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Course Outline

Homeland Security Restrictions

Illustration showing safe and danger areas near a U.S. naval vessel

If you are planning to operate your pleasure craft in U.S. waters, be sure you follow these restrictions.

  • Do not approach within 100 yards and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel for safe passage, you must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or the U.S. Coast Guard escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.
  • Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port operation areas, especially those that involve military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities.
  • Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
  • Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel.

If you see anything that looks peculiar or out of the ordinary, call the U.S. National Response Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-424-8802 to report suspicious activities.

If you plan to travel in U.S. waters, check the “Crossing U.S. Borders” information on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

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