Safety Zones Established for Fireworks Display in Baltimore

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Baltimore, Maryland is scheduled to occur on Saturday, December 31, at midnight (rain date January 1 at 7 p.m.). As described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 100.506, the following two temporary safety zones will be established on the Patapsco River:

1. within a 100-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 17′ 03″ N, longitude 076° 36′ 36″ W, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southeast of Pier 1; and

2. within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 16′ 37″ N, longitude 076° 35′ 54″ W, at the western end of Northwest Harbor (Western Section).

     These safety zones will be enforced from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2011 through 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled at midnight (and if necessary due to inclement weather will be enforced from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled for 7 p.m.).

     The fireworks barges will have a sign on port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zones will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zones during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zones. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.