Exclusion Zone Question

[Ken Juul]

Question: You must remain at least _____away from Military or CG Vessels
10yds  0 (0%)
100 Ft  0 (0%)
100 yds  21 (51.2%)
1000 ft  10 (24.4%)
1000 yds  10 (24.4%)
Total Voters: 41

The correct answer is:Excerpt from the [Federal Register: September 21, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 184)]
Protection of Naval Vessels 

U.S. naval vessel means any vessel owned, operated, chartered, or leased by the U.S. Navy; and any vessel under the operational control of the U.S. Navy or a unified commander. All vessels within 500
yards of a U.S. naval vessel shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the official patrol (a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty
officer; or the Commanding Officer of a U.S. naval vessel or his or her designee). No vessel is allowed within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel, unless authorized by the official patrol. Vessels requesting to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel shall contact the official patrol on VHF-FM channel 16. The official patrol may permit vessels that can only operate safely in a navigable channel to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel in order to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules. Similarly, commercial vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area may be permitted to remain at anchor within 100 yards of passing naval vessels.
    Violations of these regulations are punishable as a class D felony (imprisonment for not more than 6 years and a fine of not more than $250,000) and in rem liability against the vessel. Any person who
violates this regulation, using a dangerous weapon, or who engages in conduct that causes bodily injury or fear of imminent bodily injury to any officer authorized to enforce this regulation, also faces
imprisonment up to 12 years (class C felony).

[David Sanner]

I've also seen speed boats not recognize the boundary
and the unthinkably expensive unmarked DHS  boat ($500k?)
not be able to do anything about it... just get bounced around
in their wake.

But it's a good number to know so you don't get blown
out of the water.

Isn't it great that the Coast Guard has a wartime footing...
I feel so much safer.

[Stephen Butler]

An object lesson on restricted military zones....Two years ago, we were passing through the Port of Miami and strayed a bit close to a visiting Mexican naval vessel...and the ship's sirens went off, the on-board machine guns slewed around, and a CG crash boat was immediately in our immediate area.  Must say it is unnerving to have a CG boat less than 100 ft from you, and still having them looking you over with binoculars, as the forward gunner is leaning on his weapon.  Anyway, we now follow the rules.  This summer we will be passing around Cape San Blas and a rather large restricted zone...and are doing the homework to avoid a repeat of the Miami experience.

[Mike Denest]

Yesterday while motoring out of Baltimore Harbor just passing the Key bridge, we watch as the harbor police stopped a motor vessel.  Within minutes a Coast Guard patrol boat showed up with guns ready.  They ordered the crew to remove their jackets keep their hands in the air.  I don't know what they did but those guys don't mess around.