Controlled Navigation Areas Approved by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved adding Controlled Navigation Areas (CNAs) to Tariff No. 4, an amendment that will restrict entry of recreational boats into certain areas of the Port without a Port Police-issued permit. Creation of CNAs is aimed at ensuring navigational safety of large commercial vessels by reducing non-essential boating traffic while increasing waterside security by limiting access to commercial or permitted vessels.

"First and foremost, we are committed to making the Port of Los Angeles the safest port in the nation," said Port Deputy Executive Director of Operations Captain John Holmes. "To do this, we are taking steps to make sure that only vessels having business in commercial areas of our Port are allowed access unless they request prior clearance. The Main Channel and other primary waterways of course will remain open to recreational boaters, but those areas best kept for commercial-only vessels will be restricted."

Currently, recreational vessels are free to operate in all waterways of the Port, even those with no recreational craft facilities. With the CNAs in place, the Port Police are able to quickly identify vessels that do not have business in the commercial areas and take appropriate action.

Each CNA will be identified with posted signs and enforced by the Los Angeles Port Police. Recreational vessel owners/operators may request to enter a CNA at any time by contacting the Port Police by telephone at [phone]. The CNAs will be phased in over a six-month period during which time significant public outreach will occur to educate recreational boaters on the areas. Enforcement will begin the end of the year.

The Controlled Navigation Areas are part of the Port's larger Responsible Marina Program which will enhance safety and security, and improve the environment for the 4,500 recreational boaters and 16 marinas in the Port of Los Angeles. The Responsible Marina Program focuses on these three areas:

Marina and vessel incentive programs

These will provide incentives for compliant boaters and marinas, including discounts on services for boaters, marina equipment grants, grants to marinas to dispose of vessels, and grants to bring older vessels into compliance with existing regulatory requirements.

Marina security enhancements and an upgraded "Marina Watch Program"

The upgraded Marina Watch Program will upgrade port-provided security systems and lighting to marinas, enhanced vehicle and vessel patrols, and a dedicated Port Police program manager. Critical to this program in the Wilmington area is the new Wilmington Port Police Substation which is scheduled to come on-line in Fall of this year.

Marina and vessel compliance programs, examinations and enforcement

This portion of the plan will include increased examinations of vessels and marinas for compliance with laws, regulations, and lease provisions and will also include updates to the Port Tariff to ensure enforcement consistency.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port. A brighter future.