It seems like the VTS in Houston is working as advertised. You can’t just drive wherever you want down there without getting a visit from the local police. This just out from the Coast Guard in District 8:
Story by PA3 Mandy Emery, USCG
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard issued a violation to a recreational boat captain who failed to heave to after entering a Coast Guard-regulated security zone, Thursday, in the Houston Ship Channel.
Coast Guard Sector Houston’s Vessel Traffic Service detected the 38-foot boat illegally entering the security zone. A Houston Police Department marine division boatcrew intercepted the boat after ignoring repeated radio calls to stop.
A Coast Guard Station Houston boatcrew escorted the operator of the boat out of the security zone and issued the violation. Four other violations were issued due to the boat being out of compliance.
The owner of the boat was cited for entering a security zone without the Captain of the Port’s permission, a violation which carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years imprisonment, $10,000, fine and or forfeiture of the vessel.
Recreational vessel owners are required to apply for a security zone entrance permit at least five days in advance of a planned voyage, in accordance with regulation 33 CFR 165.814.
“In order to provide proper maritime safety and security for the public and industry, security zones are established to ensure that only authorized vessels or persons can transit through key designated areas,” said Capt. James Whitehead, Captain of the Port for Sector Houston-Galveston. “Establishing specific security zone areas allows for better law enforcement monitoring and response by prohibiting unknown vessel traffic through the nation’s largest petrochemical complex. This provides safety to outlying communities while also ensuring vital maritime commerce is not inhibited.”
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,156 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton has returned from a 110-day Arctic patrol. Stratton extended U.S. surface vessel presence this summer to above 72°N latitude, waters traditionally reserved for icebreakers and ice-capable ships.
By Malte Humpert (gCaptain) – Commercial Polar icebreaker Aiviq will join the U.S Coast Guard inventory before the end of the calendar year, officials announced during a Congressional hearing on...
by John Konrad (gCaptain) United States Coast Guard operations have never been more crucial. Ninety percent of global trade moves by sea, and more than twenty percent of the world’s...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,156 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
