MARAD Advisory for vessels transiting to or from Japan or waters in the vicinity

The United States Maritime Administration has issued an Advisory for vessels sailing to, from, or around Japan in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. The key points are:

• Vessels avoid transiting within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant at position 37 degrees 19 minutes north, 141 degrees 01 minutes east. 

• Mariners are advised to monitor and comply with NAVTEX and NAVAREA XI warning. Mariners should keep abreast of information being provided by the government of Japan relating to any further potential impacts.

• In the event a vessel bound for a U.S. Port transits within the 50-mile (80 kilometer) precautionary area, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends the vessel's master submit transit information, including the date and total time within the precautionary area, to the cognizant U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port using the comment block of the 96-hour advanced notice of arrival.