Coast Guard to Establish Security Zone for State of the Union Address

     Washington, D.C. -- The Coast Guard will establish a temporary security zone in designated waters of the National Capital Region for the State of the Union address Tuesday.

     During this period, security zone enforcement may limit or prohibit navigation by commercial and recreational waterway users.

     The security zone will include the Potomac River from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, south between the Virginia shoreline and the District of Columbia shoreline along 38 degrees 51 minutes north latitude. The security zone will also include the Georgetown Channel Tidal Basin as well as the Anacostia River from the 11th Street Bridge to its confluence with the Potomac River.

     The waterways will be closed to recreational boaters from 4 p.m. until 11:59 p.m., Tuesday. Entry into or remaining in the security zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port of Baltimore. Vessels already at berth, mooring, or anchor at the time the security zone is implemented are not required to depart the security zone.

     Persons desiring to transit the area of the security zone must first obtain authorization from the COTP or his designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, call 410-576-2693 or use marine band radio via VHF-FM channel 16.