Ship zone security revised
Coast Guard says 100-yard no-entry zones around cruise ships to include ferries
The U.S. Coast Guard is revising its proposed rule creating 100-yard no-entry zones around cruise ships in Alaska waters to include state ferries.
But in response to vocal criticism of the rule from Southeast Alaska fishermen and others who believe it will impede traffic in the region's tiny ports and narrow passages, the Coast Guard has eliminated some of the rule's major provisions.
Most significantly, the security zones around cruise ships and state ferries would exist while the vessels are under escort by the Coast Guard or other law enforcement officers, according to the proposed rule published on the Federal Register Monday.
The Coast Guard doesn't announce when or which vessels it plans to escort for security reasons.
Also, a 250-yard speed restriction zone, a 25-yard security zone around moored and anchored cruise ships and a process for obtaining waivers for the rule have been eliminated.
The rule exempts vessels that are fishing with nets, lines, trawls and other fishing apparatus that can restrict movement. Trollers and other vessels such as tenders and at-sea processors that can move while engaged in fishing activities are not exempt.
"They definitely did take to heart some of (our) comments," said Kathy Hansen, a fisherman and executive director of the Southeast Alaska Fishermen's Alliance.
"But I still have a problem seeing the need for the rule," Hansen added.
Hansen and others have questioned whether security zones are justifiable in Southeast Alaska because of its small population and isolated geography.
"I just don't think a cruise ship in Alaska is going to be a terrorist priority," Hansen said.
The Coast Guard sought to justify the security zones in its federal notice Monday, citing attacks on U.S. vessels in 2000 and 2002 and stating that "the ongoing hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq have made it prudent for U.S. port and waterway users to be on a higher state of alert."
The proposed rule is up for public comment until Dec. 30. The Coast Guard has not scheduled a public hearing on the matter.
The Coast Guard added Alaska Marine Highway System ferries to the proposed rule in part because of the high alert afforded to U.S. mass transit systems after this year's London subway terrorist attacks, said Coast Guard Lt. Matt York.
Also, some people who commented on the original rule questioned why the Coast Guard didn't include the state ferries in the rule, York said.
A top ferry system official did not respond to a request for comment on Monday afternoon.
The Coast Guard began escorting Alaska ferries with gunboats and established temporary security zones around them after the London subway attacks.
In general, though, security zones have aroused the ire of Southeast Alaska fishermen and other concerned business owners who worry it could hamper navigation.
The Coast Guard received nearly 150 comments on the proposed security zones. Many complained that it would make marine activities difficult in the region's "tight, constricted waterways and ports," according to Coast Guard officials.
The Coast Guard withdrew measures such as the 250-yard speed zone restriction because it recognized that floatplanes need to travel at speeds between 40 and 60 knots to safely take off and land.
The speed restriction could also cause traffic clogs in Ketchikan's Tongass Narrows and Juneau's Gastineau Channel, according to the Coast Guard.
The revised rule will allow vessels already anchored in a designated area to remain in their spot until a cruise ship or ferry has passed.
Vessel operators can ask for permission to enter a security zone on marine radio channels 13 and 16.
• Elizabeth Bluemink can be reached at elizabeth.bluemink@juneauempire.com