JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The U.S. Coast Guard's Jacksonville Marine Safety Office proposes a series of temporary regulated navigation areas, security zones and temporary anchorage areas on the St. Johns River during Super Bowl XXXIX.

The river will be divided into two regulated navigation areas and four security zones in order to provide increased layered security in close proximity to the downtown area of the river.

The size of existing fixed security zones around docked cruise ships -- typically 100 yards -- will be increased to 400 yards. Existing anchorage grounds will be modified and temporary anchorages will be added to accommodate the increased vessel traffic expected during the Super Bowl events.

These area will be enforced at various designated time periods beginning Feb. 2 through Feb. 7, 2005. Entry into the security zones will be prohibited to all persons and vessels unless authorized by the captain of the port.

The public can comment on the proposed regulations with the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Jacksonville until Jan. 10, 2005.

"I encourage area boaters and maritime businesses to comment on our proposed temporary regulations." Capt. David Lersch, commanding officer of MSO Jacksonville and captain of the port said. "Super Bowl XXXIX related activities will offer the public a unique and enjoyable experience from the water:"

View Proposed Maritime Security Regulations (PDF file)