Coast Guard Cages Seattle's Seafair Ships: Boaters Beware!
Published Date: 7/29/2025
Rule
Summary
From July 29 to August 5, 2025, the Coast Guard will set up special security zones around Seattle’s Seafair Fleet Week ships to keep them safe from harm. Boats can’t enter these zones without permission, but they can cruise slowly in the outer areas. This means boaters near Elliott Bay should plan ahead and follow the new rules to avoid fines or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary 500‑Yard Security Zones
From July 29, 2025 through August 5, 2025, all navigable waters within 500 yards of the designated Seafair Fleet Week participating vessels in Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA are security zones. During that period you may not enter or remain in those zones without authorization from the Captain of the Port Sector Puget Sound (COTP) or their designated representative.
Outer 400‑Yard Slow‑Speed Exception
The Captain of the Port has granted general permission for vessels to enter the outer 400 yards of the 500‑yard security zones in Elliott Bay if they operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain course, unless navigation rules require a different speed. That conditional permission applies during the enforcement period July 29, 2025 through August 5, 2025.
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Key Dates
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