***Update-see notification time change***

Hello Maritime Partners,

The USCG at Sector Delaware Bay will be activating a naval vessel protection zone (NVPZ) to support the inbound and outbound transits along with the commissioning of the USS Delaware. The NVPZ is expected to be active from 6:00AM March 29th through 6:00PM April 4th. Hours are subject to fluctuations. The zone extends 500 yards around the vessel at all times while moored at the Port of Wilmington along the Delaware River. While the vessel is transiting the river there is a 500 yard radius surrounding the vessel at all times. The NVPZ encompasses the totality of the charted navigational channel for that portion of the Delaware River located in Wilmington, DE.

All vessels intending to transit in vicinity of the NVPZ (regardless of intent to enter or not) are required to contact the Coast Guard Enforcement vessel on scene on VHF-13 or 16 a minimum of ***30 mins*** prior to arriving in the area. You will be requested to provide the name of your vessel, cargo on board, your intended direction of travel, and your destination.

All vessels requiring access to the NVPZ for the purposes of use of the channel for safe navigation of the river shall contact the Coast Guard Enforcement vessel on scene a minimum ***30 mins*** prior to arrival to the NVPZ to request access and receive further directions. All vessels not constrained by draft are highly encouraged to conduct voyage planning which avoids passage through the security zone (which could result in transit delays).

The USCG can be reach on VHF CHs 13 and 16, or by phone at 215-271-4960.