Protecting cruise ships

Security Zones to begin, as set out here:

The summer 2007 tourist season will start next week, with the arrival of this year's first cruise ship. As in years past, the Coast Guard will be enforcing the High Capacity Passenger Vessel (HCPV) and Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) security zone.

An HCP vessel is defined as a passenger vessel over 100 feet in length that is authorized to carry more than 500 passengers for hire. An AMHS vessel is defined as any vessel owned or operated by the Alaska Marine Highway System.

The security zone extends 100 yards around and under all escorted HCP and/or AMHS vessels during their transit in the navigable waters of Alaska. The security zone will only be in effect when there is a designated on scene representative present during the escort of the HCP or AMHS vessel.

The HCP or AMHS vessels will be accompanied by one or more Coast Guard, Federal, State or local law enforcement agencies (surface or air assets). These are called the "designated on scene representatives".

No person or vessel (except commercial fishing vessels while actively engaged in fishing) may enter the security zone unless authorized by the designated on scene representative.