Coast Guard to enforce security zone for Mackinac Bridge Walk

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. COAST GUARD
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SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MICH. — The Coast Guard will enforce a temporary security zone around the Mackinac Bridge during the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, on Sept. 2, 2019, from 6 a.m. until noon.

The security zone will include all navigable waters on either side of the Mackinac Bridge within one-quarter mile of the bridge, per 33 C.F.R. §165.928. As part of enhanced security measures for this year’s event, all waters within the security zone will be closed to recreational vessel traffic.

Only commercial vessels with a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection or foreign equivalent, and under the command of a licensed mariner, will be permitted to transit through the security zone.

Commercial vessels seeking to enter and transit the zone must obtain permission from the Coast Guard prior to entering the zone and should do so at least one hour in advance. Vessels should make initial contact with the Coast Guard Designated Representative of the Captain of the Port (COTP) on VHF channel 16.

All vessels entering or moving within the security zone must operate at speeds necessary to maintain a safe course and not exceed 12 knots. The on-scene Coast Guard Designated Representative of the COTP may control the movement of all vessels in the security zone and may subject vessels intending to transit the zone to additional screening as a condition of entry.   

The Coast Guard will be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this security zone by federal, state, and local agencies. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the zone is required to immediately comply with the directions given.

Uncooperative mariners will be expelled from the zone, cited for failure to comply, or both. All concerned traffic may contact the Coast Guard Designated Representative of the COTP on VHF channel 16.

For further information, mariners may contact Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie at 906-635-3233.

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