and could be dangerous if enforced.

[JRandomFreeper]

Violating a Naval Vessel Protection Zone is punishable as a class D felony, which can result in a prison term of up to six years and a $250,000 fine.

I don't understand this part Tonk. Shouldn't there just be a greasy spot on the water where the violater once was?

/john

[csvset]

Dang, does this mean babes on passing pleasure craft will no longer be able to offer "two gun salutes" to sailors?

[HairOfTheDog]

Coastie Ping!

[codebreaker]

What about private yachts coming into the country without identification?

[DoughtyOne]

A U.S. naval vessel is any vessel owned, operated, chartered, or leased by the U.S. Navy; any pre-commissioned vessel under construction for the U.S. Navy, once launched into the water; and any vessel under the operational control of the U.S. Navy or a Combatant Command. As a result, the establishment and enforcement of NVPZs is a function directly involved in and necessary to military operations and the safety and security of naval commanders and personnel.

It sounds to me like a person could be rather confused as to what boat was under Naval Control, leased by it etc.  This could lead to mistaken perceptions that the Average Joe Boater was a terrorist, and the resultant actions take completely unnecessary.  Sounds like a terrible over-reaction waiting to happen.

Oh I forgot.  Afterwards they can say something like, "This is one contingency that none of the experts thought of before 00/00???"

While I see some need for beefed up security, this sounds like some not very well thought out plans.

[kezekiel]

About 10 years ago, when the Navy was still in Long Beach, we ran our Bayliner about 50 yards off of a helicopter carrier, and the sailors waved to us. It was impressive seeing them up that close. Guess that's all over with.

[StriperSniper]

The Coast Guard guys/gals have been doing a great job. I fish out of Ny Harbor, the epicenter of security, and they are not too bad. From the bits of leeway that they give there, I'm sure that most of the places that have less than 100 yards of clearance will be dealt with in a sane manner. Remember these guys know what it is like out there. Unless there is a compelling reason to give a boater a hard time, they are not yet getting out of hand yet, I only say yet because they are part of the government.

Just a word of warning, make sure all the safe boating rules are observed, and there should be little if any problem.

For more up to date info check: Incedent News

[Mr Fowl]

"All vessels within 500 yards of any large U.S. naval vessel (greater than 100 feet) must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and proceed as directed by the Navy or Coast Guard patrol enforcing the zone."

[Shermy]

Key West article that might interest you:

Terrorism threats give new meaning to 'safe boating'

[vortigern]

Coastie Dad...Ping!