Vandenberg SFB Maritime Updates

Danger Zone 4 is always closed.

During launches, Vessel Safety Areas are strictly prohibited zones that drive the closure of most danger zones, except for Danger Zone #4. When a VSA is in effect, you'll notice more danger zones closed. While other areas outside the VSA, known as Vessel Hazard Areas, remain open for fishing, mariners should be aware of potential risks when entering these zones.

Although fishing is permitted in VHAs, it's crucial for mariners to understand the associated risks. Remember, the Frontier Control team is available on channels 6 and 16 to answer questions and offer help throughout the launch process.

SURFACE VESSELS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE AREA(S) BELOW DEFINED DURING SPECIFIED DATES / TIMES.

DURING OPERATIONS, FRONTIER CONTROL WILL BE MANAGING HAZARDOUS AREA SURFACE TRAFFIC ON VHF MARINE BAND CHANNEL 16 AND CHANNEL 6.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 2 ROPS/DOS VIA TELEPHONE AT COMMERCIAL 805-606-8825 OR DSN 276-8825, OR EMAIL: 2ROPS.DOS@US.AF.MIL. LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE DURING NON-DUTY HOURS. OFFICE HOURS ARE 1400-2300Z OFFICE HOURS ARE 1400-2300Z DAILY MONDAY - FRIDAY. THE OFFICE IS ALSO MANNED DURING LAUNCH OPERATIONS.

Southwest District Broadcast Notice to Mariners Message

SAFETY / Pacific Ocean / SPACE OPERATIONS / CGD-SW BNM 9041-26 / Thu, 2 Apr 2026 12:56:59 -0400

1. SPACE LAUNCH OPERATIONS, WHICH MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO SURFACE VESSELS, WILL
BE CONDUCTED WITHIN PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING HAZARD AREAS FOR VSFB OPERATION
2602:
A. FROM 32-31-00N/120-30-00W
TO 32-28-00N/120-37-00W
TO 34-34-00N/120-46-00W
TO 34-38-00N/120-35-00W
TO 34-18-00N/120-20-00W TO BEGINNING
B. FROM 34-28-00N/120-36-00W
TO 34-27-00N/120-38-00W
TO 34-35-00N/120-39-00W
TO 34-34-00N/120-36-00W TO BEGINNING

2. HAZARD PERIODS FOR PRIMARY LAUNCH DAY AND BACKUP LAUNCH DAYS (ALL TIMES
ARE REPRESENTED AS ZULU TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED):

A.
07/1100 APR 26 TO 07/1630 APR 26.
08/1100 APR 26 TO 08/1630 APR 26.

B.
07/1100 APR 26 TO 07/1630 APR 26.
08/1100 APR 26 TO 08/1630 APR 26.

3. THE U.S. COAST GUARD IS PROVIDING THIS NOTICE TO ADVISE MARINERS OF THESE
HAZARDOUS AREAS IDENTIFIED BY U.S. SPACE FORCE AND/OR A COMMERCIAL SPACE
OPERATION, WHICH MAY IMPACT NAVIGATION INTERESTS. NAVIGATION HAZARDS FROM
ROCKET LAUNCH ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE FREE FALLING DEBRIS AND/OR DESCENDING
VEHICLES OR VEHICLE COMPONENTS UNDER VARIOUS MEANS OF CONTROL. MARINERS ARE
URGED TO AVOID WATERS WITHIN ROCKET FLIGHT TRAJECTORIES/HAZARD AREAS DURING
LAUNCH WINDOWS AS DETAILED ABOVE.

4. FOR MORE INFORMATION, MARINERS MAY CONTACT THE U.S. SPACE FORCE LAUNCH
INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 1-800-470-7232. FOR NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY, MARINERS ARE
ADVISED TO REFER TO THE GEOSPATIAL CHART AT WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV/CHART FOR
INFORMATION ON SPACE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS (SOLAR).
BT