SEATTLE — The Coast Guard and local agencies will be enforcing safety zones around military vessels in Elliott Bay and on Lake Washington during Seafair Fleet Week.
“We establish these zones annually to ensure the safety of the public and the security of military vessels during this period of increased maritime activity in Elliott Bay and Lake Washington,” said Cmdr. Brian Meier, chief of response, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “The goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable Seafair for all participants.”
Vessel operators within 500 yards of military vessels must maintain a minimum speed to stay on course and must not approach within 100 yards of the protected vessels in Elliott Bay both while vessels are underway, participating in the Parade of Ships, Wednesday and while moored to Pier 66 and Pier 90, Wednesday through Monday.
No entry into, transiting through, mooring, or anchoring within the transit zone in Elliott Bay is permitted 30 minutes prior to, during, and 30 minutes after the annual Parade of Ships and aerial demonstrations occurring Wednesday.
The Coast Guard will enforce the Marine Week Seattle Seahawks Demonstration safety zone including all waters immediately offshore from the Seattle Seahawks training facility on Lake Washington from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday.
They will also enforce the annual Seattle Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Race Special Local Regulation on Lake Washington from 8 a.m. Friday until midnight Sunday. The Seafair Air Show Performance Safety Zone Regulation, also on Lake Washington, will be enforced from 8 a.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Sunday.
All vessel operators desiring to enter any safety or security zone must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port by contacting the on scene Coast Guard patrol craft on VHF-FM channels 13 or 16, or the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Joint Harbor Operations Center via telephone at 206-217-6002.
Violating these zones is a felony offense. Boaters who enter these zones will be escorted from the area immediately by the Coast Guard or other local agencies and may be subject to fines of up to $250,000 and/or up to six years in federal prison.
Please refer to Local Notice to Mariners 29/14 for the Seafair Notice to Boater and the Notice of Enforcement of Safety Zone, for further details and specific zone information. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm13292014.pdf.
Boaters are reminded that children 12 years of age and younger are required by state law to wear life jackets while on the water. Life jackets must be accessible for everyone aboard the vessel and adults are encouraged wear their lifejackets at all times while on the water.
Additionally, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law. Boaters found to be operating vessels while under the influence may be subject to arrest and if no capable operator is aboard the vessel the operator and passengers will be removed and the vessel will be impounded. For more boating safety information please visit: www.uscgboating.org