Security Zone Changes on Shore -- Cruise Ship Security Zones put in place by the Coast Guard make it is illegal to transit within 100 yards of any cruise ship that is anchored, berthed or under way, without permission from the Coast Guard captain of the port. A Dec. 20 decision exempts pedestrians and vehicles on piers and nearby streets from the regulations, but continues requirements for boats to stay clear.The Cruise Ship Security Zone regulation (165.1108) makes it illegal to transit within 100 yards of any cruise ship that is anchored, berthed or under way, without first requesting permission from the Coast Guard captain of the port. Prior to the Dec. 20 change, the regulation applied not just to boating traffic, but to pedestrians and vehicles on piers and nearby streets. That designation was changed due to the proximity of Broadway Pier to sidewalks and streets, including Harbor Drive and Broadway. The change was implemented just two days before the new terminal was about to receive its first cruise ship.
Behind this story is a long-running feud between the San Diego Unified Port District and the Navy Broadway Complex Coalition, which wishes to preserve public access in the area. The coalition of activists has repeatedly sued the port district over what it claims are substantial differences between parks and open spaces promised in publicly vetted development plans and what has been -- and is being -- built.
Navy Broadway Complex Coalition reportedly sued the Coast Guard shortly before the Cruise Ship Security Zone change was announced. The suit in federal court was to clarify whether its members could have access to the pier while cruise ships were docked.
Redefining the Cruise Ship Security Zone to exclude land buffer areas should not affect recreational boaters.
