BAY CITY, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard will be enforcing a maritime safety and security zone in support of Bay City’s 2016 “Tall Ship Celebration” beginning Thursday in the Saginaw Bay area.
During the Parade of Ships on July 14, all waters from the federal channel of Saginaw Bay at Light Buoy 11 and Light 12 to Bay City’s Veterans Memorial Bridge on the Saginaw River will be considered a “regulated navigation area.”
No vessel may enter, transit, or anchor within this area without the authorization from the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. The Patrol Commander can be reached on marine radio VHF-FM channel 16. To ensure public safety, the Independence Bridge will open for vessel traffic on a rotating basis.
During the festivities from July 14-18, a 100-yard safety zone has been established around each of the tall ships.
While the ships are moored, any vessel seeking to operate within the safety zone must follow the instructions of the patrol commander and remain at least 25 yards away from the tall ships. The safety zones will be in effect around each tall ship in the Bay City waterfront area where the ships are moored, between the Liberty Street Bridge and Veterans Memorial Bridge,
In the event of an emergency on the water, contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or at (313)568-9560.