Overview
When transiting the waters of Prince William Sound, vessel operators must comply with federal security regulations and restricted safety zones. Failure to follow these rules can lead to serious criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment, heavy fines, and the seizure of your vessel by federal authorities.
🇺🇸 Naval Vessel Protection Zones (NVPZ)
Federal regulations (33 CFR §165.2030) establish strict security perimeters around large U.S. Navy vessels:
- Applicability: These regulations apply to all U.S. naval vessels greater than 100 feet in length overall, wherever they are operating.
- Exclusion Boundary (100 Yards): Do not approach within 100 yards of a regulated U.S. naval vessel.
- Coordination: If you must pass within 100 yards of a naval vessel, you must contact the naval vessel or its escort patrol on VHF Channel 16 to coordinate safe passage.
- Speed Restriction Zone (500 Yards): When your vessel is within 500 yards of a regulated naval vessel, you must operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and proceed as directed by the Captain of the Port or escorting patrol forces.
- Legal Compliance: Unauthorized entry into an active naval vessel protection zone violates federal law. Cruising guides cannot certify current statutory fine schedules or potential penalties. Escorting authorities enforce these boundaries in accordance with federal use-of-force guidelines. Note that Temporary Captain of the Port orders may create additional or different restrictions.
🚢 Escorted Passenger & Ferry Vessels
Special safety buffers apply around passenger shipping:
- 100-Yard Safe Buffer: Keep at least 100 yards away from any High Capacity Passenger Vessel (passenger ships over 100 feet long) or any Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry that is actively escorted by U.S. Coast Guard or law enforcement assets.
⚓ Port of Valdez Security & Safety Zones
The Coast Guard enforces designated safety zones around the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) terminal and tankers operating in Port Valdez. Entering these zones without authorization carries a $40,000 fine:
1. Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) Security Zone
- Boundaries: The northern line of this zone runs between two yellow buoys positioned offshore (spaced 1.7 miles apart and 0.8 miles out from the terminal docks). The shoreline boundaries are anchored by Allison Creek on the east and Sawmill Spit on the west.
- Restriction: Vessels without prior authorization may not cross this buoy line.
- Facility Safety Zone: Keep a minimum distance of 200 yards from any dock, pier, or waterfront structure at the pipeline terminal.
2. Moving Tanker Security Zone
- Restriction: A protective bubble extending 200 yards in all directions moves with any tanker vessel operating within Prince William Sound. Do not approach transiting tankers.
3. Valdez Narrows Security Zone
- Restriction: This safety zone becomes active whenever a tanker is moving through the Valdez Narrows.
- Guideline: While normal transits are allowed under other conditions, vessels must steer clear of the Narrows and avoid the Valdez Narrows Tanker Optimum Track Line (center channel) whenever a tanker transit is in progress.
4. Ammunition Island safety Zone
- Restriction: A 1,330-yard safety perimeter is enforced around Ammunition Island when ammunition loading or unloading operations are underway.
- Transit Escorts: Keep a 200-yard distance from any vessel carrying ammunition while it is transiting the corridor between Naked Island and Ammunition Island.
5. AMHS Ferry Terminal Safety Zone
- Restriction: A 200-yard safety perimeter is enforced around the Port of Valdez ferry dock.
- Fishery Trigger: This zone is active when an AMHS ferry is docking or departing and an active commercial fishery opening is underway in the port, ensuring the ferry’s path is not blocked.
🔒 Vessel Security & Reporting Guidelines
Mariners play an active role in keeping waterways secure:
- Secure Your Vessel: Always lock cabin doors, remove ignition keys, disconnect engines, and secure trailers with locks when leaving your craft unattended.
- Report Anomalies: Keep watch for unusual behavior, such as individuals loitering near restricted facilities, bypassing security gates, or tampering with unattended vessels.
- How to Report: Do not confront suspicious parties. Record vessel descriptions, registration numbers, and GPS coordinates, and contact:
- Immediate danger or emergency: 911 or VHF Channel 16
- National Response Center: 800-424-8802 (Toll-Free, 24/7)
- America’s Waterway Watch: 877-249-2824 (or 877-24WATCH)