Coast Guard vessels are protected by“ Security Zones” established by the U. S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port(“ COTP”). For example, in the Long Island Sound COTP Zone, a Security Zone has been established for a 100-yard radius of any anchored U. S. Coast Guard vessel. Security Zones also have been established in the vicinity of the U. S. Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Submarine Base at Groton, Connecticut. A“ Restricted Area” also has been established in the vicinity of the Groton Submarine Base that requires all vessels to leave the Restricted Area when notified by submarine base personnel that such use will interfere with submarine maneuvering, operations, or security.
U. S. Coast Guard-established Security Zones are closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the COTP or a designated representative. Commercial or recreational vessel operators given permission to enter
or operate in the Security Zones must comply with all directions given to them by the COTP or the designated representative. Commercial or recreational vessel operators desiring to enter or operate within the Security Zones must request permission to do so by contacting the COTP by telephone or via VHF Channel 16.
Both the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Coast Guard are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves within the NVPZ, Security Zones, and in other security situations.
Conclusion We hope this article can be used as a circulated fleet message for any commercial traffic operating in the vicinity of military vessels to provide further context about standard military operations in the United States. p – 2025 BLANK ROME LLP
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