PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard will enforce and maintain a controlled access area (Security Zone) on the Willamette River while Navy, Canadian navy and Coast Guard vessels are tied up at the seawall between the Steel and Morrison Bridges beginning at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, until noon, Monday, June 9.
Commercial vessels have made special transit arrangements with the Captain of the Port, at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, prior to this year’s Fleet Week.
Boaters who need to pass through the controlled access area must contact the Coast Guard security escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16. If a boater does need to transit the controlled access area, they may experience a waiting period.
Those wishing to transit the Security Zone must follow these rules:
- No firearms are permitted inside the controlled access area.
- Boaters wishing to transit the controlled access area are required to wait in pre-identified staging areas for official patrol escorts.
- Staging areas are located on the east side of the river just north of the Steel Bridge and just south of the Morrison Bridge.
- Delays are expected and vessels may be boarded before being escorted through the controlled access area. Please plan accordingly.
- While transiting the controlled access area, all vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort.
- Vessels will follow the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort in a single file line and must stay to the east bank of the river. Do not break away from the escort line.
Violations of a controlled access area may result in a penalty action under the provision of 33 USC 1231 (maximum fine of $37,500).
Additional information about Fleet Week and the Rose Festival can be found at: