Kīlauea Lava Ocean Entry Safety Zone Admittance Requirements

A late pass over the Kamokuna ocean entry on Saturday shows the firehose shooting lava into the sea, creating an impressive littoral explosion. ExtremeExposure photo.

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has outlined the requirements to request entrance to the Kīlauea lava ocean entry temporary safety zone.

“The Coast Guard is clarifying the process for requesting entry to the temporary safety zone for all waterway users,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Jarboe, chief of waterways management Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Sound risk management, contingency planning and response, and regulatory frameworks help us ensure the safety of life at sea and that the maritime sector remains safe, secure, and resilient.”

Those wishing to enter the safety zone are required to submit a written request to the Captain of the Port Honolulu.

The factors that may be considered include:

• the vessel’s material condition
• safety equipment
• redundancies
• general safety practices and procedures
• specific safety practices and procedures for operating near the lava ocean entry
• familiarity with the surrounding waters
• mariner’s experience operating as a Coast Guard-credentialed mariner

Requests should be mailed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI 96819 or email [email protected].

March 28, the Coast Guard established a temporary Safety Zone under Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 165.T14-0172, which may not be entered without the prior permission of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu.

The Safety Zone encompasses all waters extending 300 meters (984 feet) in all directions around all entry points of lava into the ocean associated with the lava flow at the Kamokuna Lava Delta. The entry points of the lava vary and the zone will vary accordingly.

All waterway users should ensure they have the most up-to-date information from the U.S. Geologic Survey before embarking on a voyage in the vicinity of the lava flow entry.