CRITICAL

Homeland Security & Safety Zones

Critical Prince William Sound regulations on U.S. Navy vessels, escorted AMHS ferries, and the five Port of Valdez safety zones.

Overview

Mariners transiting Prince William Sound must be aware of and strictly adhere to federal homeland security regulations and U.S. Coast Guard security zones. Violations of these safety boundaries carry severe criminal penalties, including up to six years in prison, substantial fines, and immediate vessel seizure.

🇺🇸 Naval Vessel Protection Zones (NVPZ)

Under federal law (14 U.S.C. 91), strict security boundaries are enforced around all U.S. naval assets to protect them from damage or hostile action:

  1. 100-Yard Exclusion Zone: You are strictly prohibited from entering within 100 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel.
    • Emergency Exemption: If your vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver and you must enter the 100-yard zone to ensure safe passage, you must immediately contact the naval vessel, its official patrol escort, or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 to obtain permission.
  2. 500-Yard Slow-Speed Zone: When within 500 yards of any naval vessel, you must proceed at minimum course-keeping speed (the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage and course). Proceed as directed by the Commanding Officer or escort vessels.
  3. Severe Penalties: Unauthorized entry into the Naval Vessel Protection Zone is a felony. Violators face up to 6 years in federal prison and a $250,000 civil fine. Escort vessels are authorized to use defensive force if necessary.

🚢 Escorted Passenger & Ferry Vessels

To protect passenger transit routes:

  • 100-Yard Bubble: Mariners must maintain a minimum 100-yard distance from any High Capacity Passenger Vessel (defined as passenger vessels greater than 100 feet in length) or any Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry being actively escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard or local law enforcement air/surface assets.

⚓ The Five Port of Valdez Safety & Security Zones

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Prince William Sound enforces strict security zones encompassing the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) Terminal Complex and tank vessels transiting Port Valdez. Entering these zones without authorization carries a $40,000 fine:

1. Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) Security Zone

  • Delineation: The northern boundary of the VMT security zone is marked by two large yellow buoys positioned 1.7 miles apart and 0.8 miles offshore from the terminal. The southern shore points are Allison Creek to the east and Sawmill Spit to the west.
  • Rule: Unauthorized vessels are completely prohibited from crossing the line between these points.
  • Safety Zone: Authorized vessels must remain at least 200 yards off any waterfront facility at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline complex.

2. Moving Tanker Security Zone

  • Rule: A moving security zone extends 200 yards in all directions around any tank vessel transiting Prince William Sound. Maintain this distance at all times from tank vessels approaching or departing the terminal.

3. Valdez Narrows Security Zone

  • Rule: This security zone is active whenever a tank vessel is transiting the Narrows.
  • Guideline: While recreational vessels may transit the area normally under other conditions, they must stand completely clear of the Narrows on either side of the Valdez Narrows Tanker Optimum Track Line (the center channel) as soon as a tanker enters.

4. Ammunition Island (Valdez Container Terminal) Safety Zone

  • Rule: A 1,330-yard safety zone is enforced around Ammunition Island whenever a commercial or military vessel carrying ammunition is moored there.
  • Transit Boundary: Mariners must maintain a 200-yard safety bubble around any vessel carrying ammunition when it is navigating the transit corridor between Naked Island and Ammunition Island.

5. AMHS Ferry Terminal Safety Zone

  • Rule: A 200-yard safety zone is enforced in all directions around the Port of Valdez AMHS Ferry Dock.
  • Triggers: This zone is active specifically when an AMHS ferry is transiting within the Port of Valdez and there is an active commercial salmon fishery opening in the port, preventing fishing vessels from blocking ferry navigation.

🔒 Vessel & Port Security Guidelines

Boaters are the eyes and ears of the water. Protect your vessel and assist local law enforcement:

  • Secure Your Craft: Never leave your boat unlocked or accessible. Always lock cabins, remove ignition keys, disable engines, and lock trailer hitches when storing your boat for extended periods.
  • Observe and Report: Maintain a sharp lookout for unusual activity (e.g., vessels taking photos of infrastructure, loitering near terminals, or loading gear in unusual locations).
  • Reporting Suspicious Activity: Do not approach, challenge, or provoke suspicious individuals. Note descriptions, registration numbers, and coordinates, and report them immediately:
    • National Response Center: 877-249-2824 (Toll-Free, 24/7)
    • U.S. Coast Guard PWS Command: Hailing on VHF Channel 16