Navy Clearances

As most of you know, the military operates a number of bases along the west coast. The waters off the coast are used by the military to test equipment, conduct war games, transit both above and below the water, and conduct live ammunition exercises. In order not to interfere with these evolutions when they are scheduled, we request concurrence to operate in certain areas off the west coast from the Navy.

Depending on the area you wish to work, this concurrence may be required from a number of different government agencies. We do not ask the military for approval to work in these areas, but we do try to cooperate and meet their operational and our science needs.

Clearance information is required at least two (2) weeks in advance of scheduled departure. For your clearance we need to know latitude and longitude of your work site or for a large area the outside perimeter in latitude and longitude. An alternate area, if you have one, would be helpful.

The agencies also require a brief description of the work you are going to do. What is going over the side, i.e. instruments (weight and dimension), what size rope or wire it will be on and if there will be a signal transmitted (also frequency) and what size anchor (weight and dimension)? We also need the days, times and depths of the operations of the areas you will be in.

Also please be aware if you are leaving anything in the water, it is your responsibility to notify the Coast Guard.

Please feel free to contact me with if you have any questions or information regarding area clearances:

Port Captain
Marine Personnel Rep.
Nimitz Marine Facility
297 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106

Phone: (858) 534-5568
Fax: (858) 534-1635

E-mail: portcapt@mpl.ucsd.edu