Date: Dec. 24, 2003

Contact: Command Duty Officer
(504) 589-6261

NEW ORLEANS CAPTAIN OF THE PORT  

REMINDS PUBLIC OF SECURITY ZONES

NEW ORLEANS - To ensure public safety and security, and to help facilitate the uninterrupted flow of commerce, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port in New Orleans wants to remind the public of security zones that have been established in two locations on the Lower Mississippi River. Vessels are prohibited from entering or operating within these zones without the express permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans.

In New Orleans, the security zone extends from Mile Marker (MM) 89, Above Head of Passes (AHP), near Chalmette Slip, to MM 103 AHP.

In Baton Rouge, the security zone extends from MM 229 AHP near the I-10 bridge to MM 235 AHP just north of the Hwy 190 Bridge.

These security zones became effective at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and are scheduled to remain in effect until cancelled by the Captain of the Port.

Vessels wishing to enter or transit through the security zones should follow these instructions:

In New Orleans, all vessels are required to contact Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River on VHF-FM channel 12 or by telephone at (504) 589-2812 to request authorization to enter or operate within the security zone.

In Baton Rouge, all vessels are required to contact Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge on VHF-FM channel 83 or by telephone (225) 281-4787 to request authorization to enter or operate within the Security Zone.

All persons and vessels within a security zone shall comply with the instructions of the designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. Failure to comply with the security zone rules is punishable by a civil penalty of up to $27,500.

Small boats, pleasure craft, recreation & commercial fishing vessels are advised to avoid sailing and/or loitering in the vicinity of cruise ships, cruise ship terminals, and other waterfront facilities. Vessels entering the security zones may be boarded by the United States Coast Guard.

The United States Coast Guard also requests that anyone who witnesses any unusual or suspicious activity on the water please call the United States Coast Guard's National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802, or the Louisiana State Police at 1-800-434-8807. You can also contact the Marine Safety Unit Baton Rogue at (225) 298-5400, or Marine Safety Office New Orleans at (504) 589-6261.

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